Household Safety

Safety tips for under-5s

Under-5s are particularly at risk of being injured in home accidents; most of these accidents can be easily prevented.

• Children should be supervised at all times 
• Keep floors free of toys and obstructions that can be tripped over 
• Always use a securely fitted safety harness in a pram, pushchair or highchair 
• Never leave babies unattended on raised surfaces 
• Do not place baby bouncers on raised surfaces - they could fall off with the movement of the baby 
• The use of baby walkers and table-mounted high chairs is not recommended.

Tips to Consider

• Use stair gates to avoid accidents on the stairs
• Use blank socket covers for electrical sockets in reach of babies and toddlers
• Avoid drinking hot drinks whilst holding a baby and keep them well out of reach of toddlers
• Never leave a toddler unattended in a kitchen whilst using the oven & hob
• Keep all medicines in childproof containers and out of reach
• All household chemicals for cleaning should ideally be in a cupboard with a child lock on it

Blind Cord Safety

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is highlighting the importance of blind cord safety for young children. A safety standard introduced in 2014 means that new blinds must be safe-by-design or be supplied with appropriate child safety devices installed, however many older blinds are still in use.

RoSPA advises:

• Do not install blinds that have a looped cord, particularly in a child's bedroom;
• Cords on blinds (and also curtains) that are elsewhere in the home should be kept short and out of reach of children – tie up the cords or use a cleat, cord-tidy, clip or tie;
• Do not place a child's cot, bed, playpen or highchair near a window;
• Do not hang toys or objects that could be a hazard on a cot or bed;
• Do not hang drawstring bags where a child can get their head through the loop of the drawstring.

Full details about the dangers of looped blind cords can be found on the RoSPA website.

Blind Cord Guidance