Ensure young children are safe and secure in your home by following these simple measures.
Young children can be curious and unpredictable, which is why you can never be too careful when it comes to safety around the home.
This is why the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is urging anyone who welcomes children into their home to prioritise safety.
As this week is Family Safety Week, let’s look at three key areas where you can make simple but potentially life-saving changes at your property.
In the kitchen
Install child-proof locks and latches on cupboards and drawers so curious kids can’t get hold of sharp items such as knives, forks and scissors.
Check that the contents of your cleaning cupboard are strictly off-limits, as about 70 under-fives are rushed to A&E with suspected poisoning every day in the UK.*
And don’t forget that something as ubiquitous as a cup of tea can be dangerous. To guard against scalding, always place hot drinks, kettles and saucepans away from the edges of tables, hobs and counters.
In the bathroom
Medicines are another leading cause of childhood poisoning, so ensure all lotions, potions and pills are out of reach, along with toiletries and razors.
Use a non-slip mat in the bath to prevent falls, and never leave a child unsupervised when there is water in the bath. Twelve children drowned in baths in the UK in 2021/22.
In the garden
The family garden can be a great place to play and explore, especially in spring and summer – but there are a few potential hazards to look out for.
Always ensure that ponds and water features are covered when children are around, and never leave a paddling pool unattended.
Lock gardening tools, weed killer and fertilisers away in a shed.
Teach children not to put anything they find in the garden in their mouth – as they may be tempted to taste any flowers, berries or seeds they find.
While many plants only cause a mild digestive upset, others, including some species of lilies and oleanders, can cause serious illness.
If you’re planting new shrubs and flowers in the garden, choose species that are not poisonous to humans.
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* Source: Great Ormond Street Hospital
