Household safety

Young children don't have an understanding of danger and so there are a few key steps you should implement around your home to ensure their 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

Toddler safety videos

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

Safe at home: tips for under-5s

Simple steps you can take to help make sure your children are safe

ROSPA - Keeping kids safe

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