Accidents and injuries - Keeping your child safe in the home

Before your child starts crawling:

• Never leave your baby unattended on a raised surface, even for a moment
• Nappy changing is best done on the floor
• Always place baby car seats and bouncing chairs on the floor
• Strap your baby into their high chair every time
• Keep a hand free to hold on when carrying your baby up or down the stairs
• Keep stairs free of clutter and discourage older children from playing on the stairs
• Before your baby starts to crawl, fit safety gates to stop them from climbing stairs or falling down them. Close the gates properly after you go through them.

When your child starts crawling:

• If the gaps between banisters or balcony railings are more than six and a half cm (two and a half inches) wide, cover them with boards or safety netting
• Be aware that babies might climb up on furniture. Keep low furniture away from windows
• Once a baby can sit up, remove large toys from the cot to prevent them from climbing out.

When your child starts to walk, they are likely to be unsteady on their feet:

• Carry on using safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs until your infant is at least two years old
• Start to teach your child how to climb stairs, but never let them go up and down on their own (even four-year-olds may need some help)
• Don’t let children under six sleep in the top bunk of a bunk bed, as they can easily fall out
• Keep low furniture away from windows and ensure that windows are fitted with locks or safety catches so that they do not open more than 10cm (Four inches)
• Special devices can stop doors from closing properly, preventing your child’s fingers getting trapped
• If furniture has sharp corners, use corner protectors to prevent your child from hurting their head
• Do not let young children go out onto balconies alone, keep the door locked when not in use
• Supervise young children on play equipment and make sure that it is appropriate for their developmental stage

Visit the falls web page for more information.

Food is the most common thing for babies and toddlers to choke on.

• Always stay with your baby when bottle feeding, do not prop the bottle up to feed the baby
• Once your baby has started on solid food, always cut it up into small pieces. Babies can choke on something as small as a grape (these should be cut lengthways). Cut food into ‘batons’ not ‘balls’ to prevent choking
• Don’t give young children hard foods, such as boiled sweets or whole nuts
• Encourage toddlers and young children to sit still while they eat and stay with them
• Keep small objects, such as buttons, coins, and small toy parts, out of your baby's reach
• Be especially careful with small circular lithium batteries (button batteries) – as well as being a choking hazard, they can cause severe internal burns if swallowed
• Read the age warning symbols on all toys to make sure they are suitable and look for the Lion mark, which will ensure the toy has been made to the highest standards of safety and quality.

What to do if your child is choking:

• If you can see the object, try to remove it. Don’t poke blindly or repeatedly with your fingers. You could make things worse by pushing the object further in and making it harder to remove
• If your child is coughing loudly, there’s no need to do anything. Encourage them to carry on coughing and don’t leave them
• If your child’s coughing is not effective (if they are silent or they can’t breathe in properly), shout for help immediately
• If your child is still conscious, but they’re either not coughing or their coughing is not effective, use back blows.

Watch this first aid training video on what to do if your baby is choking  

Important - access medical support if you have had to carry out back blows or chest thrusts to your baby/child!

• Do not use duvets or pillows for babies under one year old
• Always put babies down to sleep on their back, in the feet-to-foot position
• If using a bag-style sling always remember the TICKS mnemonic:
• Tight
• In view at all times
• Close enough to kiss
• Keep chin off chest
• Supported back

• Do not sleep with your baby if your health or judgment is impaired
• When possible, avoid leaving babies to sleep on sofas or adult beds
• Never leave a baby unattended on a cushion or bean bag
• Store nappy sacks away out of babies reach at all times and keep all plastic bags out of sight and reach
• Keep pets, particularly cats away from small babies
• Remove ribbons and ties from all homemade clothing
• Move cots and beds away from window blind cords and tie up or secure looped blind cords and chains away out of reach of the baby/child
• Do not hang bags with cords or drawstrings on the ends of cots or beds
• Ensure rotary washing lines are covered when not in use and discourage children from playing with washing lines /rope/ cord (including dressing gown cords)

Visit the suffocation prevention webpage for more information. .

• Medicines are the cause of over three quarters of hospital admissions for poisoning in under fives. Common painkillers like Paracetamol and Ibuprofen are the main reason. Keep all medicines locked away or high up out of reach and sight.
• Take extra care when visiting relatives' houses as they may have medicines and other dangerous products within reach
• Keep cleaning products high up and out of reach, including those for the toilet. If this isn’t possible, fit safety catches to low cupboard doors. Choose cleaning products that contain a bittering agent. This makes them taste nasty, so children are less likely to swallow them. Do not store cleaning liquids in unmarked containers or bottles, keep them in the container they came in to avoid confusion
• Keep garden chemicals and other outside chemicals in a locked shed or cupboard
• Teach children not to eat anything they have picked outside without checking with an adult first
• To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, get appliances serviced regularly and fit a carbon monoxide alarm where there are flame burning appliances or open fires

If you think your child has swallowed pills or medicines:

• Unless you’re absolutely sure what they are, spend a minute or two looking for the missing pills
• If you still think your child has swallowed something, take them straight away to your GP or accident and emergency, whichever is quickest
• Take the full set of tablets with you, so that the doctor can check the labelling and calculate how much your child may have taken
• Do not give your child salt and water, or do anything else to make them sick.

Visit the poisoning prevention webpage for more information.

Babies can drown in as little as five cm (two inches) of water. Drowning is one of the most common causes of child death – it’s often silent, so you won’t necessarily hear any noise or struggle.

• Baths are the most common place for babies and young children to drown. Stay with your baby or toddler the whole time they're in the bath. Never leave them for a moment, even if there’s an older brother or sister in the bath with them
• If you use a bath seat, remember that it’s not a safety device. You still need to stay with your baby all the time
• Empty the bath as soon as you’ve taken your child out
• If you have a garden pond, fence it off, fill it in, or securely cover it
• Put covers on any large water butts or garden bins
• Watch toddlers when they're in a paddling pool or playing near water. Empty the paddling pool straight after use
• Make sure your garden is secure so that your child can’t get into neighbouring gardens, where there may be ponds or other drowning hazards
• As soon as they are old enough, teach them about water safety and how to swim

Find more information on drowning here.

A small child’s skin burns easily as it’s so thin. Here’s how to prevent serious burns:

Hot drinks – can stay hot enough to scald even after 15 minutes. Babies between the ages of 8 to 18 month olds are the most vulnerable as they love to grab things.

• Watch out for fast little fingers when you’re
making a hot drink. Push your mug to the back
of the worktop before you reach for the milk
• Look for out of reach safe spots to put your
hot drink down
• Make it a habit to put your child down before
you pick up your drink

Hair straighteners – can get as hot as your iron and can still burn 15 minutes after they are switched off.
• Keep hot hair straighteners and wands out
of reach
• Put them in a heatproof pouch or on a high
shelf to cool

Button batteries – if a child swallows a
button battery and it gets stuck, it can burn a hole
and cause internal bleeding and even death.
• Keep any loose batteries out of reach and
dispose of ‘flat’ batteries quickly and safely
• Keep objects with easy to access button batteries
out of reach

Magnetic toys – high-strength magnets in toys can rip through the gut if your child swallows them.
• Buy from a reputable retailer or a brand name
you know. Avoid online marketplaces

Cooking – young children won’t always pull
away from something that’s burning them. They
may forget the rules about not touching hot things.

• Push kettles to the back of the worktop and use
the back rings of the cooker first
• If you’re able to, keep children away from the
kitchen when you’re cooking. Or try to keep them
in a highchair and away from the cooker if not

BBQs - these can stay hot for a long time.  Disposable barbecues can be tipped into a bucket of cold water to help them cool quicker.

Bath water – these scalds are really
nasty and can happen in seconds.
• Put cold water in first then top up with hot
• Test the temperature of the water with your
elbow before putting your child into the bath
• Stay with your child in the bathroom in case they
fiddle with the hot water tap

Staying warm
• Move cots away from radiators to prevent your baby from getting their arm or leg trapped against the heat
• Fit fireguards around fires and heaters
• Check your hot water bottle for wear and tear and replace it every two years
 

First aid

• Cool under running water for 20 minutes

• Call NHS 111 or 999
• Cover the burn with loose strips of clingfilm or clean non-fluffy material to stop getting infected

Top tips:

• Ensure that bottles of formula feed are mixed well to avoid hot spots and check that the temperature of the milk is lukewarm before feeding
• Use a kettle with a short or curly flex to stop it hanging over the edge of the work surface, where it could be grabbed
• When cooking, use the rings at the back of the cooker and turn saucepan handles towards to the back, so they can’t be grabbed by little fingers. Consider using a safety gate to restrict access to the kitchen
• When you’ve finished using your iron or hair straighteners, put them out of reach while they cool down. Make sure your child can’t grab the flex while you’re using them
• When you run a bath for your baby, put the cold water in first, then add hot water to get to the right temperature. Use a bath thermometer to check
• If you can, fit a thermostatic mixing valve (TMV) to regulate water temperature
• Use appropriate sunscreen and keep your baby/child in the shade where possible
• Fit smoke alarms on every level of your home. Test them every week and change the batteries every year
• If you have an open fireplace, always use a fireguard that encloses the whole fireplace and make sure it's attached to the wall. Don't place anything on it or hang things from it

If your child has a burn:

• Immediately put the burn or scald under cold running water
• Use something clean and non-fluffy, like a cotton pillowcase, linen tea towel, or cling film, to cover the burn or scald. This will reduce the risk of infection. If your child’s clothes are stuck to the skin, don’t try to take them off.
• Do not put butter, toothpaste, oil, or ointment on a burn or scald, as it will have to be cleaned off before the burn or scald can be treated.

You should take your child to the nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department if they have:

• Large or deep burns, bigger than your child’s hand
• Burns of any size that cause white or charred skin
• All chemical and electrical burns
• Burns on the face, hands, arms, feet, legs, or genitals that cause blisters (Blisters will burst naturally). The raw area underneath them needs a protective dressing. Ask your pharmacist or practice nurse for advice.

Watch this video on what to do if your child has a burn/scald. 

'Button batteries' are the small, round batteries you find in a growing number of toys and everyday objects like remote controls and car key fobs. They can be extremely dangerous for children if swallowed.

There are lots of different sizes and types of button batteries. Lithium button batteries are the most dangerous as they are larger and more powerful. If they get stuck in a child’s throat, they can cause serious internal burns or even death within hours of being swallowed.

Why are button batteries dangerous?

Most button batteries pass through the body without a problem. But if a button battery, particularly a lithium button battery, gets stuck in the throat or gullet, energy from the battery can react with saliva to make the body create caustic soda. This is the same chemical used to unblock drains!

This can burn a hole through the throat and can lead to serious internal bleeding and death. The reaction can happen in as little as two hours.

Find more information about button batteries on the capt website.

The good news is that children are at very little risk from electric shocks. Electrical sockets are designed to be safe but electricity can be dangerous in other ways. Old electrical appliances and wiring, and children playing with electrical appliances, can cause burns and house fires.

Parents should be aware of how much their children have learned, and what they are capable of doing with electrical appliances.

Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT)’s age-targeted leaflets give parents an indication of what their child is capable of doing.

How dangerous is electricity?

• Serious electric shocks are not as common as many people think. Between 2010 and 2011, 60 children (under 15) were admitted to hospital after an electric shock. This compares to 47,000 under-15s admitted to hospital as a result of falls
• The main danger with electricity is that it can cause house fires. Faulty electrics start up to one in six house fires. Causes include loose wiring, damaged cables and leads, and faulty or misused electrical appliances

How can accidents with electricity be prevented?

If parents are aware of the dangers of electricity, they can teach their children as they grow up to be aware of the dangers too. However, younger children might not be aware of the dangers, and they maybe curious before they know what they are playing with. Many parents might not know that their toddler can plug in an iron or electric fire.

Most accidents that happen with children and electricity can be prevented by keeping potentially dangerous devices out of young children’s reach and away from water. For example:

• Electrical devices such as hairdryers and mains operated radios should be kept out of the bathroom

Other situations, where electrical equipment fails or is used incorrectly, can be prevented by educating parents about the right way to use electrical appliances. For example:

• Plug sockets should not be overloaded. Be aware not just of how many plugs are going into one socket, but also how much power they are using. Kettles and irons use more power than lamps and even TVs
• Older electrical appliances can cause house fires. Check plugs, sockets and wires for scorching or fraying. If there’s a problem, use a registered electrician to fix them.

More information

CAPT’s range of leaflets and booklets will support you in your work with parents and carers by underlining the key safety messages. The leaflets are written with different stages of child development in mind and are a key support tool when teaching parents about child accident prevention.

For more information click here

This resource is a support tool for practitioners and is not meant to provide standalone safety advice. If you would like teaching aids for workshops, you can purchase some colourful, engaging safety resources from their online shop.

Most children's toys are very safe. Accidents involving toys usually happen when a young child plays with a toy that is meant for an older child, or when someone trips over toys that have been left out. The reminders below will give you an idea of how to help your child play safely.

Did you know?

• Most toys in the UK are safe if you follow the instructions. UK law says all toys must have a suggested age range, so they aren't given to children that are too young to play with them
• One of the main causes of toy accidents is toys with small parts. If a child is given a toy designed for an older child they can break it and end up swallowing small parts.

Which toys should I buy?

There are so many great toys on the market it can be hard to choose the right one. If you’re not sure, the tips below will help you choose something safe and fun for your child.

The best place to shop for toys is a specialist toy shop or recognised high street shop. These shops won’t sell toys that don’t meet the right safety standards. They also have sales staff on hand to give you advice on what to buy, and which toys are best for your child.

It’s best to be careful with second hand toys. If you’re looking to save money, a toy library might be a safer option - they’ll lend you toys that are appropriate and in good condition.

Look for the safety symbols. Toys have a age warning on the packaging if they’re not suitable for children under 36 months. Toys with small parts, for instance, will usually have this warning. Also, look out for the lion mark. This shows that the manufacturer claims the toys have been made to higher standards of safety and quality.

Which toys are suitable for my child?

All toys should have a label telling you the age they are designed for. The hints below are just a guide to help you choose a toy your child can enjoy safely.

All children develop at different speeds. But even so, it’s best to comply with the age advice on toy packaging. If a baby plays with a toy that has small parts or long fur, they may choke or swallow bits of the toy. Marbles and magnets can also be choked on or swallowed, and magnets are particularly dangerous as they can cause serious problems if swallowed. Toy manufacturers know what is safe and what isn’t so it’s best to follow their age guides.

Sharing toys teaches children good habits, but be careful if older children are sharing their toys. What maybe safe for a seven year old may not be safe for a toddler.

More advanced toys can still be fun if you’re there to supervise play with your child. Toys like baking kits, baby bath toys, or chemistry sets will help your children learn, but will require use under supervision to make sure your child doesn’t get hurt.

How can I keep my child’s toys safe?

Keeping things tidy can be a real hassle, especially with very young children. But encouraging your child to put toys away helps to keep your home safe. As one of the main risks to children is tripping or falling over toys, putting them away in a toy box can save tears. Tidying up things like balloons is especially important, burst balloons are a choking hazard for young children.

If a toy is broken or damaged, it’s safer to throw it away to prevent accidents for children.

Battery powered toys undergo rigorous safety testing. Once batteries wear out, try to avoid mixing old and new batteries as they could overheat in the toy.

Batteries in children’s toys are covered by safety regulations. They should either be enclosed by a screw and a secure compartment or need two independent or simultaneous movements to open the battery compartment. But remember that older children may still be able to open secure battery compartments.

Toys bought online or from markets, discount stores or temporary shops may not follow the appropriate safety regulations. For example, Trading Standards officers have issued warnings about light-up fidget spinners, where the battery is easily accessible to children.

Download the CAPT toy safety fact sheet here. This gives essential advice for parents on which toys are most dangerous and why under 3s are most at risk and how to buy safe toys.

Learn more about toy safety

Visit CAPT's buy safe toys hub to learn more about dangerous toys and how to avoid them.

Read more about the dangers posed by button batteries here.

Magnets are found commonly around the house (desk toys, stress relievers, jewellery) and many children’s toys also include small magnets.

Why are magnets dangerous if eaten?

Single, small magnets will pass through the body without a problem. However, if more than one magnet is ingested (eaten) or a magnet is eaten alongside something metal, there is a risk that part of the intestine can be caught in between the magnetised objects. This can cause serious damage to the intestines including perforation (creating a hole in the bowel wall) which would result in the need for major surgery.

What to do if you think your child has swallowed magnets

You should take your child to an emergency department. They will require an X-ray to determine where the magnet/s are and how many they have swallowed and may need an operation to remove the magnets.

Parents are often unsure as to how many magnets might have been swallowed and it is important not to assume just one has been eaten.

Learn more about magnet safety

Visit the Child Accident Prevent Trust's magnets hub to learn more about the dangers and what you can do to keep children safe.