Summer Safety Tips

Take a look at some of our top tips to keep children safe this summer.

Watch out for open windows
It’s great to open windows and balcony doors and let the fresh air in. But please remember that a small child’s head is heavy compared to their body. That means they can easily topple. Plus, they have no real understanding of danger. So,

• Keep low furniture away from open windows so that children can’t climb up and fall out – even on the ground floor
• If you can, install window catches (to limit how far they can open) and locks
• If you opt for a lock keep the keys somewhere you can find them in case there’s a fire and you need to get out
• If your window won’t lock or you need to open the window wider because of heat or cooking, don’t leave young children alone in the room

Dogs and children
Children are more at risk from dog bites in the summer months when they spend more time together over the long summer holiday.

While we don’t expect our own dog to bite, it’s important to remember any dog can bite if they feel they have no other option.

Luckily, most bites are preventable and close supervision is key. So, watch, listen and stay close when your dog and child are together so that you can respond before anything bad happens.

In the garden
If you’re lucky enough to have outdoor space to play it can be great fun for the children in the summer. But not all gardens are child-friendly and it’s important to be aware of the dangers.

Make sure chemicals like weed killer and fertiliser are kept away from curious youngsters and garden tools are locked away in a shed.
Avoid children of very different weights jumping on trampolines together. It can cause accidents. And, use a net to prevent falls.
Supervise young children around water at all times whether that’s a hot tub, paddling pool or pond

Swim safely
Splashing around is a great way to cool down but remember that babies and toddlers can drown in very little water so they need you to stay with them near water at all times.

Even older children who can swim can easily get into difficulties. So, teach them to choose safe places to swim like public pools or beaches with lifeguards. And, explain the dangers of swimming in open water, including strong currents, deep, cold water and things under the surface they can’t see.

Be burns aware
BBQ season is here and we can’t wait to enjoy eating outside again. Just remember a BBQ and the ground underneath it can stay hot enough to cause a serious burn for a long time after it’s been used.

So, stay alert and keep children well away from the cooking area until it’s completely cooled.

The same can be said about fire pits. They may even still be hot enough to burn the next day!

If you’re heading to the beach beware if you or other people are using disposable BBQs on the sand. If not properly cooled, the sand can hold the heat well after the BBQ has been removed.

In recent years we have seen lots of cases of children with severe burns from on their feet from unknowingly stepping on scorching hot sand while playing.

Keeping babies cool
It’s important to keep your baby cool and out of direct sun. But remember that buggies and prams should never be covered with blankets, cloths or any cover that prevents the air from circulating. This can lead to overheating and increases the chance of SIDS.

Instead:

• Stay in the shade as much as possible
• Use a clip-on parasol or sunshade to protect your baby from the sun, but make sure that air can circulate and you are still able to see your baby
• Monitor their temperature to avoid overheating. You can do this by feeling their chest or back of their neck, if their skin feels clammy, this is a sign they are getting too hot.

For more top tips on keeping your baby cool this summer visit Lullaby Trust

On holiday
It might sound obvious, but it’s important to remember to use the same caution in your holiday accommodation that you do at home. On arrival it’s always worth taking a quick look for any potential dangers. Here are a few simple checks and precautions to remember:

• Move any cleaning products or medicines out of reach
• Check window blind cords are safely secured out of reach and that window locks work
• If you have a balcony ensure young children are supervised
• Check the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working
• Be alert to any water nearby
• Be a savvy shopper

With the long summer holiday and cost-of-living pressures, it can be tempting to buy cheap toys online to keep children entertained on a budget. But it’s important to remember that many cheap toys from online marketplaces come from abroad and haven’t been safety tested.

High-risk toys best avoided from unknown brands and sellers include those with:

• Super-strong magnets that can rip through your child’s belly
• Easy-access button batteries that can kill your child if swallowed
• Long cords that can strangle your child or small parts that can choke them
• Chargers that can catch fire or wires that can cause electric shocks.
• If you buy a toy that looks unsafe, trust your instincts and send it back.