Playtime
Playing is one of the best ways for babies and children to discover the world around them. However, unlike when they’re in the bathroom or kitchen, we’re sometimes less vigilant and assume our kids are safe when they’re playing quietly in other parts of the house.
The best way to make sure your child is safe is to play with them, so that you can teach them what is and isn’t dangerous. Having said that, we know it’s not practical to watch your child every single second of the day. That’s why it’s important to take some simple steps to make sure both your home and their toys are safe...
Around the house
For kids, houses aren’t just a place to eat and sleep – they’re magical adventure spaces just waiting to be explored. While playing at home is a great way for children to learn, some things could seriously hurt, or even kill them.
"Getting down on our knees so we can see things from a child's height is a great wat to spot dangers we might otherwise miss"
David, Dad of one
"If she has her slippers on it tends to stop her slipping. I'd rather bare feet than socks."
Carly, Mum of two
Here's a list of other things you might not have thought of:
Make sure that all children’s toys are in a good state of repair with no broken parts or sharp edges and are appropriate to the age of the child. For more information on how to make sure toys are safe for your children visit our Toy safety webpage
Keep your floors clear from obstacles, especially the stairs, so that your kids (or you) don't trip over. For under 5's falls are by far the biggest accidental cause of hospital attendance and admission, so making little changes could make a big difference
Rugs should be taped down to prevent them from slipping
Trailing cables should be tucked away
Wet floors can be super slippery
Running in socks on a wooden floor can lead to a nasty fall!