While the warm weather brings lots of opportunities for fun in the sun, it can also bring hazards for children. These include:
- Falls from open windows and trampolines
- Strangulation from blind cords
- Burns from barbecues
- Drowning, including swimming aids that do more harm than good
Here is a summary of the Child Accident Prevention Trust's eight top tips for keeping childen safe during the summer:
- Window safety: because young children are still developing their balance and understanding of the world, it’s best to take precautions around open windows. You can keep them safe by moving low furniture away from windows so they can’t climb up, and by installing simple window catches or locks (just be sure to keep the key handy in case of an emergency).
- Kids and dogs: summer means more time together for kids and family pets, which is a great time to practise gentle behavior. To keep everyone happy and comfortable, simply keep a close eye on interactions between children and dogs. Staying close and supervising playtime helps ensure everyone has a positive experience.
- Garden fun: to keep the garden a safe play space, store gardening tools and products like fertilizers securely out of reach. When it’s time to cool off in the paddling pool, always stay right by young children. If you have a trampoline, using a safety net and letting children of similar sizes jump together is the best way to prevent bumps and bruises.
- Splashing and swimming: water play is wonderful in the summer but remember that babies and toddlers can drown in very little water so always stay right beside them. For older children, recommend swimming at pools or beaches with lifeguards, and gently remind them about the differences between swimming in a pool versus open water, like hidden currents.
- BBQ and fire pit safety: eating outdoors is a summer highlight. Just remember that BBQs, fire pits, and even the ground beneath them stay hot for quite a while after the cooking is done. Make sure you stay alert and keep children well away from the cooking area until it’s completely cooled. If you are at the beach, keep an eye out for spots where disposable BBQs might have left the sand hot for little feet.
- Keeping babies cool: to help your baby stay comfortable and safe in the heat, keep them in the shade when possible. Instead of covering a pram with a blanket or cloth (which can trap heat), use a clip-on parasol so fresh air can flow. Even with a parasol, keep a regular eye on your baby. You can easily check if they are getting too warm by gently feeling the back of their neck or chest.
- Holiday homes: when you arrive at your holiday destination, a quick "safety sweep" can give you peace of mind. Just like at home, move any cleaning products out of reach, make sure window blind cords are tucked away, and check that alarms are working. Keep a close eye on little ones if you have a balcony or are near water.
- Choosing safe toys: when looking for new toys to keep kids entertained over the break, try to stick to reputable brands and sellers. Some very cheap toys found on online marketplaces may not have passed safety tests and could have unsecured batteries, strong magnets, or small parts. If a toy arrives and doesn't look quite right, it's always best to trust your instincts.
For more information, visit the CAPT webpages below: