Home Safety Tips: Looking After Grandchildren

appropriate and up to current safety standards. Old family toys may not be suitable if small parts (such eyes on a doll or fur on a teddy bear) can detach easily and become a choking hazard.

If you have family or friends with young children visiting your home here are some safety tips to consider:

Think about what they can reach – often things we keep handy such as medication and cleaning chemicals may be hazardous to a small child. Don’t rely on ‘safety’ caps or lids on containers – while they can make it awkward to remove they are not fully childproof. Put items in a high cupboard and consider cupboard locks. Move items that are breakable out of reach.

Button cell batteries such as those found in small gadgets, remote controls and hearing aids, if accidentally swallowed, could cause a child to choke or if ingested produce acid that does serious damage to their internal organs.

Remove choking hazards (objects smaller than a 50p) such as coins and buttons. Make sure food such as grapes and cocktail sausages are cut up so they won’t cause a child to choke. Make sure toys are age

Windows can present hazards, keep them locked so children can’t open them and fall (especially upstairs) or fit window restrictors to prevent them opening more than a few centimetres. Arrange furniture so children cannot use it to climb up on to reach windows. Looped blind cords can be dangerous if children catch them around their neck. Keep all blind cords and chains out of reach of children. If looking after children frequently, get safety devices installed such as cleats or hooks to wrap long string cords around or cord tensioner clips for looped chains or cords.

Hot drinks, if accidentally spilled over a small child, can cause a serious scald. Do not drink hot drinks while holding infants and keep small children away from the kitchen when there are hot items present.

Ponds and water features as well as containers such as buckets and water butts can be a downing hazard – just a few centimetres can be deep enough for a small child to drown in. Secure sheds and garages to ensure children cannot access sharp tools or chemicals. Be aware of any plants that are poisonous – if it is not possible to remove the plant make sure children cannot access them.

For more information contact T. 028 9034 0160

E. envhealth@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk or visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/home-accident-prevention