Prevent Falls from Windows

• Fit window locks and safety catches
• Move furniture away from the windows to prevent children from climbing and falling out.
• Use safety glass (complying with BS 6206) in low glass doors and windows or cover the panes with safety film.

Prevent Falls on the Stairs

• Use stairgates at the top and the bottom of the staircase.
• Ensure stairs are free from clutter
• Supervise young children at all times when walking up or down stairs.
• Teach children from an early age how to use stairs safely.
• Ensure children walk and don't run up and down stairs.
• Do not allow children to play on the stairs
• Ensure stairs/steps are well lit.
• Hold onto the bannister rail when carrying babies on stairs and encourage young children to do so.

General Safety Tips for around the home

• Ensure floors are clear of clutter and toys, especially when children are first learning to walk.
• Avoid highly polished floors
• Use rug grips to avoid slipping.
• Use soft corner covers on sharp edges such as tables, shelves etc.
• Do not use babywalkers.
• Use harnesses in high chairs and pushchairs
• Use cot/bed sides
• Ensure a toddlers cot is free from larger toys to prevent them from climbing and falling out.
• Don't leave babies unattended on raised surfaces.

Garden

• Teach children not to climb on roofs or sheds etc.
• Ensure play equipment in the garden is over a soft surface such as grass or bark as opposed to concrete.
• Ensure paving stones are level.
• Encourage children not to climb trees, pruning lower branches can help to discourage this.

Cycle Helmets

" The standard approved cycle helmets are proven to be effective in reducing head injuries in cycle related accidents by 85%" - HEADWAY

• Encourage children to wear cycle helmets at all times when cycling. It is important to ensure it is securely fitted, there should be adjustable straps or sections. It should sit snug on the head. Ensure the helmet does not obscure the child's view.
• Younger children (under 8 years old) should be supervised when cycling.
• Children aged 8+ are more confident, however, it is essential that the skill of cycling is learnt properly. The national Cycling Proficiency Scheme, developed by ROSPA is one of many cycle training schemes that offer advice on basic cycling skills and an awareness of road safety.
• REMEMBER - In a typical accident, the cyclist is catapulted to the ground and is in danger of suffering a severe head injury. A cycle helmet can soften the impact of a head injury and force of the blow and even save a child's life.