Christmas is a wonderful time for children but it’s also a time when there are increased hazards and risks within the home.
These are our top tips for keeping your child safe this Christmas:
1 – Look out for poisonous plants
Did you know mistletoe is actually toxic? Make sure you keep it away from small children.
2 – Water the tree
Make sure you keep your tree topped up with water and make sure the trunk is well within the water. Dry Christmas trees are a serious fire hazard.
3 – Be careful with candles
It’s lovely having decorative candles around at Christmas time but please make sure candles are never left unattended and are always well out of reach of children. You could use battery-operated candles so that you don’t have flames around little ones.
4 – Know where the button batteries are
Make sure you know where the button batteries in your house are and ensure battery compartments are secure. You’ll find them in all sorts of products including battery operated candles, singing Santa’s, magic wands, light up yo-yos and lots of other household products.
5 – Secure your tree properly
A tree with lights and ornaments dangling from it is naturally going to attract little people. Young children are naturally inquisitive and lack impulse control so make sure your tree is properly secured. Always supervise children around the Christmas tree.
6 – Hang the breakable decorations up high
If you have beautiful glass baubles or anything else breakable hang these high up on the tree out of reach of inquisitive little hands.
7 – Replace old lights
Make sure tree lights aren’t frayed or damaged and if they are, replace them to avoid them becoming a fire hazard. Remember to turn all lights off before you go to bed.
8 – Remember Christmas decorations aren’t toys
They don’t have to comply with toy safety regulations and children should not be allowed to play with them. Please keep them out of reach of little people.
9 – Keep alcohol out of reach of children
Don’t leave alcoholic drinks where children can get to them.
10 – Check your smoke alarms
Christmas is a good time to check those smoke alarms are working properly. Why not go and do it now!
Wishing you a very happy (and safe) Christmas!