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Keeping Your Child Safe
For: 0-19 years
Keeping your child safe can feel overwhelming, especially when you are worried or unsure what to do. You may notice changes in their behaviour or feel concerned about their wellbeing or the situations they are in. You are not alone — support and guidance are available to help you keep your child safe and supported.
More about keeping your child safe
Keeping your child safe means protecting them from harm at home, outside, and online. It includes everyday things like preventing accidents, watching for risks, and teaching your child how to stay safe as they grow. Young children are naturally curious and may not see danger, which can increase the risk of accidents such as falls. Serious accidents, including falls from windows or balconies, can and do happen, so it is important to be aware.
There are many reasons why keeping a child safe can feel challenging. Busy homes, changes in routine, or tiredness can make it harder to notice risks. As children grow, they become more mobile and independent, which means they may climb, explore, or take risks without understanding the danger. New environments, like visiting others or going on holiday, can also bring unfamiliar hazards.
You might feel worried, overwhelmed, or unsure if you are doing enough to keep your child safe. It is common to feel anxious, especially if you have heard about accidents or near misses. You may find yourself checking on your child often or feeling on edge about what could happen. These feelings are normal, and many parents and carers experience them.
It is important to seek help if you are feeling constantly worried, unsure how to keep your child safe, or if your child has had a serious accident or near miss. You should also seek support if you notice risks in your home that you do not know how to manage. If something does not feel right, trust your instincts and talk to someone. You are not alone, and there is help available to support you and your child’s safety.
Questions and answers
How can I keep my child safe at home?
Start by looking at your home from your child’s level and removing or securing hazards. This might include locking windows, using safety gates, and keeping harmful items out of reach. Small changes can make a big difference.
What are common risks I should be aware of?
Common risks include falls, especially from windows, stairs, or furniture, as well as choking, burns, and road safety. As your child grows, new risks can appear because they become more active and curious. Keeping an eye on these changes helps you stay one step ahead.
Why do I feel so worried about my child’s safety?
It is completely normal to feel worried, especially when you hear about accidents or your child starts trying new things. Being responsible for a child can feel like a big pressure. Most parents and carers feel this way at times.
When should I ask for help or advice?
You should ask for help if you feel unsure how to keep your child safe or if your worries are constant and affecting your day-to-day life. It is also important to get advice after a serious accident or near miss. Trust your instincts if something does not feel right.
Can changes in routine affect my child’s safety?
Yes, changes like moving house, visiting new places, or busy routines can increase risks. You may not notice hazards in unfamiliar spaces straight away. Taking a moment to check the environment can help keep your child safe.
How can I keep my baby safe in hot weather?
se these tips to keep your baby safe and comfortable while you’re out and about.
Don’t cover your pram, buggy or travel system with blankets, cloths or any cover that stops the air flowing. They risk your baby getting too hot. Check your baby regularly to see if they’re getting too hot by feeling their chest or the back of their neck. If they feel clammy or sweaty, these are signs they’re getting too hot, so remove a layer of clothes and adjust the room temperature. Use a clip-on sunshade or parasol. This will provide shade while allowing air to circulate. Keep babies and young children out of direct sunlight as much as possible.
When the weather is hot, it’s important to make sure that your child has plenty of fluids. If you’re solely breastfeeding your baby, they don’t need any extra water until they start eating solid food. But during hot weather, they may want to breastfeed more than usual. Once they start eating solid foods, they will need extra water.
At night try to keep rooms fairly cool, at 16 – 20°C if possible. Open the door and window if it’s safe to and close the curtains during the day. Use lightweight clothes and lightweight bedding, or even none at all. If you use a baby sleep bag check the guidance for which tog to use for the room temperature. For further information visit the Lullaby Trust website.
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