Staying Safe at Christmas

More about staying safe at christmas

Staying safe at Christmas means being aware of risks in the home during a busy time. Decorations, candles, lights, and extra cooking can increase the chance of accidents. Changes to your usual routine can also make it easier to forget simple safety steps. Some risks come from everyday items used differently. Candles near decorations or trees can start fires, and damaged or overloaded plugs can be dangerous. Leaving lights or appliances on overnight can also increase risk.

You may feel worried about keeping everyone safe, especially if you are caring for others. Seek help if something feels unsafe, if you notice faulty items, or if worry is affecting your wellbeing.

Keep alcohol out of reach, as even small amounts can be harmful to young children. After parties or gatherings, empty any leftover drinks from glasses so children cannot accidentally drink them.
If you have been drinking, do not sleep with your baby, as this increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), which is when a baby dies suddenly and unexpectedly. Plan ahead by asking another adult to look after your baby if you intend to drink.

When visiting friends and family, remember their home may not be set up as safely as yours for young children. Things like stairs, plug sockets, decorations, or small objects may be easier for children to access. Keep a close eye on your child and take simple steps to reduce risks where you can.

Cooking at Christmas often means more time in the kitchen and more hot food and drinks around, which can increase the risk of burns. Take care to prevent burns when cooking, especially with hot pans and ovens. Try to keep children out of the kitchen or away from the cooker when you can.
Place hot drinks in safe spots, out of reach of little hands. Using coasters can help remind everyone where to put hot drinks down safely.

At Christmas, there are more small items that can be dangerous for young children. Anything smaller than a 2 pence piece can cause choking. Keep small toys, cracker parts, and glass decorations out of reach, and supervise young children closely at all times.

Balloons can be dangerous if inhaled, as they can block a child’s airway and are hard to remove. Avoid letting young children blow up balloons. Clear away any broken pieces straight away, and keep crawling children off the floor until all balloon fragments are removed.

Keep small magnets and older children’s toys away from younger children, as swallowing magnets can cause serious harm. Place decorations out of reach, as they are not safety-tested like toys. Check toys for loose wires or damage, and supervise children during play.

Button batteries can cause serious internal burns if swallowed and become life-threatening within two hours. Go straight to A&E or call 999. Do not give food or drink, and do not make your child sick. Take the battery packaging if you can and do not wait for symptoms.