‘Child-proof’ your Summer
June 7, 2024
The school term is nearly out, meaning the children will be free at last! But with summer holidays comes a greater risk of mishaps both inside and outside the home.
Child Safety Week (3-9 June) is a reminder of how we can make things safer for our kids. We’ve put together a checklist of potential risks to look out for, to ensure your family enjoys a hazard-free summer.
Safety at home
Home accidents are the main cause of injuries to children under the age of five. It’s not easy keeping eyes on your toddler 24 hours a day but there are safeguards you can put in place. This is known as childproofing your home!
Actions:
- Keep all household products and medicines locked away or beyond reach. They contain poisons that are dangerous if swallowed. Screw the lids on tightly so your kids cannot open them.
- Window blinds and chains pose a risk. They can get wrapped around small children and risk getting strangled. You should keep them out of their reach, at least 1.6m above ground. Watch our video on the hidden danger of window blinds.
- Don’t let your kids near the kitchen cooker when in use. Using a cooker and stove guard will reduce the risk of your child getting burnt or scalded.
- If you come across any household or child product/toy that seems unsafe, don’t buy it and report the product to us.
Did you know?
This Child Safety Week, the CCPC stopped the sale of dangerous amber teething jewellery. We are calling on businesses to stop selling or marketing these products as teething aids.
Safety in the sun
The Irish summer may not be the warmest, yet the risk of sunburn is a real and present danger. Ultraviolet (UV) rays come from the sun and cause sunburn damage. This can increase the chances of skin cancer. Children have more sensitive skin and need strong protection.
You should apply plenty of sunblock when your children are outdoors. The HSE advises using at least factor 50. Babies and children should also wear a wide brim hat. This protects their faces, necks and ears from the sun’s UV rays. They should also wear sunglasses that give close to 100% UV protection.
Safety on the beach
When hitting the beach with your children, make sure you supervise them carefully. Never let younger children wander off into the water by themselves.
Whether it be beach balls, frisbees, water toys or swimming armbands, you should always check for a CE mark. All toys bought in the EU must comply with this consumer safety regulation. You’ll find it marked on the product itself, the packaging or in the manual.
Top Tip
Never bring inflatable water toys to the beach. They can sweep out to sea very quickly and a child could fall off into deep water.
See our Child Safety Hub for more advice.
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