Time for another home safety check?

Your baby’s physical skills are developing and soon they will be on the move, so now might be a good time to do another safety check. Look at the spaces where your baby plays from their point of view and check what they might be able to reach as they begin to move, so you can think about what you need to change.  

Be on the look out for small parts and button batteries 

Your baby will still be exploring everything with their mouth, so make sure any objects they play with are safe and have no small parts that might come loose. Have a look around the house and check that any small objects are out of your baby’s reach.

Be especially aware of the risk of small button batteries which, as well as being a choking hazard, can cause internal burns, so should never be anywhere a baby or child might be able to reach them. Check out which items in your home may contain button batteries. 

When climbing becomes part of the mix 

Be ready to think about fitting a safety gate and check for low furniture close to windows. When your baby starts to move, they might become interested in climbing, so make sure they can’t climb up to a window; also make sure windows are locked or open only a small way. If locking windows, let adults know where the keys are kept so they can be opened in an emergency.  

These are just a few things to think about when you check your home. Look around the places where your baby plays and make sure anything that isn’t safe for them is out of reach. 

For more advice about safety at home look at the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/first-aid-and-safety/safety/baby-and-toddler-safety/