Keeping your child safe

Each year, 40,000 under-5's are admitted to hospital following accidents, and lots of these accidents are preventable.

Your Health and Children's Centre team can advise you regarding accident prevention in the home. The team may also contact you if your child has attended A&E, to offer any ongoing support if needed.

Useful websites with information on keeping safe:

• NHS: Accidents, first aid and treatments
• NHS: What to do if your child has an accident
• Institute of Health Visiting: Top Tips for Parents
• Child and Accident Prevention Trust
• The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents
• Water Safety at Home - the Royal Life Saving Society
• NHS Sunscreen and Sun Safety

When to use safety gates

Safety gates can be used to:

• stop small children going up and down stairs unsupervised
• reduce the risk of your child falling down stairs
• keep small children out of places where it is harder to keep them safe such as the kitchen
• keep small children and pets separated

Consider where you might need safety gates in your home before your baby becomes mobile.

When to stop using safety gates

It can be difficult to know when to stop using safety gates. The time to remove them is when safety gates can cause a risk of accident.

Remove them if:

• your child can climb over them
• your child can open them

Safety gates are only licenced for use up until your child is 2 years old and it is important for you to be aware that there are increased risks if using them with children over 2. However there may be occasions in your home that you need safety gates above the age of 2, for example if you have one child over 2 and younger children in the home.

In these situations:

• teach your child to safely get up and down the stairs when they are ready
• supervise your child around safety gates
• think about the type of gate you have, for example make sure they do not have notches that make the gate easier to climb for a toddler
• teach your older child to open and close them safely or ask for your help. Never let them climb over them

How to fit a safety gate

There are a range of different safety gates available to suit your needs. When you are choosing a gate ensure you follow these steps below:

• make sure they meet the safety standard BS EN 1930:2011 and follow the fitting instructions
• if you are using second hand ensure they meet the standard and have fitting instructions
• ensure the gate is suitable for the space

When using safety gates remember

• always keep the gate closed
• do not climb over the gate as your child may copy you
• regularly check the gate to ensure it is secure and in good condition
• never stack one stair gate on top of another to make a taller barrier – this is very dangerous and can cause serious injury for your child

Further Support

If you have further questions or require support please contact the health business centre on 0345 607 8866.