Guarding children against trips and falls

Safety tips in the home

• bunk and cabin beds are not suitable for children under six – if you do have bunk or cabin beds, teach your child not to play on them
• use safety glass in all replacement glass doors and windows, especially at low level and where safety glass isn’t present apply a shatter resistant film to glass panes – this will minimise the risk of children being seriously cut if they trip or fall into the glass
• Glass and Glazing Federation website

Stairs and banisters

• when your baby starts moving and until they are 24 months old, fit safety gates which comply to BS EN 1930:2011 at the top of the stairs to stop them climbing up or falling down stairs
• accidents can happen when young children climb over or through banisters – make sure there are no footholds for climbing and if there are vertical rods on your stairs that the gaps between them are no more than 100mm
• make sure any loose balustrades are repaired a soon as possible to prevent falls
• make sure that stairs are well it and  free from clutter like toys or clothes - damaged and worn carpet should be repaired or removed
• encourage children not to play on stairs or run up and down them

Windows

• window restrictors should make sure the window opens less than 10cms to make sure of safety from falling
• fit safety catches or window restrictors but still allow windows to be opened to let air in
• make sure that an adult  can quickly release  window restrictors so they can be fully opened in an emergency
• move furniture like beds and chairs away from windows to stop children climbing up and falling out
• if locking windows or balcony doors with keys keep them up high, hooked behind a curtain or blind where they can be easily accessed in an emergency

Balconies

• keep younger children away from balconies unless you are with them
• keep balcony doors locked when not in use

Outside

• encourage children not to climb on roofs or other high areas like sheds and fences
• put play equipment (like swings and slides) over something soft like well-watered grass or a mat – never over paving, tarmac or concrete
• if play equipment in playgrounds is old or damaged – or is not over a soft surface, avoid using it
• make sure your  child  wears a properly-fitting cycle helmet whenever they ride a bike – both on and off the road

Babies

Babies have limited mobility but they can still wriggle, kick or roll themselves into dangerous situations. Follow these tips to help keep them safe:

• don’t leave a baby unattended on any raised surface
• always change a baby's nappy and clothes on the floor to reduce the risk of falling
• if your baby is in a car seat or a bouncing cradle, put it on the floor, not on a high surface
• remove large cot toys from a baby’s cot once they can sit up or get on all fours, as babies can use toys to climb out of the cot
• if you carry a baby down the stairs, always keep one hand free to use the handrail – in case you slip or lose your balance
• never allow a child to carry a baby down the stairs
• when securing a baby in a high chair, pram or pushchair, always use a five point harness (two shoulder straps, two hip straps and a crotch strap) and never leave them unattended
• only use baby walkers to British Standard EN 1273:2020 – baby walkers with older standards are less safe
• never leave a baby alone in a baby walker as they could fall if they go over a step or a change in height

In an emergency

If your child has been knocked unconscious in a fall:

• dial 999 immediately and ask for an ambulance
• let the ambulance service know if your child is conscious or unconscious – they will tell you what to do while you are waiting

If your child becomes conscious while you are waiting, tell them to stay as still as possible.

• First aid

More useful links

• Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT)