Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT) - preventing accidents

It can be really tricky to know what to buy the baby in your life for their first Christmas. But it’s really important to avoid dangerous sleep products. Sleep bags like these may look very cosy and inviting but many sold online have been recalled as they present a serious risk of suffocation, overheating and death. Sleep bags should be well fitted, (think neck and arm holes that fit well) so that your baby can’t wriggle down inside. And avoid any sleep bags with hoods or head coverings. Learn more: https://capt.org.uk/watch-out-for-dangerous-baby-products-when-shopping-online/ #ChristmasProductSafety #ChildSafety #BabySafety

Splish, splash our #ElfAndSafety Champ is taking a bath and reminding us that it only takes a few centimetres of water for babies and toddlers to drown. Their lungs can fill with water very quickly and they can drown in minutes. This all happens silently, with no noise or struggle to alert you that they’re in trouble. That’s why we advise staying with your baby or young child all the time they’re in the bath. And keep them in arm’s reach to keep them safe. More top tips for parents and carers at bath time: https://capt.org.uk/safe-baby-bath-time/ Throughout December our #ElfAndSafety Champ will be sharing key dangers around the home and simple things you can do to keep children safe. Please follow along and share his adventures. #ChildSafety

High-strength magnets can rip through a child’s gut if swallowed, causing very serious and even life-threatening injuries. Yet many cheaper magnetic toys from unknown sellers on marketplaces online can be far too strong to be safe. And may not come with safety warnings. Many have been recalled. That’s why we recommend buying any magnetic toys from a reputable retailer or a brand name you know, so you can be more confident in their safety. Learn more: https://capt.org.uk/magnet-safety/ #ChristmasProductSafety #ChildSafety

Uh oh. Elf has been climbing and found another danger. Can you spot it? It can take just 15 seconds for a young child to lose consciousness if they get tangled in a blind cord. And brain death can occur in a few minutes. Keep cords and chains safely secured with a cleat hook or tensioner. And, check for hanging blind cords when visiting family this Christmas. Learn more: https://capt.org.uk/blind-cords/ Throughout December our #ElfAndSafety Champ will be sharing key dangers around the home and simple things you can do to keep children safe. Please follow along and share his adventures. #ChildSafety #ChildHealth

This little elf is desperate to plug in more gadgets and get the Christmas lights switched on. But, just because there is space to plug in multiple appliances, it doesn’t mean it’s safe to do so. Visit https://capt.org.uk/fire-safety/ and use the socket calculator to check if you’re exceeding the maximum load. Throughout December our #ElfAndSafety Champ will be sharing key dangers around the home and simple things you can do to keep children safe. Please follow along and share his adventures. #ChildSafety #FireKills

Did you know that using boiling water, overfilling it and even storing it incorrectly can damage your hot water bottle and increase the risk of burns? Please follow the instructions on your hot water bottle and remember to regularly check it for signs of wear and tear. Learn more: https://capt.org.uk/hot-water-bottle-safety/ #BeBurnsAware

Did you know nappy sacks can be a massive suffocation risk? Young babies under six months naturally grasp things and pull them to their mouths, but then don’t know to let go. As nappy sacks are flimsy, they can easily cling to a baby’s face as they breathe in and can tragically result in suffocation or choking. So, remember to keep nappy sacks well out of reach of children when changing them and never put them in a buggy or cot. Learn more: https://capt.org.uk/danger-on-the-changing-mat/ Throughout December our #ElfAndSafety Champ will be sharing key dangers around the home and simple things you can do to keep children safe. Please follow along and share his adventures. #ChildSafety

This Christmas when you’re shopping online and type in the brand name you want, many cheaper copycat options will come up. It’s definitely tempting when money is tight. But is it a real bargain? Or could it put your child at risk? Sadly, cheap copies may have cheap parts that break easily, easy-access button batteries, high-strength magnets or harmful levels of chemicals. The danger isn’t always obvious. Under 3s are most at risk. So, it’s better to buy a smaller present than a cheap copy. Learn more: https://capt.org.uk/8-dangerous-gifts-to-avoid-this-christmas/ #ChristmasProductSafety #ChildSafety

‘Tis the season for hot chocolate. But did you know hot drinks can take 15 minutes to cool down to a temperature that will not scald a young child? Their skin is much thinner than ours and burns more easily. So please keep hot drinks out of reach of small children. Learn more about preventing burns and scalds including what to do in an emergency: https://capt.org.uk/burns-scalds/ Throughout December our #ElfAndSafety Champ will be sharing key dangers around the home and simple things you can do to keep children safe. Please follow along and share his adventures. #BeBurnsAware #ChildSafety

Pigs in blankets are a festive favourite. But did you know they’re a common choking hazard? The sausage is the perfect size and shape to completely block a child’s airway. Plus, the bacon can be difficult for little mouths to break down. That’s why it is advised to cut pigs in blankets into thin strips for little ones. Download our free choking fact sheet for more top tips: https://capt.org.uk/resources/choking-fact-sheet/ Throughout December our #ElfAndSafety Champ will be sharing key dangers around the home and simple things you can do to keep children safe. Please follow along and share his adventures. #ChildSafety #ChildHealth #ChristmasDinner2024

You can turn your festive food shop into an extra gift for the Child Accident Prevention Trust when you use #easyfundraising this Christmas. They've even put together all the latest donations and offers from your favourite supermarkets in one place! Find out more: https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/grocery-hub/ Not signed up? You can register to support us here: https://join.easyfundraising.org.uk/childapt/ELFRIS/c2s/H6MCGBuK/CR049/facebook/ #Momentsthatmakeitcount

Champ is swinging by to remind you to test your smoke alarms and then tag a friend to remind them to test theirs too. December is one of the busiest months of the year for house fires. Candles, Christmas lights and overloaded plug sockets are just a few of the additional hazards this season. But, a working smoke alarm could save your family’s lives. Download our Fire safe families fact sheet for more practical safety tips on how to prevent fires, plan your escape and teach children what to do in an emergency: https://capt.org.uk/resources/fire-safe-families-fact-sheet/ Throughout December our #ElfAndSafety Champ will be sharing key dangers around the home and simple things you can do to keep children safe. Please follow along and share his adventures. #FireKills #ChildSafety #TestItTuesday