10 Essential Tips to Keep Your Child Safe This Child Safety Week

Child Safety Week, led by the Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT), is an important reminder that small changes in our homes and routines can make a big difference to children’s safety. At Aspire Foundation, we work closely with families every day, and we know how overwhelming it can feel to stay on top of every risk. The good news is that most serious accidents are preventable with a few simple habits.

Here are 10 practical, evidence‑based tips inspired by CAPT guidance to help keep your child safe - not just this week, but all year round.

1. Keep Button Batteries Out of Reach

Button batteries, especially lithium coin cells, can cause life‑threatening internal burns within hours if swallowed. CAPT warns that children aged 6 months to 4½ years are most at risk.

Check your home for:

Remote controls
Light‑up toys
Musical books
Key fobs
Bathroom scales

Store spare and used batteries high up and recycle them promptly.

2. Choose Safe Toys from Trusted Sellers

Cheap or imitation toys sold through unknown online sellers may not meet UK safety standards. Always check:

The brand and seller reputation
Age warnings
Secure battery compartments
Product recall notices on gov.uk (search product recalls)

If something feels “off”, trust your instincts and send it back.

3. Prevent Choking with Smart Food Prep

Choking is silent, there’s often no sound to alert you. To reduce the risk:

Cut grapes, cherry tomatoes and blueberries lengthways
Slice sausages, cheese and carrots into thin strips
Avoid popcorn, marshmallows and whole nuts for young children
Always supervise meals and encourage children to sit while eating

4. Know What to Do If a Child Chokes

CAPT’s first‑aid guidance recommends:

Up to five back blows
Up to five chest thrusts (for babies) or abdominal thrusts (for children over 1)
Call 999 if the object doesn’t come out

Learning these steps could save a life.

If you’d like to feel more confident responding in real‑life emergencies, Aspire Foundation is running two First Aid Workshops in June and July. Scroll to the bottom of this post for full details and booking information.

5. Store Cleaning Products and Medicines Safely

Brightly coloured laundry pods, cleaning sprays and everyday painkillers are common causes of accidental poisoning.

Keep them:

In a high or lockable cupboard
Out of sight immediately after use
In original containers (never decant into bottles)

Look for products containing Bitrex, a bittering agent that discourages swallowing.

6. Make Sleep Spaces Safe

A safe sleep environment reduces the risk of suffocation:

Keep cots clear of pillows, bumpers and soft toys
Never sleep with your baby on a sofa
Be cautious with slings, ensure your baby’s airway is always visible and unobstructed

7. Secure Blind Cords and Window Areas

Blind cords can cause strangulation in seconds. Fit:

Cord cleats
Tensioners
Cord‑free blinds where possible

Move furniture away from windows to prevent climbing.

8. Prevent Falls as Your Child Grows

As soon as babies can roll, wriggle or pull up, their risk of falling increases.

Simple steps include:

Changing nappies on the floor
Using safety gates on stairs
Strapping children into highchairs
Keeping furniture away from windows
Supervising trampoline use and avoiding mixed‑age bouncing

9. Teach Road Safety Early

Younger children struggle to judge speed and distance, so modelling safe behaviour is key.

Help them learn by:

Holding hands or using reins
Talking about “stop, look, listen, think”
Practising safe routes to school
Encouraging them to put phones away when crossing roads

10. Support Safe Interactions with Dogs

Most dog bites happen at home with a familiar dog. CAPT recommends:

Close supervision at all times
Teaching children to be calm and gentle
Giving dogs a safe space they can retreat to
Keeping children away when dogs are eating, sleeping or playing with a favourite toy

If you’re concerned about your dog’s behaviour, speak to your vet or a qualified behaviourist via the Animal Behaviour and Training Council.

Working Together for Safer Childhoods

Child Safety Week is a powerful reminder that small actions can prevent life‑changing injuries. At Aspire Foundation, we’re committed to supporting families to create safe, nurturing environments where children can thrive.

Join Our First Aid Workshops This Summer

Knowing what to do in an emergency can make all the difference. This Child Safety Week, we’re offering two friendly, practical First Aid Workshops led by a qualified tutor, perfect for parents, carers and grandparents who want to feel more confident supporting their family.

Upcoming Dates

First Aid Workshop – Gardners Lane Children and Family Centre | 11 June 2026, 9:30–11:30am
First Aid Workshop – Brockworth Children and Family Centre | 2 July 2026, 9:30–11:30am

These sessions offer an introduction to essential first aid skills for everyday situations. Criteria applies*.

To book your place, please contact: Lesley.andrew@gloucestershire.gov.uk

* Adults must be aged 19 or over, qualified below a Level 2 (less than 5 GCSEs); or earning below £25,000 per year

Together, we can help every child grow up safe, confident and ready to thrive.