Falls

Stairs are one of the most common locations for serious falls, particularly for toddlers and young children. 

Risks can also increase when adults are carrying children up or down the stairs.  

To help prevent falls:

Always:

• Use the handrail
• Keep one hand free when carrying a child, where possible
• Install safety gates to restrict access to the top and bottom of the stairs before a baby becomes mobile
• Keep stairs free from toys, shoes and other clutter
• Replace worn carpet or damaged stair coverings
• Keep stairs and handrails in good repair
• Make sure banisters are secure and do not provide footholds for climbing
• Keep the stairs well lit.

For children under 24-months-old, install wall-mounted safety gates to restrict access to both the top and bottom of the stairs. When buying a safety gate: 

Always:

• Check it complies with EN1930:2011
• Follow the manufacturer's installation instructions carefully
• Regularly check that fittings remain secure. 

Young children are curious and may climb to look outside. However, they may not recognise the danger of an open window. Simple precautions can help prevent falls from windows:

Always:

• Keep window handles locked and store window keys in an accessible place in case of fire. If your window handle does not have a lock, consider replacing it or ask your landlord to fit a lockable handle to the window
• Fit window restrictors to upper floor windows
• Check if windows have built-in opening restrictors. If not, fit restrictors to all windows above the ground floor, or if in rented accommodation, ask your landlord to do this
• Keep beds, furniture and climbable objects away from windows
• Discourage children from sitting or climbing on window sills.  

Remember: Small changes can make a big difference in keeping children safe. 

Young babies can wriggle or roll from a bed or changing table. Where possible, change nappies on the floor and never leave babies unattended on raised surfaces. 

Always:

• Keep cots clear of toys, and other objects including cot bumpers that toddlers could climb on.

Never:

• Use bunk beds for children under 6 years of age. 

Children often lean, reach and wriggle while sitting in a highchair, increasing the risk of falls. To keep children safe:

Always:

• Use the safety harness
• Choose a highchair with a five-point harness where possible
• Ensure the chair is stable and positioned away from surfaces children could push against
• Clean up spills straight away to reduce the risk of slips.

Never:

• Leave a child unattended in a highchair
• Place a baby seat or bouncer on a raised surface.

RoSPA and many health professionals do not recommend baby walkers. Research has shown that baby walkers:  

• Increase the risk of falls and serious injuries
• Can contribute to burns, scalds and trapping incidents
• Do not help children learn to walk sooner
• May delay important developmental milestones
• Can encourage toe-walking, which may affect normal walking development.

Instead, support development through supervised floor-based play, such as:  

• Tummy time
• Reaching for toys
• Crawling and exploring in a safe environment.

If a baby walker is used, it should meet the current safety standard BS EN 1273:2020 and be used for short periods only and should never replace close supervision. 

Trampolines can provide active outdoor play and exercise but they also carry a risk of injury. Most injuries are minor but serious injuries can occur. 

Before you buy:

Choose a trampoline that:

• Has safety pads covering the springs, hooks and frame. Pads should be easy to see and clearly contrast with the frame
• Includes safety netting
• Meets the European Standard EN 71-14:2014.

Inspection and maintenance:

Regularly check:

• • Padding and netting are in place and are undamaged
  • Springs and fixed metal parts are covered and are not worn.

Remove ladders when the trampoline is not in use to prevent younger children accessing it unsupervised.

Where to place it:

• Position on an energy-absorbing surface, such as grass, bark, wood chips or sand
• Keep surrounds free from hazards.

Allow at least 2.5 metres of clear space around the trampoline if no netting is fitted. Remove toys and keep it away from trees, washing lines, poles, glass frames and hard surfaces. Do not place it on concrete, tarmac or hard-packed ground unless suitable safety matting is used. 

Always:

• Allow only one person on the trampoline at a time
• Avoid somersaults unless appropriately trained and supervised
• Supervise children on the trampoline.

Never:

• Allow adults and children to bounce together
• Jump from the trampoline to the ground
• Allow children under 6-years-old to be on the trampoline.

Click here for more information on trampoline safety.