Play it safe at home

Some household items can pose a range of safety hazards for young children.

We urge parents and carers to check their homes for common safety hazards that could injure them.

Check household items (particularly those identified below) and consider child safety for new, second-hand and pre-loved products.

Take steps to reduce risks, particularly those associated with:

curtain and blind cords. These an cause strangulation if caught around a child's neck
nursery furniture, including change tables and cots. Risks include falls and injuries when children get caught in gaps
trampolines. There are more than 3000 injuries associated with trampolines every year, including cuts, bruises, sprains and fractures
pools and spas. Risks include drowning, slips and injuries related to unsafe equipment, such as open potty-shaped skimmer boxes, unsafe filter boxes and outlets
single and bunk beds. Children can get caught in gaps in bed ends, risking suffocation or other serious injury
button batteries. Parents and carers should also be aware of the risks posed by button batteries. These can cause life-threatening injuries if swallowed by a child; they are found in common household items, such as:
- remote controls
- laptops
- remote entry car keys
- toys
- watches
- singing books and musical greeting cards.

Play it safe at home videos