HOME SAFETY
Most injuries suffered by children occur in and around the home. While it may not be possible to make your home completely safe at all times, you can take steps to lessen the risk of injury and make your home a safer place for children. Use our Home Safety Checklist for ideas about what to look out for.
HOME SAFETY RESOURCES
How to keep your child safe from ongoing flood dangers
It may seem obvious that floodwater is dangerous. The sheer force of water can be very destructive, destroying buildings and sweeping away cars, causing loss of life and damage to property. However, floodwater is contaminated and Emeritus Professor John Pearn warns...
Jump, Bounce, Laugh: How to help play safely on trampolines
If we look across Australian homes at their play equipment, we can see the large number of trampolines set up in backyards. Bouncing can be heaps of fun for kids but can also present it's fair share of hazards: That's why it is so important to keep risks to a minimum...
Small but deadly – what you need to know about button batteries
In Australia, around 20 children per week are admitted to hospital because they have ingested a button battery. Car remotes, calculators, musical greeting cards, flashing novelty goods and kitchen scales – button batteries are everywhere in a variety of objects around...
How to respond to burns and scalds in children
The correct first aid treatment for minor burns is 'Remove, Cool and Cover' REMOVE: any clothing or jewellery from the area (unless it is stuck to the skin), COOL: the burn with cool running water for 20 minutes. The length of time is important - so don't cut...
Are amber necklaces safe for teething babies?
There is a huge variation in when babies get teeth and how they are affected by them. Some babies are born with them and some don’t get them till 12 months. Symptoms may include fever, rash and general irritability or none at all. What...
When is the right time to take my baby to swimming lessons?
Teaching your baby to swim is often recommended on the basis that it has benefits such as water familiarisation, learning breath control, free floating and propulsion. Australia’s famous swim coach Laurie Lawrence recommends it as part of his...
How to protect your baby from sun exposure
Slip, Slop, Slap has become part of the Australian vernacular since it was introduced by the Cancer Council in 1981. As an adult you may be aware that exposure to the sun can cause sunburn and lead to skin damage, eye...
Do you know how to use a pram or stroller safely?
Getting out and about with your baby is an essential part of life and most parents already pay particular attention to the mandatory regulations around child car seats. But, when it comes to prams and strollers they are less risk aware. Follow these simple guidelines...
Are you aware of the risks of noise exposure for your baby?
If you are the parent of a newborn, then you are probably already conscious of what noises wake your baby and – fingers crossed – puts them to sleep. But it can be difficult to judge what constitutes a loud noise, especially in an urban environment...
Keep your baby safe when using bouncers or musical swings
Entertaining your baby using a bouncer, musical swing or rocker chair is a popular choice by many parents, but many are not aware of the safety risks. Follow these simple guidelines to keep your baby safe. What is the safest bouncer, musical swing or rocker to buy?...
HOME SAFETY FACT SHEETS, BROCHURES & POSTERS
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