Once you have created a safe environment for your little one, the people in your home will routinely check doors are shut, stair gates are closed, cupboards are secured, toilet seats are locked closed, etc.

Make sure you familiarise older siblings and grandparents older siblings and grandparents with the safety checklist and it will become part of your daily family life.

When the festive season is upon us, we may have large numbers of family and friends over, who are not used to a baby proofed environment. Suddenly knife drawers and cupboards containing cleaning chemicals are not locked, glasses are left on table edges, stair gates are left open, and the chord of the kettle is left overhanging the work surface, all potential dangers to your young inexperienced child.  If you are having friends and family over for your babies first Christmas, consider the following tips:

1. Install auto-closing stair gates. Many stair gates on the market will appear closed to someone not used to their operation, but in fact be resting against the hinge and still need to be lifted into the locking cradle.  A small child will simply push against and open the gate door.  The Bettacare auto-close gate for example, will close and lock itself after each use.

Bettacare AutoClose Stair Gate

2. Christmas lights are widely known as a major cause of household fire in the UK.  Only purchase Christmas lights from a reputable store, look for safety marks e.g. BS Kite mark, and never use second hand lights.  According to national fire statistics you are 50% more likely to die in an accidental home fire during the Christmas period than at any other time of the year.  Install and or check fire alarms in your home.

Smoke Alarm

3. If at all possible, prevent access to the kitchen to your small child. There is increased activity in the kitchen during the festive period, which increases the risk of distraction for those cooking and cleaning.  Hot pans, sharp instruments, fallen food not suitable for a young child are some of the dangers.    It is strongly advised to install a stair gate across the entrance to the kitchen if possible.  A fire blanket and/or kitchen fire extinguisher is also recommended.

Stove Guard

4. Check for small items on the floor which could be a choking hazard or strangulation hazard. Toys and games given as presents to older siblings may contain small parts which could become a choking danger, as may traditional seasonal food types such as nuts, as well as small decorations hanging from the tree. The plastic wrapping of various gifts could become a strangulation hazard.  Check and if possible clean the floor after each meantime and opening of gifts, as well as make sure all small decorations on the tree are out of the reach of your little one.

BabyDan Choke Tester

5. Do not feel embarrassed to explain the reason for the safety features in your home to your guests. A simple explanation of the safety steps you have taken in your home will enforce the need to close stair gates and drawers containing dangerous items.  A safe Christmas will be a happy Christmas for everyone.