Does capt recommend safety products?
Capt does not usually recommend particular brands but we
are always happy to give advice about what types of product can be helpful. We also have lists of manufacturers and distributors to help people track
down the equipment they need. Top
Is there a legal age at which child can be left at home
alone?
There is no legal age telling you when it is OK to
leave a child alone at home. It
would be very difficult to make a ruling that would be helpful for every type of
home and each situation. Children
of the same age can also vary hugely in their ability to assess risks and to
cope with responsibility.
Most children over about 10 years old can usually be safely
left alone for short periods if there is no alternative. If you do need to leave a young child alone make sure you have talked to
them about possible dangers in the home and about how to get help if they need
it. Children of this age should never be
asked to supervise younger children or babies when in the house alone.
Capt can offer some tips on reducing the risks to young
children left on their own – such as leaving a snack so children don’t have
to use the oven, removing matches and other temptations and teaching children
how to make an emergency call. Top
I have been given a baby walker but don’t know whether
to use it because friends have told me they can be dangerous. What does
capt advise?
Capt advises parents not to use baby walkers. They
give babies mobility, speed and height that puts them at risk of serious injury. Research has shown that baby walkers cause more accidental injuries than
any other type of baby equipment or furniture. Studies from abroad have even suggested that one in three babies who are
put in a baby walker will be injured as a result. Some parents want to use baby walkers because they think
they help to teach children to walk. Paediatricians
have repeatedly stressed that this is not true. In fact there is increasing evidence to suggest that baby walkers may
delay normal child development. Rolling, sitting, crawling and playing on the floor are
all important stages in developing strength and learning to walk.
Remember that baby
walkers are not like playpens. They
give babies freedom rather than constraining them. Top
Is there a safe age for children to use bunk beds?
Capt recommends that top bunks are not used by children
under six years old. This is
because the safety standards for bunk beds are based on average
measurements of children of this age. The
spaces between the bars and around the mattress have been tested to make sure
that a six year old could not get trapped in any part of the bed. Look at what your child could fall on to from the top bunk.
Try to avoid having sharp corners such as bookcases or radiators directly
underneath. If the top bunk is close to a window it can be
helpful to use locks so the windows only open part way. A nightlight can be a good idea to help children climb up and down safely
in the night. Never let children of any age play on the top bunk. Top
How long does it take hot liquid to produce a serious
burn?
A young child’s skin is thinner and more sensitive to
heat than adults and therefore burns more quickly. At 60ºC it takes less than 5 seconds for a second or third
degree burn to occur.
Take care with cups of tea or coffee when young children
are around. A cup of tea made with
just boiled water from a kettle will be much hotter than 60ºC and stays hot for
much longer than you think. After 5 or 10 minutes your cup of tea will be around
55ºC and will cause a second or third degree burn in 10 – 15
seconds.
Bath water too can cause very serious scalds. The most effective way to prevent bath water scalds
is to fit a thermostatic mixing valve, which mixes hot and cold water to a preset temperature before it emerges
from the tap. (See the capt factsheet about thermostatic mixing valves). Otherwise, always run cold water
into the bath before hot and never leave a young child alone in the bathroom.
Cooling a burn or scald as soon as possible can stop
the damage from getting worse and can prevent scars. Contact St John Ambulance
or British Red Cross for more detailed first aid advice and keep emergency
numbers handy. Top
What should I do if my child swallows medicines or
household chemicals?
If you suspect that your child has swallowed something
harmful do not give them anything to drink or try to make them vomit. Contact your doctor or call NHS Direct on 0845
4647. Take the container with you to the phone so that you can give them
information about what has been swallowed.
To prevent an accident store household chemicals high up
out of a child’s sight and reach. Be aware that child-resistant caps are not
childproof and many four and five year olds can undo them. Top
How can we make our pond safe?
Even shallow water can be dangerous and a child can drown
in as little as 5cm (2”) of water. If possible think about draining your pond
until your child is older and filling it with sand to make a sand pit. Top
How do I fit my child’s cycle helmet correctly?
To fit the right sized helmet for your child you first need
to measure the size of your child’s head. Do this by measuring around your
child’s head about 2.5cm (1”) above the eyebrows. Then match the head size
to the size of a helmet as shown on the inside of a helmet, on a label or on the
box. Make sure the helmet is level on the head about 2.5cm above the eyebrows
and fasten the straps. If the helmet is loose use the pads that come with it
and/or straps to achieve a closer fit. Straps should be adjusted so there is no
slackness. The front strap should be as vertical as possible; the rear strap
should join the front strap just under the ears. The fastened buckle should rest
just under the chin, not on the jaw line. The helmet should fit snugly but not
be tight and check the fit of the helmet regularly as your child grows. Top
I am not sure what the law says about carrying my
children in the front seat. How can
I find out?
All children are safer when carried in the back seat of the
car and so this should always be your first choice. Remember
also that rear facing baby seats must never be used on the front seat if you
have a passenger air bag fitted.
If you do need to use the front seat it is only legal to carry a child under three years old if they are in a child car seat. Children over three must also be in a child car seat if one is available
- if you do not have one you must use the adult seat belt. The driver of the car is liable to prosecution if any child under 14 is
not properly restrained
We have a leaflet that explains law on car restraints and
tells you more about keeping your children safe in and around the car – we
will be happy to send you one on receipt of a stamped addressed envelope.
Your local council road safety officer should also be able to answer any
questions you have on travelling safely and within the law. Top
I have a child in a forward facing child car seat. I have
heard it is dangerous to use the seat in the front of the car if there is an
airbag. Is this right?
All children are safer when carried in the back seat of the
car and so this should always be your first choice. The problem with front
passenger airbags only arises when you are using a rear facing baby seat
on the front seat. This is because the rear facing seat puts your baby’s head
very close to the dashboard. If the
airbag inflates the impact could cause serious head or neck injuries to your
baby. The same problem does not
occur with forward facing seats and so you can use them in the front with an airbag if you need to. If
you do it is a good idea to push the car seat back as far as it will go. Top