One to Five years
One to Three Years
Children are very mobile walking, climbing, can turn knobs, dials and taps and imitative play.
Water is a particular danger at this age. Ensure the pool or spa is isolated by a four sided fence with a self closing safety gate, there are resuscitation instructions and safety signs by the pool and children are always supervised anywhere near water
Empty the wading pool or bath immediately after use. A child can drown in 5cm of water.
Ensure play equipment has suitable impact absorbing surfacing under and around the equipment.
Ensure all medications, cleaning products and hazardous substances are locked up out of sight and out of reach including dishwashing liquid or powder which can cause serious burns to the mouth and throat of a child. Look for cleaning products safe for children.
Teach children to sit quietly to eat. Avoid foods such as peanuts or hard chunks of food that may cause choking.
Guards for heaters and fires should be attached to the wall and choose low fire danger/fire safe nightwear .
Install guards on stoves with saucepans handles turned to the rear.
Ensure that children use child restraints at all times and the harness is adjusted to fit securely and is at the right height for the child.
Get children out of the car on the kerbed side .
Use harnesses in highchairs, prams and strollers and other baby furniture.
Learn basic first aid and have a list of emergency numbers. Consider doing a kids first aid course.
Ensure hot water is safe - install a tempering valve to 50 degrees or use tap covers.
Ensure children wear a well fitting, appropriate helmet when riding bikes or using skateboards and roller skates.
Three to Five Years
Children are highly active: running, jumping and climbing. They are adventurous and imitate adults and other siblings. Protect their safety – follow these child safety guidelines, make sure you have an up-do-date first aid kit on hand and consider doing a kids first aid course.
Outdoor areas and kids activities areas should be safe from tripping or slipping hazards. If play equipment for kids is at a greater height than 500mm soft under-surfacing should be installed to a depth of 250mm.
Provide a safe shady play area free from low branches and separate from the driveway.
Always supervise kids anywhere near the road and start to teach road safety, (stop, look, listen and think before crossing a road) hold hands near traffic, and always wear a helmet when using a bike.
Use colourful stickers down low on glassed areas and use shatter resistant film or safety glass.
Always supervise anywhere near water (pool or bath).
Ensure play equipment has suitable impact absorbing surfacing under and around the equipment.
Avoid direct sun exposure between 11am-4pm.
Ensure all medications, cleaning products and hazardous substances are locked up out of sight and out of reach including dishwashing liquid or powder which can cause serious burns to the mouth and throat of a child. Look for child-safe cleaning products when shopping.
Ensure children wear a well fitting, appropriate helmet when riding bikes or using skateboards and roller skates.
Don’t forget electrical safety – use child proof safety plugs for unused power points.
