Got a question on baby and toddler safety around the home? Qualified nurse and First Aid Trainer Emma Hammett answers your questions - £200 voucher to be won

[GraceEMumsnet]

Created for Duracell

- Everyone who shares a question on the thread below will be entered into a prize draw
- One lucky Mumsnet user will win a £200 voucher for a store of their choice
- Emma will be back to answer a selection of your questions

About Emma:
“Emma Hammett is a qualified nurse and award-winning first aid trainer with over 30 years’ healthcare and teaching experience. Emma is the founder of multi award-winning First Aid for Life and Onlinefirstaid.com, providing practical and online courses throughout the UK. She is an acknowledged First Aid expert and authority on accident prevention, health and first aid. Emma writes for numerous online and print publications and regularly features on the radio and on TV. She is also the author of numerous books, including the Amazon Best Seller: ]].”

Here’s what Emma has to say:
“As parents we will do everything possible to protect our children and keep them safe. However, many people are unaware of the serious dangers posed by lithium coin cell (button) batteries if swallowed. Every year, numerous children experience life-changing injuries from swallowing these, and horrifically some die because of them. This is totally avoidable. Which is why I am delighted to be supporting Duracell in raising awareness of this issue and preventing this happening in the first place. Duracell already uniquely has child resistant packaging and coats their batteries in Bitrex to prevent children from putting them in their mouths - this campaign goes one step further.

#Take10 encourages all parents and child carers to take 10 minutes to identify which gadgets are using these batteries, ensure they are safely secured and remove any unsecured batteries and spare ones out of reach. This is a vital campaign that will undoubtedly save lives and suffering. Please share with friends and family.”

Maybe you’d like to know how to child-proof your kitchen? Or you might have concerns around toys and devices in the home? Perhaps you’re unclear of the risks batteries hold for children? Whatever your question, post on the thread below for Emma to answer.

Thanks and good luck!
MNHQ

Insight Terms and Conditions apply

@Asiama

Hi Emma, at a baby first aid course we were told that if we drop a baby on its head, no matter what height / surface, it must get checked out in hospital even if all seems fine. Unfortunately I dropped my 4 month old on carpet from about a foot high, but 101 was unconcerned. Baby seems fine too. In your opinion, when does a head injury to a baby need a trip to the hospital?

Babies are likely to bump their heads as they are totally oblivious to risks and are head heavy. The vast majority of these injuries are fortunately superficial. If your baby fell by a foot onto the carpet, it is highly unlikely that they will have incurred a serious injury. If a parent is concerned that their child is behaving differently following a head injury they should get them seen by a health professional. If a child is knocked unconscious call an ambulance. If they complain of head or neck pain, can't walk properly or are crying worryingly and uncontrollably, you should get them checked out. Trust your instincts. More detailed information can be found in the following article firstaidforlife.org.uk/minor-head-injuries-and-nosebleeds/

@MsLadyMojo

My little one loves animals, in particular dogs. Our dog wouldn't hurt a fly, but Im concerned DS will now be too confident playing with other dogs.

What's the best way to encourage his love of animals, whilst making him slightly more wary?

Even the most loving and docile of animals can snap if they are deprived of their peace or poked and prodded too much. Never leave your child alone with your pet, even for a minute. Always ensure that your child knows to ask before petting a stranger's dog and understands that not all pets are approachable or good with children. Ensure your pet has time to themselves and that your child never disturbs them whilst they are eating or sleeping. They will need close supervision, if your child is scared by your pet, or someone else's it could take quite a while to regain their confidence with animals.

@BigLlamaLady

Hey Emma, I'd love to know some first aid tips - what do I need to keep in the first aid box, and at what point does a fall or a scratch become serious enough for profressional help?

firstaidforlife.org.uk/treating-minor-injuries-at-home/ The article listed will take you through how to give first aid for some of the most common minor injuries at home. We have another one that helps you decide when something is seriously wrong and whether you should go to your GP, drive to a minor injury centre or call an ambulance? firstaidforlife.org.uk/need-ambulance-recognising-something-seriously-wrong/ In terms of what to put in your first aid kit, we have a comprehensive guide on the following link firstaidforlife.org.uk/what-put-in-first-aid-kit/

@SnowyMouse

is it true that plug socket covers are dangerous?

Please don't cover sockets with any of the pronged covers. The UK sockets are actually pretty well protected. Using the covers with prongs, can damage the mechanism and consequently leave the sockets more dangerous and vulnerable once they are removed. There are some newer covers that don't interfere with the mechanism and so don't damage the UK socket. However, the general advice is that you shouldn't need to cover sockets in the UK. You can read more information at the following link firstaidforlife.org.uk/dangerous-socket-covers-and-how-to-treat-electrocution/

@redbook

Is anti climb paint suitable for toddlers?

Anti climb paint is a form of non-drying, greasy paint that remains slippery. It’s important never to use this substance below a height of at least 2 metres and wherever it’s used appropriate warning signs should be presented. It is not suitable for toddlers, it will get all over them, could potentially harm them and is not designed for this use.

@canyoutoleratethis

Our cat’s food, water and litter tray are all kept in the kitchen - how can we stop LO from diving head first into either of them?! And what are the dangers if any is digested?

There are loads of tips to make your kitchen safer. For an 8 year old, you can explain the dangers of knives and heat. In the kitchen always have the kettle on as short a lead as possible and back from the work surface. Use the back hobs and turn the handles away from the edge so they are out of reach. Enjoy cooking with your children, but teach them to be tidy. Always clean up spills immediately to avoid slippage. Store knives safely and ensure children know they must never touch them or try and cook when you are not in the kitchen with them. Teach by example, use oven gloves and show them to be cautious around hot or sharp items. Be very aware about gadgets such as kitchen scales containing lithium coin cell batteries, many people also store spare batteries in a kitchen drawer. Always ensure you recycle old batteries immediately and responsibly. Other dangers in the kitchen are things like dishwasher tablets - these should be securely stored out of reach as they can burn. Ensure you have a decent first aid kit and the knowledge to use the contents. Here are some tips for some common injuries occurring in the home firstaidforlife.org.uk/treating-minor-injuries-at-home/

@jacqui5366

Which is the best on-line health and safety/first aid training course ?

We have some extremely comprehensive first aid courses on www.onlinefirstaid.com. For accident prevention advice you can visit the RoSPA and CAPT websites or can get a copy of my book that takes you through all the most important risks as your child develops, highlights the most common injuries and accidents at each stage and gives first aid advice too as your child develops. Burns, Falls and Emergency Calls by Emma Hammett RGN

@Dizzywizz

How can you make sure your garden is safe? Or indoor plants? Ds2 put EVERYTHING in his mouth - how do you know which plants you can safely get??

Unfortunately it is practically impossible to ensure your garden is safe, if you want a garden with plants and greenery. However you can discuss the plants you choose with your garden centre to ensure that you aren't choosing any that are extremely toxic. Be careful with fertilisers, insect repellents and slug pellets - all these are potentially toxic. Children explore by putting things in their mouth as an additional sense. They will gradually do this less as they develop. In the meantime, the key is to keep a very close eye on them.

@LouieG21

I’m living with my mum and know a safety gate will not be enough he’s getting active now at 7 months any advice

Prevention is key. Teach your child to come downstairs backwards on their tummy and when they are safe enough doing this reliably, then you shouldn't need the stair gates any longer. If you are using a gate to prevent them from entering a room, then shut the door firmly, rather than relying on a stair gate to deter them. If they can see somewhere they want to get to, it will just inspire them to try harder to get in. Check that all your household devices and gadets have secure battery compartments to avoid batteries falling out and getting into the wrong hands. Take further safety measures by buying Duracell's lithium coin cell batteries which are covered in a Bitrex coating that is repulsive and will prevent children from putting them in their mouths. Always ensure you buy batteries from reputable and responsible manufacturers in childproof packaging. Ensure anything that children should not have is out of sight and reach.

[quote Anotheronestatisticssuck]@Quietvoiceplease this! I am so concerned about my twin toddlers being run over that I worry that I'm going to make them too fearful to go on the road. Any advice on road safety? Particularly with one adult, two children[/quote]
Road safety is incredibly important. Teach by example and help them learn from an early age to look, listen and check both ways before crossing. Remember electric cars are far quieter and so they need to check properly by looking both ways. It may be easier to have them on a buggy board and in a buggy whilst they are both so little, that way you have more control whilst crossing the road. Otherwise their are baby leads and other devices that help you to keep them safe and close to you, whilst enabling them to feel more independent.

@Stej7

Is there a safe way to prevent a gap between a toddler bed mattress and a bed guard. I constantly worry about the gap that seems to be created that my little one almost always seems to gravitate towards

Just check that the gap isn't big enough to trap them. If you are worried, choose a different bed guard. There are many varieties on the market and I am sure you will find one that fits the bed better and safer

@StickChildNumberTwo

At what age can children be safely left alone in the bath?

I would never leave any child alone in the bath, until they are approaching puberty! Children can drown quickly and quietly in even just a couple of centimetres of water.

@Asuwere

What are first aid kit essentials? Is there anything really useful that isn't obvious?

First aid kits are there to provide sterile contents for use in an emergency. Everything in there should be clean, in good condition and within the expiry date. Don't store any medication in the kit as it should be easily accessible. The most important element of a first aid kit, is that you have the first aid skills to use what is in it, promptly and appropriately. Ensure you have undertaken a quality practical or online first aid course so you know how to help if you need to. firstaidforlife.org.uk/what-put-in-first-aid-kit/

@ohdannyboy

I'd love to hold a first aid course for all the parents and carers who attend playgroup to raise awareness on choking, scalding and bumps and grazes - do you do an information pack/video, or who would be able to come to playgroup to give this training - I'd like to be able to have a dummy baby to practice CPR and the choking hold to dislodge the object - any advice most welcome - I feel really unprepared on how to perform CPR

We are a multi-award-winning, fully regulated first aid training business. Our trainers are highly experienced medical, health and emergency services professionals and we train throughout the UK. Specialising in Paediatric First Aid. We also have a great range of online courses on www.onlinefirstaid.com. Please email [email protected] and we can send through all the information. We would love to come and train for you

Thank you !

@AuntLucy

At what age can you move from an angelcare-style bath seat to just a rubber mat? Thank you

A rubber mat is fine for any age of baby. The most important thing is that you hold them firmly and never leave them alone in the bath. Please don't rely on any form of bath chairs.

@Andoffwego

How dangerous can falling out of bed be? I was too scared to remove my son’s bed rail until he was about 8 because I tried when he was 5 and went to check on him to find him about to fall straight on his head and it looked like he would break his neck. Was I being over cautious? Is it impossible for a child to injure themselves that badly by falling out of bed because they’re aleep so therefore relaxed?

If your child is in a relatively low bed, the risk of serious injury is minimal.

@MrsLeclerc

Are there any good first aid tip videos? Something that covers the basics of common household injuries/accidents.

I would love to have something simple to refer to and to send on to grandparents. First aid recommendations change, DH and I were looking at the new CPR guidance yesterday and I know they changed nosebleeds to leaning forward instead of back. It’d be good for everyone involved in DS’ childcare to be on the same page.

Our YouTube Channel First Aid for Life is packed full of free useful videos. We also have superb, comprehensive online courses specifically for Grandparents and a really good paediatric online course. onlinefirstaid.com/our-courses/first-aid-for-grandparents/

@shangelawasrobbed

How far away from the radiator does a newborn baby's cot/Moses basket need to be? Struggling in quite a cramped room...

Newborn babies should not be too warm - ideally between 16 and 22 degrees C. A radiator can give out a lot of heat, if it has a thermostat on it, turn the radiator down and position the cot as far away as possible.

@SearchingTheSkies

Do plugged in phone or laptop chargers pose a danger to toddlers? My DD likes to grab hold of the wires. I try to hide them under the sofa but she'll sometimes pull them out. Am I right to take them away from her?

Babies and toddlers could potentially strangle themselves with wires and it is not great if they chew them either! They can also pull the charging item on top of themselves. They should always be discouraged from playing with wires and cables - irons, hair straighteners, kettles etc should always be kept well out of reach. Ensure gadgets containing button batteries are secure and keep spare batteries well out of sight and reach. Always buy batteries in child safe packaging, and ideally choose Duracell batteries coated with Bitrex to discourage children from putting them in their mouths.

@Carriecakes80

What kind of things do I need for my first aid box these days? Its been 24 years since my first baby, and now I am starting all over again lol. I have forgotten it all! x

First aid kits are there to provide sterile contents for use in an emergency. Everything in there should be clean, in good condition and within the expiry date. Don't store any medication in the kit as it should be easily accessible. The most important element of a first aid kit, is that you have the first aid skills to use what is in it, promptly and appropriately. Ensure you have undertaken a quality practical or online first aid course so you know how to help if you need to. firstaidforlife.org.uk/what-put-in-first-aid-kit/

@SmileyClare

What should I do if I think a child has swallowed a lithium cell battery? Are other types of batteries dangerous to small children?

Prevention is key. Always buy batteries from a reputable manufacturer in child-secure packaging. Ideally choose Duracell batteries that are coated with Bitrex to discourage children from putting them in their mouths. Batteries should never be chewed or put in mouths as they can all pose risks. However it is the size and shape of the lithium coin cell batteries that makes them most likely to be swallowed. If you see your child swallow a lithium coin cell battery - take them to A&E urgently. Don't give your child anything else to eat or drink and don't delay getting them to hospital. Never make your child sick as this could cause further damage. Liquitabs used as laundry and dishwasher tablets are also dangerous and magnets too can cause life changing injuries if swallowed.

Thanks for your detailed reply

@Cotswoldmama

I try not to let my boys in the kitchen much as it's tiny so I'm worried about accidents. They're getting older now and I'd like my eldest who's 8 to have more independence in the kitchen. Any tips to help teach him to be safe?

There are loads of tips to make your kitchen safer. For an 8 year old, you can explain the dangers of knives and heat. In the kitchen always have the kettle on as short a lead as possible and back from the work surface. Use the back hobs and turn the handles away from the edge so they are out of reach. Enjoy cooking with your children, but teach them to be tidy. Always clean up spills immediately to avoid slippage. Store knives safely and ensure children know they must never touch them or try and cook when you are not in the kitchen with them. Teach by example, use oven gloves and show them to be cautious around hot or sharp items. Be very aware about gadgets such as kitchen scales containing lithium coin cell batteries, many people also store spare batteries in a kitchen drawer. Always ensure you recycle old batteries immediately and responsibly. Other dangers in the kitchen are things like dishwasher tablets - these should be securely stored out of reach as they can burn. Ensure you have a decent first aid kit and the knowledge to use the contents. Here are some tips for some common injuries occurring in the home firstaidforlife.org.uk/treating-minor-injuries-at-home/

@lillypopdaisyduke

I always choose toys where you have to unscrew the battery casing to replace any used batteries, but do not have this control over gifts which have been bought for my DS, do you know on any tape which can be stick over battery casings which has been tested to be safe and 'child-proof'

All quality toys should conform to UK Safety standards requiring two separate mechanisms to access a battery compartment. If you are giving something to your child without these additional safety measures, then it is not a safe toy. There is no tape that will deter a determined child from accessing the battery department. If your child gets hold of button batteries and were to swallow them, the consequences could be devastating. See more information on what to do if your child swallows a button battery firstaidforlife.org.uk/how-a-spoonful-of-honey-could-save-your-childs-life/ Take further safety measures by buying Duracell's lithium coin cell batteries which are covered in a Bitrex coating that is repulsive and will prevent children from putting them in their mouths. Always ensure you buy batteries from reputable and responsible manufacturers in childproof packaging.