“Who even made the rules that you should keep cleaning products under your sink?”
It’s a question that stops you in your tracks - and for good reason. So many of the everyday things we do around the home aren’t actually designed with curious little explorers in mind.
At Mini First Aid, we know that most accidents involving children happen in the home - and often in places we think are “safe.” The good news? With a few simple changes, you can dramatically reduce the risks.
Let’s take a closer look at some key home safety essentials, inspired by our latest video with Happy Mum Happy Baby and backed by expert advice.
Rethink “normal” storage habits
For years, cleaning products have lived under the sink. But when you see your home from your child’s perspective - crawling, reaching, grabbing - it quickly becomes clear just how accessible (and dangerous) that is.
Top tips:
- Move cleaning products up high and out of reach
- Use locked cupboards wherever possible – these Invisible Magnet Locks are great for child-proofing discreetly!
- Remember: “child-resistant” does not mean child-proof
They might look colourful, soft, and even a bit like sweets - but laundry capsules are highly concentrated and extremely harmful if ingested.
Simple swap, big impact:
- Always close lids securely
- Store them well out of sight and reach
- Avoid transferring them into decorative containers
When “aesthetic” becomes a risk
Modern home products are designed to look beautiful - but that can sometimes blur the line between safe and unsafe for children.
If something looks like a treat, a curious child may try to taste it.
Watch out for:
- Cleaning products in stylish, open containers
- Scented or colourful items that resemble food
- Easily accessible jars, pods, or tablets
Poisoning in the home
On average, 15 children under five are admitted to hospital every single day due to accidental poisoning. Many of these incidents happen with everyday household items - just like the ones highlighted in our video.
Why are young children at higher risk?
Little ones are naturally curious and:
- Explore by touching and tasting
- Copy what adults do - including using products like medicines or sprays
- Are drawn to colourful items that look like sweets (like laundry capsules)
Common household poisoning risks
Poisoning hazards aren’t just limited to cleaning products. They can include:
- Cleaning products (e.g. bleach, sprays)
- Laundry detergents and capsules
- Medicines (including pet medications)
- Cosmetics like nail polish
- E-cigarettes and liquid refills
- Button batteries
- Alcohol
- Plants and gardening chemicals
Signs and symptoms of poisoning
If your child has been poisoned, symptoms can include:
- Vomiting or stomach pain
- Drowsiness, confusion or unusual behaviour
- Breathing difficulties
- Dizziness or palpitations
- Seizures (fits)
If symptoms come on suddenly - especially drowsiness or confusion - always treat it seriously.
How to prevent accidental poisoning
At home:
- Keep all chemicals out of sight and reach, ideally locked away
- Always store products in their original containers
- Replace lids and put items away immediately after use
- Never store chemicals in drinks bottles
With medications:
- Use child-resistant packaging where possible
- Avoid leaving medicines in handbags
- Store everything securely and out of reach
Other important risks:
- Keep button batteries well away from children
- Store e-cigarettes and refills safely
- Avoid poisonous plants in the home or garden
- Never mix cleaning products
See the world through their eyes
One of the most powerful things you can do? Get down on the floor.
Crawling babies explore everything within reach - and anything they can grab often goes straight into their mouth.
Anything smaller than a 2-pence piece is a choking hazard, so regular checks are key.
High-risk areas to prioritise
The kitchen
- Over 67,000 children experience accidents here each year
- Lock away cleaning products and sharp objects
- Keep hot items out of reach
The stairs
- Over 40 under-fives are admitted to hospital each week due to falls
- Install stairgates at the top and bottom
The living room and bedroom
- Secure TVs and furniture
- Cover sharp corners
- Tidy cables away
- Safely secure blind cords or chains with a cleat hook or tensioner to keep them away from children (or consider cord-free blinds)
The bathroom
- Lock away medications and toiletries
- Use non-slip mats
- Always supervise around water
Final thoughts
Home safety isn’t about wrapping your child in cotton wool - it’s about creating a space where they can explore safely.
Sometimes, it’s the everyday habits - like where we store cleaning products or how we use them - that make the biggest difference.
Want to feel even more confident?
Our Mini First Aid Baby Proofing class is ideal for parents and carers of babies aged 3 months+, helping you prevent common household accidents as your little one becomes more mobile.
You’ll also get a refresher on key first aid skills like choking and burns - so you’re not just preventing accidents, you’re prepared for them too.
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All the best,
Mini First Aid x
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