Bucket and legionnaire hats that fit properly are a good option.   Broad brimmed hats with cord and toggle are also an option, but make sure there is a safety release mechanism attached to the cord.

There have been reports of children being injured whilst on play equipment where a hat with cord and toggle became lodged or entrapped. A hat with a quick release mechanism will prevent injury to the child.

Children can receive severe lacerations to their throat and are at risk of damage to the vocal cords if hat cords get caught around the neck. Similar issues arise with hooded children’s clothing.  It is recommended to remove cords from children’s clothing.

Visit the NSW Cancer Council website for more information on hats and sun protection. 

Every garden has its fair share of pests which can be controlled in a number of ways.  Using insecticide or pesticide is one way to protect plants from pests.  Storing these types of products around the house can be a possible poison hazard.  Insecticides, pesticides and cleaning products are the most commonly ingested poisons for children aged 1-4 in NSW.   Always keep these types of products away from children.  Keep in their original containers and sore in a lockable cupboard or up high and out of reach from children.

Other methods to control pests in the garden is using homemade organic sprays.  These will help reduce the need for keeping poisonous pesticides around the house, garden, shed or garage. 

Consider other control methods such as a band of sawdust.  Placing a ring of fresh sawdust around newly planted seedlings will deter snails and slugs.  Mulch, such as rice hull or sugar cane, will also deter snails as well as assist with erosion and keep the soil moist.  Many native birds also help to keep the insect and caterpillar population in balance in the garden.

Enjoy gardening with children and build life skills, grow food, cultivate a respect for nature and role model safe practices.    For more information visit ‘grow me safely’ at http://www.kidsafensw.org/growmesafely/

As children learn to crawl, walk, run, and being to explore their environment, some falls and bumps are bound to occur.  It is possible to reduce the risk of falls by understanding the child’s development, the possible hazards in and around the house and how to manage those hazards.

The three factors that influence how serious a fall can be are the height of the potential fall, what the child could fall onto and what a child might hit as they fall.  Falls from windows and balconies can be especially serious.  There are a few simple tips that will help protect children from falling out of windows or balconies. 

Visit Kidsafe Falls Prevention for more information!

• Keep windows locked to a maximum opening of 12.5 cm.

• Move chairs and furniture such as beds, cots or change tables away from windows.

• Keep children from going on a balcony unsupervised by locking the door or by installing a safety guard across the entry to the balcony.

• Move any item children could climb on away from the edge of the balcony, such as pot plants, furniture and play equipment.

• Always supervise children when they are on balconies.

• Do not rely on fly screens to prevent a child from falling through a window.

Two training dates are available, click here to sign up now! 

This course (Unit RSCICR301A: Provide information and advice on correct child car restraint use) is tailor made for those transporting children on a regular basis, including child care workers, family day care workers and intervention support staff. This course forms part of the nationally recognised 52778WA Course in Type 1 child car restraint fitting.

Topics include:

• Child car restraint use
• Types of restraints and accessories
• Legal requirements
• Australian Standards
• Anchorage points and attachments
• Older and second-hand restraints

Participants will be assessed in installing commonly used child car restraints. The course may also be valuable to hire car and limousine drivers as well as car sales people required to install child restraints in a newly purchased car.

Kidsafe NSW can provide in-house training for your organisation as part of your professional development program for staff.  If you would like to discuss training options please contact Kidsafe NSW on (02) 9845 0892 or email: schn-kidsafe@health.nsw.gov.au

For a complete list of product recalls including children’s clothing, furniture and toys go to ACCC Product Safety Australia