Child Safety Week (1–7 June 2026) is a campaign led by Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT) and is all about Making prevention possible - helping families make small, simple changes that can prevent serious accidents without feeling overwhelmed.

At Mini First Aid, we know that parenting already comes with enough pressure. Keeping children safe at home shouldn’t feel impossible or frightening. Often, it’s the little everyday changes that make the biggest difference.

That’s why we’ve teamed up with Happy Mum HQ on a brand-new series of short, practical videos designed to support families with everyday safety at home. The videos are quick, accessible and full of realistic advice you can actually implement - whether you’re caring for a crawling baby, a curious toddler or busy older children. The first video, focusing on blind cord safety, is now live, with more videos being released across our social channels over the coming weeks.

As part of Child Safety Week, we’re shining a light on three important areas of home and family safety that are often overlooked: blind cords, dog safety and barbecue safety.


Blind cord safety: The hidden danger in plain sight

Many parents are shocked to learn that around two children every year die after becoming entangled in looped blind cords.

What makes blind cord accidents especially devastating is how quickly and silently they happen. A toddler can lose consciousness in just 15 seconds if a cord becomes wrapped around their neck, and death can occur within minutes.

Most accidents happen in places families naturally think of as safe - bedrooms and living rooms.

Toddlers are particularly vulnerable because:

  • Their heads are proportionally heavier than their bodies
  • Their muscle control is still developing
  • Their airways are smaller and softer
  • They love climbing onto furniture and windowsills

The good news is that simple changes can dramatically reduce the risk.


Simple ways to make blind cords safer:

  • Get into the habit of tying cords up every time
  • Install a metal cleat hook or tensioner to keep cords out of reach
  • Move cots, beds, highchairs and playpens away from windows
  • Remember children can climb higher than you expect
  • Check Roman blinds have safety connectors that break under pressure
  • Consider cordless blinds, especially in children’s bedrooms

Even if your blinds came with safety devices, they only work if they’re consistently used.

For more guidance on blind cord safety, visit CAPT Child Safety Week and Make It Safe.


Dog Safety: Teaching children and dogs to feel safe together

Dogs can bring enormous joy to family life, but it’s important to remember that any dog can bite if they feel frightened, uncomfortable or overwhelmed.

Last year, more than 1,700 children were admitted to hospital with dog bites in the UK, and most bites happen at home with a familiar dog.

The reassuring news is that many dog bites are preventable.

Both the Dogs Trust and RSPCA recommend focusing on two key things:

  • Close supervision
  • Understanding dog body language

What does close supervision really mean?

Dogs Trust breaks it down into three simple actions:

Stay close

Watch, listen and stay nearby so you can step in early if needed.

Step in

Intervene if either the child or dog is becoming uncomfortable or behaving unsafely.

Separate

Use safety gates or separate spaces during busy or distracting moments like cooking dinner, answering the door or the morning rush.

Teaching children how to behave around dogs is equally important. Encourage children to:

  • Stay calm and quiet around unfamiliar dog
  • Ask permission before stroking a dog
  • Avoid hugging, climbing on or startling dogs
  • Respect when a dog wants space

Even if you don’t own a dog yourself, these conversations are important because children naturally want to approach dogs in parks and public places.


What should you do if a child is bitten by a dog?

Seek urgent medical attention immediately if:

  • The bite is on the face or head
  • The wound is deep
  • Bleeding won’t stop

For smaller bites:

  • Rinse the wound under running water
  • Clean the surrounding skin with soap and warm water
  • Apply antiseptic cream
  • Cover with a clean dressing
  • Contact 111 or your GP for further advice

You can find more guidance here:


BBQ Safety: Summer fun without the risk

As summer approaches, many families will be lighting barbecues in gardens, parks and on beaches. But barbecues can pose serious risks if safety isn’t considered.

According to the International Burn Injury Database, 184 children and young people aged 0-19 suffered barbecue injuries serious enough to require treatment at specialist burn services in 2025.

Many barbecue accidents happen in seconds - often when adults become distracted.

Top barbecue safety tips for families:

  • Never leave a barbecue unattended
  • Keep children well away from hot barbecues
  • Place barbecues on flat ground away from fences, sheds and trees
  • Keep a fire blanket or extinguisher nearby
  • Never use a barbecue inside a tent or enclosed space
  • Allow disposable barbecues to cool fully before disposal
  • Keep barbecues at least three metres away from buildings

Food safety matters too. To reduce the risk of food poisoning:

  • Wash hands and utensils regularly
  • Thoroughly defrost meat before cooking
  • Avoid cross-contamination
  • Ensure meat is cooked properly
  • Refrigerate leftovers within one to two hours

One important reminder: never use water on a grease fire or barbecue flare-up. Use a fire blanket or extinguisher instead, and call the fire service if the fire becomes unmanageable.


Small changes really do save lives

Child Safety Week isn’t about making parents fearful. It’s about empowering families with practical knowledge and manageable changes that help keep children safer every day.

Whether it’s tying up a blind cord, supervising interactions with dogs more closely, or creating a safer barbecue setup, prevention doesn’t have to mean perfection.

Our new video series with Happy Mum HQ is designed to make these conversations easier, more accessible and less overwhelming for busy families.



Book a class with Mini First Aid

As babies become more mobile, everyday household risks quickly change too.

Our Baby Proofing class helps parents and carers learn practical ways to prevent common accidents at home, alongside refresher first aid advice for choking and burns.

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.

Classes are available in public venues or as private home sessions.

Visit Mini First Aid Classes to find out more.



Want more family health advice?

For more practical, supportive advice for family health:

We’re here to help you feel confident, prepared, and supported – every step of the way.

All the best,
Jo @ Mini First Aid x