Safe at Home

🔺 Internet Safety 🔺
During the , children and teens tend to spend more time on their devices. Whether chatting to their friends in their favourite video game or watching content online, please take a look at this advice on keeping it all balanced this because
https://bit.ly/3LBRtjT

Follow and share our with Safe at Home

Expert advice on screen time, summer selfies and more Expert advice on screen time & more | Internet Matters. Expert advice on recognising when screen time affects children's wellbeing.

While bumps and grazes are a normal part of childhood, some accidents are so serious that child may need to go to hospital. Thankfully, there are simple steps you can take to help make sure your children are safe - Be One Step Ahead!
✅ Luton families who have a child between 0-5 yrs are eligible for a FREE Home Safety Check, this includes:
👉 Top tips on preventing falls, burns, suffocation and choking, strangulation, scalds, poisoning, cuts and drowning + safer sleep for babies info
👉 Handy check list
👉 Fire safety advice
👉 Child Safety equipment installation (for eligible households only)
👉 Free invite to our Infant & Child First Aid course (various dates/venues)
🤩 APPLY online via our website: https://www.safeathomecip.org.uk/apply-online/
Or ask your Health Visiting team to refer you to Safe at Home.
*Note: This service is available for Luton families with under 5s.

Please FOLLOW US to stay updated with safety news and SHARE this post on your social media - thank you.

🌞 More top tips for our

With the dramatic improvement in the weather for the next couple of days, we're sharing some information from on keeping your breastfed and formula-fed babies hydrated!

Breastfed babies under 6 months old don't need extra water. Your breastmilk water content changes with your baby's needs.

Formula-fed babies under 6 months may be given small sips of water between milk feeds. Tap water (even filtered) must be boiled and cooled first. Bottled water may be inappropriate due to high sodium levels.

From 6 months water can be given to breastfed and bottle-fed babies, and tap water no longer needs to be boiled.

The number of wet nappies is a good indication of how hydrated your baby is. Around 6 in 24 hours is good 💜

You can find more information here:https://static1.squarespace.com/static/59f75004f09ca48694070f3b/t/66840be75685f059721c3e0f/1719929831856/FAQ+-+Water+during+infancy_10Jun2024v2.pdf

Also, please don't forget to keep yourselves safe and hydrated in the sunshine too! 😎🫗☀️

[ID: Should I Give Water To My Baby? guidance and recommendations. Breastfed babies 0-6 months. No extra water is needed for exclusively breastfed babies until solids are introduced. During hot weather breastfeed often to quench your baby's thirst.
Formula fed babies 0-6 months. May need amounts of extra water during hot weather. Tap water is not sterile. It needs to be boiled and cooled first. Bottles water may be inappropriate due to high sodium and sulphate levels. filtered water can be given to babies under 6 months, but still needs to be boiled and cooled.
How much? There is no specific guidance on how much extra water to give babies 0-6 months when it's hot. If needed, give small sips in between milk feeds. Generally, a well hydrated baby produces about 6 wet nappies every 24 hours.
What about babies 6-12 months?
Water can be given from an open cup or beaker as mealtimes from 6 months, and tap water no longer needs to be boiled. young children aged 1-5 years do not need any drinks other than milk and water.
For more information visit: firststepsnurtition.org]

Be cautious this - not everything that is sold is safe!
🛍️ Find our top tips for below, including what to look out for when shopping from online marketplaces and tips on making safer choices for your family home.

Learn more:
Electrical Safety First: https://ow.ly/NKA450SBn3U

Choosing nursery products for baby:
The Lullaby Trusthttps://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/The-Lullaby-Trust-Product-Guide-Web.pdf

Toy Safety:
Child Accident Prevention Trust https://capt.org.uk/toy-safety/

Safe at Home helping to keep families safe - please like and follow us.

Be cautious this ! 🛍️ Find our top tips for on our website, including what to look out for when shopping from online marketplaces. Learn more: https://ow.ly/NKA450SBn3U

👶 Join the Baby Massage course with Flying Start Luton to learn techniques that can help soothe your baby and strengthen your bond.

Sign up today 👇
https://www.flyingstartluton.com/baby/services/

👶 Discover the benefits of baby massage!

😊 Join Flying Start Luton's course to learn techniques that can help soothe your baby and strengthen your bond.

Sign up today 👇
https://www.flyingstartluton.com/baby/services/

🔺 TOXIC Plants 🔺

Giant hogweed (aka giant cow parsley) is a fairly common plant in the UK, we are seeing it everywhere at the moment, but did you know it is a toxic plant that can cause severe skin blisters*, burns and even blindness?
Toxic components in the leaves, stems, roots, flowers and seeds can be transferred to the skin by touch, and although these do not cause burning alone, they make skin sensitive to sunlight, which can then cause rashes, burns and severe blistering. How badly the skin is affected depends on the individual, but children are known to be particularly sensitive.
NHS guidance is to wash the area of skin with soap and water as quickly as possible and keep it covered.
If a burn appears, treat it as you usually would a burn:
• Stop the burn process as soon as possible.
• Cool the skin with cool running water for 20 minutes
• Cover the burn with cling film.
• Treat the pain from a burn with paracetamol or ibuprofen.
• Raise the affected area, if possible, to help to reduce swelling.
Please see your GP or call 111 if symptoms are severe or persistent.




Image credits:
Blister image: Dragan Marjanovic, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Hogweed Image: This image is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

Cow parsley is a fairly common plant in the UK, we are seeing it everywhere at the moment, but did you know that it can burn and sting skin and that the related plant giant hogweed is a toxic plant that can cause severe skin blisters*, burns and even blindness?

Toxic components in the leaves, stems, roots, flowers and seeds can be transferred to the skin by touch, and although these do not cause burning alone, they make skin sensitive to sunlight, which can then cause rashes, burns and severe blistering. How badly the skin is affected depends on the individual, but children are known to be particularly sensitive.

NHS guidance is to wash the area of skin with soap and water as quickly as possible and keep it covered.

If a burn appears, treat it as you usually would a burn:

• Stop the burn process as soon as possible.
• Cool the skin with cool running water for 20 minutes
• Cover the burn with cling film.
• Treat the pain from a burn with paracetamol or ibuprofen.
• Raise the affected area, if possible, to help to reduce swelling.

Please see your GP or call 111 if symptoms are severe or persistent.

*Please note, we have not been able to source an image of how skin blisters due to hogweed would look on black or brown skin - if this has happened to you and you would like to share the image to help others understand how this presents, please DM us 💚

Image credits:
Blister image: Dragan Marjanovic, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Hogweed Image: This image is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

Keeping Baby Safe - FREE for Luton households with a baby due in 2024 / 2025 - don't miss out, book your place(s) today which includes a complimentary goody bag.

This 2.5 hour session is perfect for pregnant parents or families with a newborn baby who live in Luton - parents tell us they love being able to access this session online in the comfort of their own home or even during a break at work. We offer choice of dates/times to help you choose a convenient time for you - please book in advance as we have limited spaces available. Plus you can also register for our other free services at the same time if you wish.

👉 Email us for more information: [email protected]

🤩 100% of previous attendees recommend this session saying they learnt so much and feel their baby is now much safer. Please like and share on your social media with family and friends who maybe expecting a baby, we are happy for you to leave a comment or ask us a question.

⚠️ A brave Mum relives how a simple shower led to a tragic accident - Read Teddy's Story (link below) shared to raise awareness of burn injuries and what iis on offer to help LUTON families to stay safe.

Families in Luton are fortunate to have free support and advice from the local Safe at Home scheme with top tips to help ensure the home is safe and childhood accidents are minimised.

Safe at Home are offering a free home safety check + free infant first aid course for parents - have you booked yours yet?
Apply here: https://www.safeathomecip.org.uk/apply-online/

Thanks go to Pick Me Up Magazine who recently shared Teddy’s story. Mum Aimee told the magazine how a faulty thermostat caused her son Teddy to suffer second degree burns in the shower. https://cbtrust.org.uk/news-stories/aimees-story-hot-water-burns-like-fire-dont-forget-the-bathroom/

Check out the Luton Family Hubs website and app for latest information ⬇️⬇️⬇️

📱 Luton Family Hubs have launched a new website and mobile app to enhance the community's access to family services.

✔️ You'll be able to visit a comprehensive resource directory, view their events calendar and find your nearest Family Hub with interactive maps.

Read more 👇
https://m.luton.gov.uk/Page/Show/news/Pages/Luton-Family-Hubs-launch-new-website-and-mobile-app-to-enhance-community-access-to-family-services.aspx

🔺 LUTON FAMILIES - Do you have a gas or wood burning appliance in your home? If yes, please check that you have a carbon monoxide detector in every room that has an appliance ie boiler, gas cooker, fire. and ensure the alarm is tested regularly - this will help detect if deadly carbon monoxide is leaking! Always seek expert advice from a registered Gas Safe engineer.

✅ Luton families with under 5s can apply for a FREE Home Safety check - our friendly advisor will provide advice on risk of poisoning, burns, falls and other dangers in your home, plus some households may be eligible for free intallation of CO Alarms and child safety equipment.
We work in partnership with Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service to help keep Luton families safe.

APPLY here: https://www.safeathomecip.org.uk/apply-online
Common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:
◾ Headache
◾ Dizziness
◾ Nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting
◾ Tiredness and confusion
◾ Stomach pain
◾ Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing
Learn more about how to keep safe from carbon monoxide by visiting the RoSPA and Wales & West Utilities hub: https://www.rospa.com/policy/home-safety/carbon-monoxide-hub

Every year around 40 people die and over 4,000 become seriously ill as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning. It's important to familiarise yourself with the common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning:

◾ Headache
◾ Dizziness
◾ Nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting
◾ Tiredness and confusion
◾ Stomach pain
◾ Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing

Learn more about how to keep safe from carbon monoxide by visiting the RoSPA and Wales & West Utilities hub: https://www.rospa.com/policy/home-safety/carbon-monoxide-hub

🗣 Update: Dads Group this Saturday is now being held at Park Town Centre on Bailey Street NOT at Stockwood as originally planned.
📌 13th July - Book your free place now for Dads, Grandads, Uncles etc with a child aged 0-8 yrs.

There is still time to book your place:
Email: [email protected] or Call: 01582 368245

Flying Start Luton

Just a reminder that we are running our Dad's Group on the 13th of July. Please feel free to join us!

🛑 URGENT RECALL 🛑

⚠️URGENT RECALL: Kinderkraft I-CARE Car Seat due to possible risk of injuries.

The carry handle fastener may loosen during use, posing a risk of injury when carrying the car seat outside the vehicle.

Barcode: 5902533923991

Affected batch numbers: Between 23W17 and 23W46. (The batch number is located on the label under the car seat.)

If you have the affected product, stop using it immediately and visit https://kinderkraft.co.uk/voluntaryexchange for more information.

Find out What's On with Flying Start Luton this summer - check out the timetable below.
Don't forget Safe at Home is open for services to help keep babies and children safe:
🟦FREE Home Safety Checks for all Luton families with under 5s
🟨FREE child safety equipment for low income households
🟪FREE Keeping Baby Safe Zoom workshop for pregnant and new parents with a baby up to 3m old (includes free gift bag)
🟩FREE Infant & Child Basic First Aid Workshop (for families who access any of the above services)

Email us to find out more: [email protected]

🔺 Fake products put you and your family at RISK 🔺

For more guidance, visit: https://ow.ly/FL5k50SvsCU

🛒 Shopping online? This is your sign to look out for dangerous electricals sold via online marketplaces. ⚡️ Don't be fooled - UK or CE marks alone do not guarantee that a product is safe. Be cautious of sellers claiming their products are 'genuine' or 'CE certified'. Reputable retailers don’t need to oversell their authenticity.

For more guidance, visit: https://ow.ly/FL5k50SvsCU

The next series of maternity care workshops for Urdu Bengali speaking women is planned for 9th July.
Tickets are free. https://www.eventbrite.com/.../mnvp-workshop-bengali-urdu...

The next in our series of workshops for Urdu Bengali speaking women is planned for 9th July and we'd love to see as many of you there as possible. Tickets are free. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mnvp-workshop-bengali-urdu-speaking-women-tickets-940906094457

📢 Skin-to-Skin saves lives! Please share widely ❤️

📌COLOR POSTERS TO DOWNLOAD (PDF):
https://llli.org/news/skin-to-skin-is-as-easy-as-1-2-3/

IMPORTANT information that all parents / guardians and caregivers should be aware of 👇 please read.

'Dry drowning' or 'Secondary drowning' is a myth. Created from social media sensationalism and are not real medical terms.

But 'Submersion injuries' are REAL.

Non fatal submersion injury or Fatal submersion injuries are the correct medical terms.

If your child has a significant submersion event in water where they need to be pulled out and have coughing, choking, gagging and breathing difficulties, where they have aspirated water in their lungs, they to be seen by a medical professional urgently.

However there is a small group of kids who have a little bit of gagging or choking after a significant water event but appear to be ok. Symptoms will get worse in 4-8 hours, not days later. This is a serious submersion injury. They may still have some water in their lungs and have some or all of the following symptoms:

1. Shortness of breath
2. Vomitting
3. Blue around lips
4. Altered mental status
5. Worsening coughing
6. Difficulty breathing

I can't emphasize enough that these are not kids who just popped their faces in the bath or were swimming really hard in the pool. They have to have had a significant event happen in water to get a submersion injury.

If any of these symptoms occur 4-8 hours later get medical emergency help immediately. Keep checking on your child after any near drowning incident.

🔺 Heatwave Hack WARNING 🔺

Electrical Safety First are warning against using ice or water near your fan as it is NOT safe!

Follow guidance from The Lullaby Trust to help keep your baby cool during warmer weather: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=669017635408987

⚠️ Beware of dangerous heatwave hacks!

The are back. Here's your reminder to take care when keeping cool. Find our top tips for fan safety: https://ow.ly/SgLn50SpNet

❗️ Remember: avoid leaving your fan on overnight. We do understand many people will be tempted to keep it on and in this instance, please ensure you have working smoke alarms on each floor of your home.

🌡Feeling hot, hot, hot! 🌡
With temperatures rising further across the UK this week, we are resharing this handy graphic!
If you're breastfeeding your little one in this heat, remember:
☀️ In hot weather, your baby may want to feed more often or for longer than usual.
☀️ If they're under 6 months and exclusively breastfed, there's no need to give any additional water - just feed on demand to keep them hydrated and make sure you're getting plenty of fluids yourself.
☀️ Your body will generally continue producing enough milk for your baby's demand (except if you get extremely dehydrated), but keep on top of your water and ice lolly intake for your own wellbeing!
☀️ Babies over 6 months who have started eating solid foods should be offered water in a cup with meals, and throughout the day in hot weather.
More info on keeping your baby safe in the sun can be found here:
https://www.nhs.uk/.../first.../safety/safety-in-the-sun/


Follow our for more top tips on keeping your child safe during hot weather.

🌡Feeling hot, hot, hot! 🌡

With temperatures rising further across the UK this week, we thought another share of this handy graphic might be useful!

If you're breastfeeding your little one in this heat, remember:

☀️ In hot weather, your baby may want to feed more often or for longer than usual.
☀️ If they're under 6 months and exclusively breastfed, there's no need to give any additional water - just feed on demand to keep them hydrated and make sure you're getting plenty of fluids yourself.
☀️ Your body will generally continue producing enough milk for your baby's demand (except if you get extremely dehydrated), but keep on top of your water and ice lolly intake for your own wellbeing!
☀️ Babies over 6 months who have started eating solid foods should be offered water in a cup with meals, and throughout the day in hot weather.

More info on keeping your baby safe in the sun can be found here:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/first-aid-and-safety/safety/safety-in-the-sun/

🥵 Heat Exhaustion V Heat Stroke 🥴
Would you know the difference or the symptoms?

Going abroad this summer or plannng activities this week? Know all the symptoms of heatstroke in babies and children. Be prepared.

Before heat stroke symptoms appear, kids often show signs and symptoms of milder heat illnesses such as heat cramps and heat exhaustion. They are such busy bees so running around or playing in the heat means they can loose excessive fluids and salt from sweating.

Whereas, heat stroke is a severe type of heat illness that occurs when a child's body creates more heat than it can release. This results in a rapid increase in core body temperature, leading to brain damage or death if not promptly treated.

Heat exhaustion? Look for:
• Cramps in the arms, legs or stomach
• A high temperature
• Excessive sweating and skin becoming pale and clammy
• Fast breathing or heartbeat
• Weakness
• Feeling sick or being sick.

If your child has heat exhaustion, follow these 4 steps:
1. Move them to a cool place.
2. Remove all unnecessary clothing like a jacket or socks.
3. Get them to drink a sports or rehydration drink, or cool water.
4. Cool their skin – spray or sponge them with cool water and fan them. Cold packs, wrapped in a cloth and put under the armpits or on the neck are good too.

Stay with them until they're better.
They should start to cool down and feel better within 30 minutes.

If dehydration becomes a serious issue and turns quickly from heat exhaustion to heat stroke get medical help immediately. That’s when nausea, high temperature and headache don’t resolve with rehydration within 30 minutes. A child will appear flushed and red, may be hot to touch but remain dry ie. doesn’t have sweat or tears and can be unconscious and floppy. They are at risk of a seizure so should be seen straight away so dial 999 if this happens.

⚠ Are your windows wide open?
We are reminding households to think about WINDOW SAFETY to ensure babies and young children are safe from accidental falls from an open window.
Check out our TOP TIPS:
🔹 Fit 'window restrictors' that allow for ventilation but restrict the window from opening wide enough for a child to fall out - Luton households can talk to Safe at Home scheme about window restrictors. Alternatively, various types are available from DiY stores or online retailers.
🔹 Children must be supervised by an adult at all times around open windows (without restrictors or safety catches).
🔹 Move furniture away from windows so that children cannot climb eg. beds, tables, units, chairs etc.
🔸 If the window has a lock and key, keep it closed and locked if and when children are left unsupervised or even sleeping. Keep the key safe on a piece of string or ribbon and pin to the inside of the curtain at the top, out of reach of children - the key needs to be easily accessible for an adult in an emergency situation.
🔹 Talk to older children about window safety and encourage them not hold younger siblings near to open windows - young children have larger heads and can easily topple forward and fall out of the window.
☑️ Luton families can register for a FREE Home Safety Check, some households may be eligible for FREE Window Restrictors:
➡️ APPLY HERE: https://www.safeathomecip.org.uk/apply-online/
🌻 Follow our for tops tips on keeping children safe.
👍 Like, Talk and Share this post with your friends and family - it may save a child's life!

☀️ How safe is your baby? The Lullaby Trust shares important top tips for summer safety:
⚠️ Babies’ prams, travel systems and buggies should not be covered with blankets, cloths or any cover that prevents the air circulating. Covering a pram or buggy could lead to overheating, which increases the chance of SIDS. Covering also creates a barrier between parent and baby, which is risky as parents won’t be able to see if their baby is having difficulties or monitor their temperature easily.
✅ We recommend attaching a clip-on SUNSHADE or PARASOL to the pram or buggy (it is easier for air to circulate) and checking if baby is getting too hot by feeling their chest or the back of their neck. Keep babies out of direct sunlight as much as possible.
The Lullaby Trust share some top tips here: 👇
https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/.../baby-summer-safety/

⭐️ Follow our for more top tips on keeping kids safe.
🌟 Pregnant and New Parents who live in Luton can join our FREE online 'Keeping Baby Safe' session - email us for further details: [email protected]

We are working with Luton Community Health Services to help local Luton families with child safety in the home - BOOK your free home safety check with us - some households may also qualify for free child safety equipment - accidents don't have to happen, let's help you get one step ahead! Note, we may have a waiting list during busy periods so don't delay, apply today (for info: the safety check is suitable for all households in Luton with a child 0-5yrs).

✅ REGISTER your interest today: https://www.safeathomecip.org.uk/apply-online/

Our 9-12 Month Review includes a check to make sure you have everything you need to keep your baby safe! An appointment will be sent when your baby is around 10 months old.

🔺 Drowning accidents have sadly increased 😢 please take a moment to read the top tips from Child Accident Prevention Trust to help keep little ones safe around water - share with family and friends to help raise awareness

Paddling pools are a great way to have fun and cool down in the warmer weather. But it’s important to remember little ones can drown in just a few cm of water.

That’s why it’s so important to keep little children in arms reach when they’re in or around the paddling pool.

It’s also wise to empty paddling pools after use to stop children falling in accidentally or entering them unsupervised.

And, don’t forget to store or turn over your paddling pool when it’s not in use to prevent it from filling with rainwater.

More water safety tips: https://capt.org.uk/drowning/

🌡️ It’s getting warmer 🌡️
Follow top tips from The Lullaby Trust to help keep your baby safe during warmer weather ⬇️

The hotter it is, the fewer layers your baby needs. We can’t specifically say what babies should wear at each temperature because every baby is different. Instead, regularly check your baby’s chest or the back of their neck, and remove layers if these areas are hot, clammy or sweaty.

FAMILY SAFETY
🔥 Battery fire warning 🔥
There is a growing problem of battery fires in the UK in homes, bin lorries and waste centres.
Dispose safely to protect your own family and others:
https://recycleyourelectricals.org.uk/electrical.../

🔥Battery fire warning 🔥

There is a growing problem of battery fires in the UK in both bin lorries and waste centres.

Please don’t put any electricals, batteries or vapes in your bins 🙏
Check where to recycle 👇

https://recycleyourelectricals.org.uk/electrical-recycling-near-me/

Bathtime safety tip: Always keep your baby within arm's reach, even with a bath seat. Remember a bath seat is NOT a safety device, your supervision is crucial for a safe and happy bathing experience.
Read our bathtime advice here ▶ https://ow.ly/Wi7t50RBaGw

Bathtime safety tip: Always keep your baby within arm's reach, even with a bath seat.

Your supervision is crucial for a safe and happy bathing experience.

Read our bathtime advice here ▶ https://ow.ly/Wi7t50RBaGw