Child Equipment (1-5 Years): Safety – GCSE Child Development OCR Revision

Child Equipment (1-5 Years): Safety Considerations

Indoor Play Equipment

Children should be encouraged to play with age-appropriate toys. Toys with small pieces could present a choking hazard for children under three.
Children should always be supervised when using large play equipment, including slides and climbing frames, to help prevent falls.
Be aware of any cords or strings on toys or window blinds. These can be strangulation hazards if not properly secured.
Always secure furniture to walls to prevent tipping. Shelf units and large televisions are particular risks.

Outdoor Play Equipment

Outside, children should wear helmet, knee and elbow pads when using bicycles, scooters or skateboards.
When at a public playground, ensure the surface under play equipment is designed to reduce the impact of falls. It should be made from material like wood chip, sand, or rubber.
Select play equipment suitable for the child’s age and development. Children aged 1-5 should only use lower height equipment under careful supervision.
All outdoor play equipment should be regularly inspected for wear and tear, fixing or replacing any items that become broken or unsafe.

Travel Equipment

Children under 135cm tall or under 12 years of age need child car seats; the type depends on the child’s weight and height. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for safe usage.
On other forms of transport like buses or trains, children should remain securely seated and supervised at all times.

Sleep Equipment

Parents and caregivers should remove any cot toys or mobiles once a child is able to stand up in a cot, to prevent the risk of climbing or entanglement.
Bedrails are recommended when a child transitions from a cot to a bed, to prevent falls during sleep.
Pillows and duvets can be introduced once a child is over a year old, but soft toys and other potential suffocation hazards should be kept to a minimum in the bed.

Safety Measures for Child Equipment

Childproofing the house with safety gates, window locks, corner protectors and cupboard locks minimises potential dangers around the home.
Regularly check all children’s equipment, from toys to furniture, to ensure they’re in good condition, are clean, and function as intended.
Always set a good example by demonstrating appropriate use of equipment and explaining any rules or dangers clearly to children.
Caregivers should always have immediate access to basic first aid equipment and a list of emergency contact numbers.