Unwrap RoSPA’s top tips for a safe and merry Christmas

Christmas is a time for joy, but ensuring safety over the festive season is just as important as the celebrations themselves.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has shared practical advice to help families shop wisely, prepare their homes, and avoid risks during the festive period.

Shopping safely for toys

When buying toys, RoSPA recommends using reputable retailers, particularly those with a high-street presence, to avoid counterfeit or unsafe products.

Toys should display a CE, UKCA, or UKNI mark, confirming they meet UK safety standards. Parents should also check for safety recalls before wrapping gifts, which can be found at gov.uk product recalls.

RoSPA cautions parents to assess whether young children might access potentially hazardous gifts intended for older recipients.

Items such as water beads and small, high-strength magnets can pose serious dangers if swallowed.

Online shopping advice

Online marketplaces require particular vigilance. Buyers should investigate the seller’s location, as products from outside the UK may not meet the country’s safety standards.

Button batteries, found in items like remote controls and weighing scales, should be checked to ensure they are secure, as these pose a severe ingestion risk.

Preparing your home for visitors

Hosting guests over Christmas can introduce new risks. RoSPA suggests conducting a quick safety audit of the home, particularly if children are visiting.

Looped blind cords should be secured, and cleaning products, medicines, and vapes stored out of reach. Decorations, which are not subject to toy safety regulations, should also be kept away from small children.

Switching from real candles to battery-powered alternatives and replacing old fairy lights can also reduce fire risks. Be sure to turn off all lights at bedtime.

Managing Christmas Day safely

With excitement running high, accidents can easily occur on the big day.

RoSPA advises tidying as you go to prevent trips and falls, keeping alcohol out of children’s reach, and supervising little ones around the kitchen, where hot ovens and sharp objects can be hazardous.

For very young children, using a travel cot during busy moments or properly securing them in a highchair can help prevent accidents.

With some simple precautions and planning, families can enjoy a festive season that is both merry and safe.

For more detailed advice, visit RoSPA’s Christmas safety guide.