Checklist for children aged 4-6

Around the house

• Keep out of reach of children medication and vitamins and chemicals and detergents.
• Keep out of reach of children matches and lighters, alcohol and drugs, tobacco, snuff and nicotine replacement products.
• Keep detergents, cleaning solutions and other chemicals in their original packaging.
• Have only non-toxic plants inside the house.
• Indoor stairs must have anti-slip guards.
• Indoor stairs must have handrails with vertical bars that have sufficiently narrow gaps between them.
• Practise walking on the stairs. Children must not run or play on the stairs.
• Windows should be equipped with brackets to prevent children from falling out.
• Place anti-slip guards below rugs and carpets.
• Ensure that the locks on the toilet and bathroom doors can be opened from outside.
• Only have thermostat and safety taps in the bathroom.
• Equip the floor and the tub with anti-slip guards.
• Always empty the bathtub or whirlpool bath after a bath.
• Keep sharp knives and other tools out of reach of children.
• Make it clear to your child that new skills should only be practised in the presence of an adult.

Fire safety and electrical equipment

• Every floor must have at least one functional smoke alarm per 60 square metres.
• Check the functionality of the smoke alarms every month.
• Sockets should be safety protected or covered with plugs.
• Electrical cords should be fastened in place and kept out of reach of children. Extension cords should be kept clean of dust and they should not be plugged into each other.
• The sauna heater has a safety railing around it, and the sauna must not be used for drying clothes or storing items.
• If you are not using the sauna heater, turn off the fuse.
• Check the condition of electric equipment, such as lamps, and only use safe products (CE marking).
• Teach your child about fire safety and practise the use of home appliances, knives and tools together.

In the yard

• Playground equipment, such as swings and climbing frames, should be safe, and you should check its condition regularly.
• Play areas for children should be safe from traffic and direct sunlight.
• Protect your child from sunlight with appropriate clothing, by choosing when to go outside and by using sunscreen.
• Children should wear clothes that cannot get stuck on the playground equipment (for instance, no cords in hoods).
• Only one child should jump on a trampoline at a time, and the trampoline must be equipped with a safety net.
• Agree with your child where the child is allowed to go when playing outside.
• The child should wear appropriate safety equipment for each activity (e.g. skating, skiing, cycling and skateboarding).
• Bike helmets should be removed before play.
• Keep hot tubs and other water containers/pools covered when not in use.

Road safety

• Children must be transported in an appropriate child safety seat facing backwards until they are 150 cm tall (legal obligation until 135 cm) as long as possible, and at least until the age of four.
• Both children and adults should wear properly fastened bike helmets when cycling.
• Adults’ and children’s clothes are equipped with safety reflectors. If needed, visibility can be increased with a reflective vest.
• Bicycles are equipped with appropriate reflectors. Bicycles are maintained on a regular basis. Check that the bicycle tyres have air and the brakes work before every cycling trip.
• When cycling in twilight or darkness, always use a colourless headlight and a red taillight.
• Children must practise safe transport skills with an adult. The adult must set a good example.
• Check that the speed limit in the neighbourhood is sufficiently low.

Water safety

• Children and adults should always wear a life jacket when travelling on water.
• Always monitor your child near water: floats or pool toys are not safety equipment.
• Children become familiar with water through play.

First aid

• Save in your phone emergency number 112 or download the 112 Suomi mobile app if you are using a smartphone.
• Save in your phone the free-of-charge number of the Poison Information Centre 0800 147 111 (24h).
• The child knows how to ask adults for help in an emergency and how to call the emergency number 112.
• Ensure the adequacy of your first aid equipment (ask for instructions at the pharmacy or the maternity and child health clinic).

Other

• Agree on ground rules with your child regarding the use of media (tablet, smartphone, TV and games).
• Instruct your child on the safe use of the Internet and tell them what to do if they encounter disturbing content.
• Encourage your child to be physically active and teach them safety skills: e.g. cycling and traffic rules.
• The child’s comings and goings and whereabouts are known at home and have been agreed on together.
• Wearing a wristband or similar accessory that displays the child’s name and the parent’s contact details increases the child’s safety at various events.
• Teach your child to take others into consideration and take care of their own and other people’s safety.
• Listen to your child and show interest in their emotions and thoughts.
• Accept your child as they are and raise them with encouragement.
• Make sure that your child gets to enjoy safe cuddles, closeness and time together with the family.