The focal message for last weeks Child Safety Week 2006 was to remind families and child carers to put child safety first. Parents were encouraged to look out for and participate in local child safety events which took place across the UK. Themes included road safety and fire safety.

Research suggests that most accidents are caused by very simple things such as toddlers tripping on toys that have been left lying around or an older member of the family spilling a hot drink over a child whilst carelessly moving around. The Child Accident Prevention Trust's aim is to teach the public that preventing accidents does not have to be difficult. It’s the small steps that count. For one, taking five minutes to teach children how to put their toys away can help towards making a difference. This would also contribute to making the house a tidier place – fantastic!

The toy market has been slated for supplying toys that are quite frankly unsafe. Some toy companies have a poor reputation primarily because many of the toys are regarded as the product of poor production practices and negligence. As a result importer countries around the globe are rapidly attempting to enforce new, stricter standards for toy manufacturers to follow.

The Child Accident Prevention Trust recommend that parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles carry out their research before they purchase toys for babies and young children. Some of the industries biggest brands such as Mothercare have a reputation for supplying high quality toys and products that comply with the safety standards set. The Mothercare site also has a section on child safety which is especially useful for parents and carers.

Why not create a balance between safety and education and invest more time in reading with your children. As adults most of us remember the stories we once loved that made up a special part of our childhood experience. Penguin books offer a fantastic selection of childrens books which are both educational and fun.

No matter what activity you decide to allow your children to participate in, remember a safe child is a happy child.

About the author
Andrew Regan is an online journalist who enjoys socialising at his local Edinburgh cricket club.
Andrew.Regan.2006@googlemail.com