Safe at Home

24/11/2025

🧠💛 FREE Online Session for Parents of Babies Under 12 Months!
Want to give your baby the best start in life? Join the Early Years Alliance for a friendly, 1-hour online session all about Building Babies’ Brains — simple, everyday ways to support your little one’s development.

👶 Who’s it for?
Parents and carers with a baby under 12 months — open to all and completely FREE!

💻 What to expect:
✔️ Easy, practical ideas you can use at home
✔️ Fun ways to connect with your baby
✔️ Tips to boost early brain development
✔️ A relaxed session delivered by experienced Early Years professionals

📅 DATE: 4 December - 10am-11am
Book your free space here:
👉 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/family-connect-building-babies-brains-tickets-1417325632119?aff=oddtdtcreator =1d3dc6fa-cd61-4086-b07f-541a5aa60100

Don’t miss this lovely opportunity to learn, connect, and support your baby’s amazing early development. 🌟
Share with a friend who might be interested! 💛

Family Corner - Early Years Alliance

Practical tips and advice on how to support your baby’s development

21/11/2025

🎉 We’re thrilled to share some exciting news! 🎉

Safe at Home Scheme (managed by the Early Years Alliance & Flying Start) has been nominated by Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service for the National AFSA Personal Fair & Diverse Awards – Partnership of the Year!

This nomination recognises the huge success of our long-standing partnership with BFRS, and the incredible work led by Elaine Ainsworth, Child Injury Prevention Co-ordinator, who has driven this life-saving work since 2009.

We’re so proud of everyone involved and hope you’ll join us in wishing the Safe at Home team the very best as they attend the prestigious awards ceremony on 26th November. 🤞✨

To learn more about the impact of the Safe at Home scheme and our fantastic partnership with Bedfordshire Fire & Rescue Service, visit:
👉 www.safeathomecip.org.uk

21/11/2025

⚠️ Product Recall Alert – Please Read, Parents, Carers & Nurseries ⚠️
With Christmas approaching, be extra cautious with sensory and novelty toys.

Squishy Dino and Unicorn Eggs (sold by Matalan, code 2511-0211) have been urgently recalled due to serious microbiological and choking risks.

These toys can burst easily during normal play, releasing:
🧩 Small parts – posing a choking hazard
💧 A liquid solution – found to contain high levels of aerobic microbials

If a child handles or inhales the solution, they could be exposed to bacteria that may cause health issues, especially for those who are immunocompromised.

If you have these toys, stop using them immediately and follow recall guidance here:
🔗 https://www.gov.uk/.../product-recall-squishy-dino-and..

⚠️ Squishy Dino and Unicorn Eggs sold by Matalan (2511-0211) presenting a serious microbiological and choking risk as they can burst easily during normal use, releasing small parts and an aqueous solution. This solution was found to contain an excess of aerobic microbials. If the user inhales or handles the solution, they could come into contact with these microbials. This may cause adverse health effects for certain consumers, such as those who are immunocompromised.⚠️

https://www.gov.uk/product-safety-alerts-reports-recalls/product-recall-squishy-dino-and-unicorn-eggs-sold-via-matalan-2511-0211

21/11/2025

❄️🚗 Cold weather warning for parents, grandparents, childminders & caregivers!
This might surprise you… but padded winter coats and snowsuits can put your child in danger in the car 🔺

During a collision, bulky clothing compresses instantly, creating a dangerous gap between your child and the harness — meaning they can be thrown forward or ejected from the seat.
And for babies, thick coats and snowsuits can also lead to overheating, which increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome ( ).

As it’s , now is the perfect time to check your winter travel habits and share with anyone who cares for your child.

✅ Top Tips for Safe Winter Car Travel

1️⃣ Remove padded coats, snowsuits and thick pramsuits before strapping your child in. Bulky clothing creates a false harness tightness and reduced protection in a crash.

2️⃣ Do the “two-finger test”
Harness should be snug against the body — no slack. If you can pinch the straps, it’s too loose.

3️⃣ Keep your child warm after they’re safely strapped in.
Use a blanket over the harness and ensure it is tucked in and not loose, or a thin fleece, or car seat–approved cover.

4️⃣ Warm the car up first where possible.
A few minutes of warm air means less need for bulky layers.

5️⃣ Never add aftermarket inserts, padding or thick liners
These aren’t crash-tested with the seat, not recommended by the manufacturer and can compromise safety.

6️⃣ For babies: avoid overheating
Remove hats and hoods when inside the car, keep layers thin, and check baby’s chest temperature regularly ~ remove blanket if necessary.

7️⃣ Re-check the car seat harness every journey
Child's clothing changes daily — 'harness fit' must be checked each and every time you travel.

Keeping little ones safe doesn’t have to be complicated — just a few simple steps can make all the difference ❤️

What experts say about wearing outdoor clothing when using a car seat, and the safest way to keep your child warm in the car.

20/11/2025

🛍️ Hunting for Black Friday bargains?
🎄 With Christmas around the corner, it’s tempting to click “Buy Now” on every deal you see…
But not every bargain is a good one — and some could put your family at risk.

⚠️ Scammers and unsafe sellers are busiest at this time of year.
Many cheap products — especially baby items, toys, electricals and household products and gadgets — can be poorly made, unsafe or even dangerous.

💥 Don’t risk it. Buy Safe. Keep your family safe.

Look out for:
❌ Deals that seem too good to be true
❌ Websites with no contact details or returns info
❌ Unknown sellers on online marketplaces
❌ Fake reviews or “limited time” pressure tactics
❌ Baby and child products without clear UK safety markings

Safer choices include:
✔️ Buying from trusted retailers
✔️ Checking safety labels, certifications and recalls
✔️ Researching the seller before you buy
✔️ Prioritising quality over the cheapest price
✔️ If you find a potentially unsafe product ~ please contact your local Citizen Advice Bureau and report it ~ this helps to keep everyone safe

👉 Protect yourself and your loved ones this :
Super simple advice at www.getsafeonline.org/purchasescams

As approaches, may we remind you that it's not just shoppers who get busy online this time of year … so do scammers. So don’t get caught out Check out our super simple advice at www.getsafeonline.org/purchasescams

20/11/2025

⚠️ PREGNANT? Or have a baby under 12 months?
Not everything sold is safe for your little one — even if it looks cute and cosy.

🎄 As Christmas approaches, many parents, friends and family are tempted to buy baby sleeping bags as a special first-Christmas gift…
But some types of baby sleep bags can increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

🛑 What’s the danger?
Sleep bags that are too loose, have hoods, or allow a baby to wriggle down inside have been linked to suffocation, overheating and even death.
Several styles sold online [shown in the image below] have already been recalled due to these serious risks.

💡 What to look for instead:
✔️ A well-fitted sleep bag with snug neck and arm holes
✔️ No hoods or head coverings
✔️ From a trusted retailer
✔️ Compliant to UK safety standard BS EN 16781:2018

Remember — if it looks “extra cosy,” it may not be safe.
👉 Luton parents-to-be and new parents can join our free online Keeping Baby Safe session to learn more top tips about choosing compliant baby retail products and thinking about baby safety ~Email us for further details of our 2026 dates: safeathome@eyalliance.org.uk

👉 Learn more about baby sleep product dangers here:
https://capt.org.uk/10-baby-products-that-could-pose.../

It can be really tricky to know what to buy the baby in your life for their first Christmas. But it’s really important to avoid dangerous sleep products.

Sleep bags like these may look very cosy and inviting but many sold online have been recalled as they present a serious risk of suffocation, overheating and death.

Sleep bags should be well fitted, (think neck and arm holes that fit well) so that your baby can’t wriggle down inside. And avoid any sleep bags with hoods or head coverings.

Learn more: https://capt.org.uk/10-baby-products-that-could-pose-serious-safety-risk/

19/11/2025

⚠️ Product Recall Alert – Important for Parents, Carers & Nurseries ⚠️
With Christmas just around the corner 🎁 please take extra care when buying or using sensory toys and don't forget to check that toy box today.

The Hapello Sensory Roller (sold by Asda, code 2503-0099) has been urgently recalled due to a high choking risk. A small piece of plastic may come loose from inside the toy during manufacturing. If a young child gets hold of this small part, they could put it in their mouth and choke.

If you have this item, stop using it immediately and follow the recall advice here:
🔗 https://www.gov.uk/.../product-recall-hapello-sensory

⚠️ Hapello Sensory Roller sold by Asda (2503-0099) presenting a high risk of choking due to the potential release of a small piece of plastic lodged in the toy during the manufacturing process. If a young child accessed this small piece of plastic, they may put it in their mouth and choke.⚠️

https://www.gov.uk/product-safety-alerts-reports-recalls/product-recall-hapello-sensory-roller-sold-by-asda-2503-0099

18/11/2025

🚗❄️ Parents — is your car winter-safe for your child?
Cold, dark, and icy days are coming, and a quick check could make all the difference.

👉 FREE Winter Vehicle Safety Check
📍 Luton Fire Station, Studley Road, LU3 1BB
📅 THURSDAY 20 November
⏰ 10am - 2pm
No booking needed — just pop in!

~ Fire crews will check your fuel, lights, oil, water, engine, and tyres to help keep your family safe on the road this winter.

~ eQuality Primary Care Network will also be there offering free personal health checks.

Stay safe, stay prepared, and protect your little passengers.

Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service
Flying Start Luton

18/11/2025

🚗 Car Seat Safety Starts with the Right Seat & Fit -
As parents and carers we want the best for our children — especially when they’re travelling. Did you know that choosing the correct car seat and fitting it properly can dramatically improve their safety?
Here are three top tips:
• ✔ Choose a seat that matches your child’s age, weight & height — don’t move up too early.
• ✔ Make sure it’s fitted securely to your vehicle — not all seats fit all cars perfectly.
• ✔ Make sure the harness/seat-belt is used correctly and that you don’t rely just on the seat being “legal” — correct installation matters.
• ➡Share this post with families who are expecting a baby or already use a car seat or booster seat - it could save a life!

Want full guidance on choosing, using and fitting the right car seat?
🔗 Visit: https://www.goodeggcarsafety.com




Brake, the road safety charity

Flying Start Luton

18/11/2025

⚠️ URGENT RECALL: Matalan Baby Clothing ⚠️
Parents — please check your baby’s wardrobe TODAY.

Matalan has issued an urgent recall on several baby rompers, dungarees and sweater sets after discovering that some poppers have sharp or rough edges. These could cut or scrape your baby’s skin, posing a risk of injury.

🛍️ Sold between: 13 July – 17 October 2025
👕 Multiple styles are affected across their baby range.

If you own any of these items:
➡️ Stop using them immediately
➡️ Return to any Matalan store for a full refund (no receipt needed)

Please share this alert so other parents can check too. Keeping little ones safe starts with staying informed. 💛

⚠️ Urgent recall: Matalan baby clothing

Matalan is recalling a number of baby rompers, dungarees and sweater sets due to a risk of injury. Some poppers may have rough edges, which could cause cuts or scrapes to infants.

🛍️ Sold between: 13 July and 17 October 2025
📋 Affected items include multiple styles

If you have one of these items, stop using it immediately and return it in-store for a full refund.

17/11/2025

🚗✨ Want to feel more confident about your child’s safety on and around roads?
Many parents are unsure where to find clear, trusted guidance — but you don’t need to figure it out alone.

Every day in the UK, 6 children are killed or seriously injured on the roads. Behind these numbers are families whose lives change in an instant — and even more near-misses that never get reported.

That’s why it’s so important to stay informed.
👉 Learn how to keep children safer as pedestrians, cyclists, passengers, and young travellers.
👉 Understand car seat safety, age-appropriate travel, visibility tips, and how to build safe habits for life.

⭐ Explore practical, easy-to-follow advice for parents and carers here:
🔗 https://www.brake.org.uk/get-involved/take-action/mybrake/knowledge-centre/advice-for-parents-and-families

A few minutes of reading could help protect your child on every journey.



Brake, the road safety charity

Flying Start Luton

17/11/2025

🚗 We’re supporting ! 🚦
Let’s keep our babies and children safe every time they’re on the move.

Parents/Caregivers — take a moment to think:
❓ Is your vehicle safe for your child?
❓ Is their car seat fitted and used correctly?
❓ Do they travel in other people’s cars safely?
❓ Does your child know the basics of road safety?

🟡 Teach children to:
➡️ STOP, LOOK, LISTEN & THINK before crossing
➡️ Walk on pavements and hold an adult’s hand
➡️ Use pedestrian crossings
➡️ Wear bright / reflective clothing in low light
➡️ Avoid distractions like phones & headphones near roads

Every small action helps protect little lives. 💛
Follow — Safe at Home for more trusted safety tips and updates.