Bonfire Night, or Guy Fawkes Night, is a festive occasion filled with fireworks, sparklers, and bonfires. While these activities are thrilling, they can also be overwhelming — especially if you celebrate with babies or young children. Keeping them safe, calm, and cosy can allow the whole family to enjoy this special night. Here are some baby-safe ideas to ensure a memorable and safe Bonfire Night for everyone involved!

1. Consider Watching from Indoors

One of the safest ways to enjoy the fireworks with your little one is to stay indoors. Watching from a window or a balcony can give you the best of both worlds — your baby can watch the beautiful lights from afar without being exposed to loud noises or cold weather. If you know of a good vantage point, plan your evening around a cosy spot with a clear night sky view.

2. Use Baby Ear Protection

Fireworks and bonfires can be loud, which may startle or disturb your baby. Investing in baby earmuffs or noise-cancelling headphones is a simple way to reduce the noise levels for their sensitive ears. This can also help calm them, especially in a new or busy environment. Look for earmuffs specifically designed for babies to ensure a comfortable fit.

3. Dress Baby in Warm, Comfortable Layers

If you’re venturing outside, remember that Bonfire Night is often chilly. Dress your baby in warm, breathable layers that you can add or remove. A cosy hat, mittens, and a blanket can keep them comfortable in the cool weather. Consider using a baby carrier rather than a stroller to keep them close to your body heat.

4. Create a Glow Stick Party

Glow sticks are a safe and exciting alternative to sparklers for young children. Babies can enjoy the visual stimulation of glow sticks without the risks associated with sparklers or open flames. You can find glow-in-the-dark bracelets, necklaces, and soft glow toys that are safe for babies to hold and play with.

5. Attend a Family-Friendly Fireworks Display

If you’re eager to attend a community fireworks display, look for events specifically organized for families with young children. Some events have “quiet fireworks,” focusing more on colourful displays with lower noise levels. These are often scheduled earlier in the evening and offer a more baby-friendly experience.

6. Plan a Mini Celebration at Home

If you prefer to stay home, you can still have a mini Bonfire Night celebration! You can decorate the house with fairy lights, play videos of fireworks on a screen, or even make some creative firework-themed crafts with older siblings. This way, everyone can enjoy the festivities in a familiar, controlled environment.

7. Keep the Baby’s Routine in Mind

Celebrations can sometimes disrupt bedtime routines, but sticking to a familiar schedule can make Bonfire Night easier for babies. Try to keep to their usual bedtime and feeding schedule, and be mindful that they may get overstimulated by the noise and excitement. If possible, keep things low-key near bedtime to help them settle down.

8. Keep a Safe Distance from Fire and Smoke

Remember that babies and smoke don’t mix well if you plan to have a small fire or attend a bonfire event. Keep a safe distance from the fire, and ensure your baby is upwind to avoid exposure to smoke and ash. Prolonged exposure to smoke can harm their developing lungs, so a safe viewing distance is essential.

9. Play Gentle Fireworks Sounds at Home

If your baby seems nervous around loud noises, you might introduce gentle, pre-recorded fireworks sounds at a lower volume before Bonfire Night. This can help your baby get familiar with the sounds in a calm setting, making it less overwhelming when they hear the real thing.

10. Have a Plan for Soothing

Despite all precautions, some babies might still feel unsettled during the festivities. Prepare for extra soothing by having a favourite toy, blanket, or pacifier on hand. Rocking, swaying, or using a calming lullaby can also help settle them if they become overstimulated.

11. Stay Mindful of Sparklers and Fire Hazards

If you’re celebrating with older children, ensure that sparklers or other fire-related activities are conducted safely and at a safe distance from babies. Always supervise closely and ensure you have a bucket of water nearby for extinguishing used sparklers.

A Safe Bonfire Night for All!

Celebrating Bonfire Night with a baby requires a bit more planning, but enjoying the evening in a baby-safe way is possible. You can create beautiful memories without compromising safety or comfort by watching fireworks from afar, dressing your baby warmly, and considering noise protection.

Enjoy Bonfire Night responsibly, and here’s to a safe, sparkling evening for everyone in the family!

Night Time Spotter Activity Sheet

Outdoor Learning Safety Information