Toddlers - making your home safe

Reviewed by Dr Stuart Crisp, paediatric specialist registrar

Shelving

Some children may try to use book shelves as a climbing frame. Make sure all shelves are fixed securely to the wall so they can't topple onto a child.

Floor coverings

Loose carpets and rugs are dangerous for children who are just learning to walk because they could easily trip over them. Put rubber matting or stoppers under the carpets and don't put down loose rugs until the child is older.

Tablecloths

Toddlers will naturally grab hold of a dangling tablecloth to help themselves stand up. If you are using a tablecloth, make sure you fasten it to the table with pegs or clips so a child can't pull the cloth and everything on the table over him or herself.

Power points

Electrical accidents are always very serious. They can cause severe third degree burns or even death.

All power sockets should be secured with a plastic covering that a child can't remove.

Find out if there is a safety relay or circuit breaker in the house and if there isn't, have one installed.

The bathroom

Children love playing with running water but it only takes 10cm (4in) of water for a small child to drown. If a small child's face goes underwater, they will automatically breathe in so that they can scream and this will fill their lungs with water. Children also lose their sense of direction underwater, so they can't react by pulling their head out or standing up as an adult would do.

Put bath and basin plugs out of reach so that a child can't fill up the bath or basin.

The toilet lid can be held down with a clip attachment so a child can't open it.

You may want to adjust the thermostat on the boiler while your child is still a toddler so that if they turn on a tap, they won't be scalded with very hot water.

All medicine, tablets, vitamins and herbal remedies should be locked in a medicine cabinet or other cupboard so a child can't get to them and swallow them - colourful pills are very attractive to children. Remember that medical poisonings can be extremely serious.

Stairs

Stairs are dangerous for children until the age of about four years. You can safeguard against falls by putting gates in front of the staircase.

If there are openings between the steps, these should be blocked up to prevent your child from falling out underneath or getting their head stuck. A child's head can also get lodged between the banister rails if they are more than 7.5cm (3in) apart.

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