More than one million accidents occur in British homes every year. With your adventurous toddler getting into everything he possibly can, you need to eliminate any dangers around your home, so you can let him explore with confidence.

What's on the danger list?
Floors and furniture. Search for and remove any small objects your child might swallow and cover sharp edges with plastic corner protectors.

Kitchens
Always use rear hot plates or gas rings when cooking and turn saucepan handles away from the front of the cooker. Make sure the cords and wires on electrical appliances are out of reach and use socket covers when unplugged. Keep sharp utensils in a drawer with a safety lock and store household chemicals in child-resistant containers well out of a child's reach. Consider investing in a cooker or hob guard.

Highchairs

Use a safety strap and keep the highchair away from walls and furniture so your baby can't push and tip. Don't place bouncing cradles on work tops or tables. Never leave a child unattended in a highchair.

Cots
A cot should be strong with no broken slats or pointed edges. Spaces between bars must be 45-65 mm and less than 60 mm wide in the mattress base. The gap between cot and mattress should be no more than 4 cms. Avoid using an old cot as the paint may contain lead. Keep the cot away from shelves, window ledges and heating appliances, and make sure there aren't any electrical wires within reach.

Stairs

Fit safety gates on your stairs at top and bottom. Make sure the gaps between the banister rails are too narrow for your baby to climb through or get his head stuck. Always fit safety locks on unsecured windows.

Burns and scalds
Fires are the most common cause of fatal accidents to children. Install smoke detectors and keep them in good working order. Keep matches, hot drinks, food and plates out of reach. Make sure your hot tap water is under 54 degrees C. Always use a fireguard.

Baths


Always run cold water first and test the temperature with your elbow before letting a baby or child get in. Don't leave young children unsupervised in a bathroom.

Glass

Use safety glass when replacing windows and cover glass doors with stickers so they can be seen. Never let children walk around carrying anything made of glass.

Medicines and poisons
Keep all alcohol and medicines in a locked cupboard, medication in child-resistant containers and well out of a child's reach. Teach children not to eat plants, berries or seeds.

Courtesy from Parenthood Magazine (25 January 2002)