Safety in the home

Tips for toddler-proofing your home

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It’s best to keep little ones out of the kitchen altogether, except under strict supervision.

Keep chemicals, medicines and cleaning products above child height. By 13 months, kids can open containers, and by three may be able to open child-resistant tops.
Fit short power leads on kettles and other appliances.
Use the back burners of the cooker, turn pan handles away from the edge and fit a cooker guard.
Don’t put chairs near the cooker as children can climb up.
Keep a fire extinguisher handy.
Always unplug the iron and put it safely out of reach while it cools.
Keep hot drinks well away from little hands and don’t reach over your tot’s head to get a hot drink.
If you have to leave the room, remove pans from the heat.

Fit a child safety gate at both top and bottom. You can also fit one to keep toddlers out of rooms such as the kitchen.
Avoid accidents by keeping these areas well lit and free from toys and clutter.
Make sure banisters are firmly fixed and steady all the way up.
Check that stair carpets are fitted securely.
Always hold onto the banister when carrying your tot upstairs.
Never leave the front door open — your toddler can be through it and on the road in an instant.

This is where your little one is likely to spend most of their time, so be especially careful.

Cover any fires with a fireguard, preferably attached to the wall.
Keep curtains away from fires.
Make sure electrical sockets are covered (use a dummy plug when not in use) and leads are well tucked out of the way.

Check that appliances are in good working order and don’t have cracked plugs or worn cables.
Keep matches and lighters well out of reach.
Shelves must be well fixed to the wall and low cupboards and drawers should be fitted with child-proof locks.
Keep sewing kits, scissors and knitting needles locked away.
Don’t leave alcoholic drinks or medicines where your tot can get at them; keep hot drinks out of reach.
Don’t leave cigarette ends in ashtrays.
Clean up all spills straight away.
Make sure glass doors are made from shatterproof glass or add a safety film to the glass (it can be bought from a baby shop).
Put everything breakable or dangerous out of toddler reach.
Store away rugs that they could trip over.

Run cold water first and test the temperature of the bath before putting your child in.
Reduce the hot water temperature on your boiler thermostat.
Use containers with child resistant tops but be aware that a clever toddler could undo them.
Never leave your child alone in the bathroom.
Cover hot towel rails with a towel.
Never take electrical appliances into the bathroom.
Keep cosmetics, medicines, shaving razors and cleaning materials locked away in a high-level cabinet.
Always take old medicines back to the pharmacist for safe disposal.

Make sure all fences and gates are secure.
Make sure there aren’t any gaps in a fence or balcony slats that your child could squeeze through.
Put a fence around a pond or pool, or fill it in. Always supervise kids near water.
Keep kids out of the way when you’re mowing the lawn, or doing DIY in the home or garden.
Site bonfires and barbecues away from fences, sheds and trees and supervise kids at all times.
Lock away tools and chemicals.
Teach your tot not to put berries and plants in their mouth.

Make sure your tot is safely secured when you’re in the car. Visit www.childcarseats.org.uk to find more information on the law about children and seatbelts.