Keeping your baby safe

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Article Summary

The specifics of keeping your baby safe change as they develop.

You want to keep your baby safe, no matter what his age. But while some general principles of safety will remain the same, the specifics change as your baby develops. With each new skill you'll need to look at his environment again so he can exercise those new abilities safely. You'll need to know what poses a risk to your baby at any given age, as well as how best to avoid those risks. Click on your baby's age to find out which dangers to watch out for and which precautions to take.

Newborn

3 weeks

2 months

4 months

6 months

9 months

1 year

18 months

2 years

3 years

Special Safety Tips

Newborn

Newborns put their energy into eating, growing and taking in the world around them. They can't move much on their own and need lots of watching and holding.

 Make sure he's not scratching his face with his fingernails. Trim them with a special baby nail cutter or small cuticle scissors. Do it when he's asleep - it'll be easier for you and it won't bother him. With trimmed nails he'll be ready to feel things and learn from those little fingers. Mittens are not needed except for cold weather.
 Even newborns can roll over unexpectedly. Keep one hand on your baby at all times, especially when bathing him or changing his nappy.
 Always support his head with one hand or make sure his head is well supported by whatever device you're carrying him in. He's top-heavy.
 Make sure his cot or carrycot meets all current safety requirements. His cot should conform to British Standard EN716 and carrycot to British Standard 57557. For more information, click here .
 Always put him on his back to sleep. Always put him down to sleep in the "feet to foot" position: your baby's feet should be close to the foot of his cot, with his covers coming no higher than his chest. The "feet to foot" position prevents your baby shuffling down his cot, under the covers and overheating.
 Make sure his bedding is firm - no pillows, duvets or stuffed toys.
 Keep his sleeping area at normal temperature. Don't overheat him.
 Take him home in a BSI-approved car seat, properly installed, facing backwards in the back seat. Use a car seat for every trip. Click here for more information on car seats.
 Turn your water heater down to 41 degrees C/120 degrees F.
 Put a smoke detector in the room where your baby sleeps.
 Never hold a baby while holding a hot drink.

Three Weeks

Keeping your baby's environment hazard-free is healthier for him and easier for you. Often, accidents happen to children this age because their parents are so exhausted. If you take the time to set up your household properly, it will be easier to relax and focus on your new family's needs.

 Make sure your cot adheres to the latest cot safety guidelines. Cot slats should be 2-6cm (2 3/8 inches) apart to prevent your baby from getting his head caught between them. Click here for more on cot safety.
 Make sure your baby's cot has bumper pads. Secure bumper pads to the cot with both sets of ties.
 Make sure bedding is firm and flame-resistant. Pillows and downy comforters are too soft and fluffy and could pose a smothering risk for a young infant. Keep these items and stuffed toys out of the cot. Do not use water mattresses for babies and small children. Ensure that your baby's mattress conforms to British Standard Nos. 1877/7177.
 Always put him on his back to sleep. Always put him down to sleep in the "feet to foot" position: your baby's feet should be close to the foot of his cot, with his covers coming no higher than his chest. The "feet to foot" position prevents your baby shuffling down his cot, under the covers and overheating.
 Have all supplies at hand when you put a nappy on your baby so you don't have to reach for them or otherwise take your hand off him while changing nappies.

If your baby doesn't sleep in your room, an intercom system can enable you to hear his cries, especially if his room is far away or on another floor.
 Always use an approved infant car seat. For a baby this age and size, the car seat should face backwards and be placed in the middle of the back seat. Click here for more information on car seats.
 Never prop up a bottle. Always hold your baby while you feed him.
 Keep your baby out of the sun.
 Never shake a baby. If you feel stressed out or upset, put the baby down and let someone else deal with him while you calm down.

Two Months

Your baby's wriggling, rolling and other adorable movements mean that keeping a steady hand on him is more important than ever. Support your baby's head whenever you change his position, especially when you're bathing him. If you use an infant seat in the house, keep it on the floor in a safe place and strap your baby in every time.

 Make the baby's room off limits for your pet. Any animal can be unpredictable around small babies.
 If your baby doesn't sleep in your room, an intercom system can enable you to hear his cries, especially if his room is far away or on another floor.
 Make sure his cot has firm bedding and slats that are 2-6 cm (2 3/8 inches) apart. Keep large stuffed toys, duvets and pillows out of the cot where they could potentially fall onto your baby's face and hinder his breathing.

Always use an approved infant car seat. For a baby this age and size, the car seat should face backwards and be placed in the middle of the back seat. If you can't afford a new car seat, make sure any second-hand seat you buy meets the current British Standards. Make sure it is installed according to the manufacturer's instructions.
 A front carrier is great for a 2-month-old. Make sure it has good head support for him and is comfortable for you.
 An infant swing is helpful at this age as well. Make sure it is stable and in good repair, and also that it is set up in a safe, visible place.
 "Back to Sleep" and "feet to foot" are still the rules.
 >No pushchairs yet. Make sure the pram you use meets safety standards.
 Don't hold a baby and a hot liquid at the same time.
 Keep your baby's environment smoke-free.
 Although you are allowed to hold an infant during plane journeys, it's not very safe to do so. Just as in the car, your baby's top-heavy shape will make him act like a bullet, shooting out from your arms if there's any trouble. Consider paying for a separate seat or travelling at off-peak times to improve your chances of getting an empty seat next to your own, and bring the car seat.

4 Months

Your safety sphere must now expand to include everything within your baby's grasp. Make sure anything reachable is safe for his hands and mouth, since that's where most things will end up. He's become an expert grabber and as he gets better at snatching and holding things, he'll get into more trouble as well.

 Move electrical devices, breakables and cords away from bathing and nappy-changing areas.
 If your baby is very active, start changing his nappies on a lower surface. Spread a clean towel on the bed and change him there. Otherwise, make sure you keep one hand on him at all times during changing - one quick twist and he'll be on the floor.
 A cot toy on the rail will give him something to do before he calls you for breakfast. Make sure it has no loose or small parts and is securely fastened.
 Make sure hanging mobiles are out of reach. They're a favourite attraction for your baby now.
 Lower the cot mattress to the middle notch, if it has one.
 Use a car seat for every outing in any car, including Grandma's or the babysitter's.
 Place the car seat in the middle of the back seat, facing backwards.
 Check the temperature in the back seat frequently on long trips by sitting there yourself periodically. Also, don't forget to stop and feed your baby.
 Bathing is more exciting than ever. Keep the soap, lotions and oils completely out of reach.
 An infant seat isn't safe at this age, as your baby can tip it over. Pass it on to a pregnant friend or relative.
 Bassinets and cradles may need to be retired, too. Most are too small and tippable to be safe.
 Many babies are ready for a backpack carrier. Before each outing, attach straps and lower the seat sling so he's settled well into the carrier.
 Long hair and jewellery are favourite targets for little hands. You might want to reconsider your hair and fashion style.
 Your baby enjoys outings now. The Department of Health (UK) recommends that young infants be kept out of the sun completely. If you are out on a sunny day, make sure he is well protected. Ensure that your baby's skin is covered completely with clothing, and that his face and eyes are protected with a good sun hat. Avoid being outside during peak sunshine hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

6 Months

Your baby learns about the world at this age by touching and tasting everything. He is getting very adept at grabbing whatever catches his eye and putting it in his mouth. This includes necklaces, earrings, glasses, your hair and anything else on your person that looks interesting to him. For his safety, you'll have to constantly curb or re-channel this relentless curiosity. This will be easy once you've baby-proofed your home and have a variety of safe toys for him to explore. Click here for more information on how to baby-proof your home.

 High chairs - Once your baby starts eating solid food, it's time to get him a high chair. This is a great way for him to sit with the family at the dinner table and watch you eat, even while he smears and squishes his food all over his tray.
 Make sure the high chair has a broad enough base to be very stable on the floor. Also make sure it has a safety belt to hold your little wriggler in.
 Don't forget that your infant can now grab anything that catches his eye. Keep cutlery and glasses out of his reach.
 Walkers - Don't use them. Walkers don't help babies learn to walk any faster than they normally would - they just help them get into more trouble faster.
 Pushchairs - He'll want to be upright for most outings, so make sure he can be, and that your pushchair base is solid and safe.
 Your baby loves going outside these days. Here are some safety tips to bear in mind when you take him out.
 Remember that he can reach and grab for things you can't see when he's on your back in his backpack. Always be aware of your surroundings - bushes, trees and even supermarkets.
 Don't let him eat leaves, rocks or soil he finds in the park. Create a clean sitting space.
 Remember that sun can harm your baby's skin even when it's cloudy or cold. The Department of Health (UK) recommends that infants are kept out of the sun completely. Dress your baby in light cotton clothing that covers him, and make sure he's wearing a broad-brimmed hat to protect his face and eyes. Keep your baby out of the sun as much as possible during the peak hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
 Playpens offer a safe place for him to explore. Make sure yours meets safety standards, and that he can't climb out. Keep your playpen in a safe, open place.
 When giving solid food, put small portions in a bowl or on a plate. Don't dip the baby's spoon into the jar unless you know he's going to eat it all. Saliva spreads bacteria, and the remaining food will quickly go off in the jar.
 Keep all utensils used when preparing your own baby food very clean. Freeze food you don't plan to use straight away.
 Avoid honey, foods that can cause choking, and bottles in the baby's cot.

9 Months

A good rule of thumb once your baby reaches 9 months: don't take your eyes off him for a second! Because your baby is now mobile, he's an unstoppable exploring machine. This is healthy and natural and should be encouraged, but you need to make sure his environment is safe. Because you can't count on him to stay where you put him, your baby-proofed territory will have to expand.

 Because your baby is so active, now is the time to start changing his nappies on the floor or a bed instead of a higher surface, if you haven't already.
 Keep hanging curtains or blind cords high out of reach. Make a new hook or shorten the cord.
 Your baby is now into everything. To preserve his safety and your peace of mind, adjust your interior decoration to "Baby Lives Here". Remove the plants, books and knick-knacks you don't want him to get hold of. It's better than shouting "No!" at him constantly.
 Plug up all electric sockets and cover all sharp furniture edges. Use safety latches on all lower cupboards. Move cleaning products to a high cabinet out of reach - they are very dangerous. A latch isn't good enough in this case.
 Get into the habit of pushing all cups, plates and cutlery away from the edge of a table when you get up.
 Get rid of insect traps, repellents and poisons on the floor.
 Always empty buckets, basins and other liquid containers before you leave them.
 Keep your baby out of direct sunlight. Broad-brimmed hats provide protection from the sun and heat. It's best to keep your baby out of the sun between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., when its rays are strongest.
 Backpacks are great for babies this age - but be aware of the space around you. Lots of things will be within your baby's reach. He'll also get adept at standing on the frame. Bring his feet forwards around you at the start of your

You want to keep your baby safe, no matter what his age. But while some general principles of safety will remain the same, the specifics change as your baby develops. With each new skill you'll need to look at his environment again so he can exercise those new abilities safely. You'll need to know what poses a risk to your baby at any given age, as well as how best to avoid those risks. Click on your baby's age to find out which dangers to watch out for and which precautions to take.

Newborn

3 weeks

2 months

4 months

6 months

9 months

1 year

18 months

2 years

3 years

Special Safety Tips

Newborn

Newborns put their energy into eating, growing and taking in the world around them. They can't move much on their own and need lots of watching and holding.

 Make sure he's not scratching his face with his fingernails. Trim them with a special baby nail cutter or small cuticle scissors. Do it when he's asleep - it'll be easier for you and it won't bother him. With trimmed nails he'll be ready to feel things and learn from those little fingers. Mittens are not needed except for cold weather.
 Even newborns can roll over unexpectedly. Keep one hand on your baby at all times, especially when bathing him or changing his nappy.
 Always support his head with one hand or make sure his head is well supported by whatever device you're carrying him in. He's top-heavy.
 Make sure his cot or carrycot meets all current safety requirements. His cot should conform to British Standard EN716 and carrycot to British Standard 57557. For more information, click here .
 Always put him on his back to sleep. Always put him down to sleep in the "feet to foot" position: your baby's feet should be close to the foot of his cot, with his covers coming no higher than his chest. The "feet to foot" position prevents your baby shuffling down his cot, under the covers and overheating.
 Make sure his bedding is firm - no pillows, duvets or stuffed toys.
 Keep his sleeping area at normal temperature. Don't overheat him.
 Take him home in a BSI-approved car seat, properly installed, facing backwards in the back seat. Use a car seat for every trip. Click here for more information on car seats.
 Turn your water heater down to 41 degrees C/120 degrees F.
 Put a smoke detector in the room where your baby sleeps.
 Never hold a baby while holding a hot drink.

Three Weeks

Keeping your baby's environment hazard-free is healthier for him and easier for you. Often, accidents happen to children this age because their parents are so exhausted. If you take the time to set up your household properly, it will be easier to relax and focus on your new family's needs.

 Make sure your cot adheres to the latest cot safety guidelines. Cot slats should be 2-6cm (2 3/8 inches) apart to prevent your baby from getting his head caught between them. Click here for more on cot safety.
 Make sure your baby's cot has bumper pads. Secure bumper pads to the cot with both sets of ties.
 Make sure bedding is firm and flame-resistant. Pillows and downy comforters are too soft and fluffy and could pose a smothering risk for a young infant. Keep these items and stuffed toys out of the cot. Do not use water mattresses for babies and small children. Ensure that your baby's mattress conforms to British Standard Nos. 1877/7177.
 Always put him on his back to sleep. Always put him down to sleep in the "feet to foot" position: your baby's feet should be close to the foot of his cot, with his covers coming no higher than his chest. The "feet to foot" position prevents your baby shuffling down his cot, under the covers and overheating.
 Have all supplies at hand when you put a nappy on your baby so you don't have to reach for them or otherwise take your hand off him while changing nappies.

 If your baby doesn't sleep in your room, an intercom system can enable you to hear his cries, especially if his room is far away or on another floor.
Always use an approved infant car seat. For a baby this age and size, the car seat should face backwards and be placed in the middle of the back seat. Click here for more information on car seats.
Never prop up a bottle. Always hold your baby while you feed him.
Keep your baby out of the sun.
Never shake a baby. If you feel stressed out or upset, put the baby down and let someone else deal with him while you calm down.

Two Months

Your baby's wriggling, rolling and other adorable movements mean that keeping a steady hand on him is more important than ever. Support your baby's head whenever you change his position, especially when you're bathing him. If you use an infant seat in the house, keep it on the floor in a safe place and strap your baby in every time.

 Make the baby's room off limits for your pet. Any animal can be unpredictable around small babies.
 If your baby doesn't sleep in your room, an intercom system can enable you to hear his cries, especially if his room is far away or on another floor.
 Make sure his cot has firm bedding and slats that are 2-6 cm (2 3/8 inches) apart. Keep large stuffed toys, duvets and pillows out of the cot where they could potentially fall onto your baby's face and hinder his breathing.

 Always use an approved infant car seat. For a baby this age and size, the car seat should face backwards and be placed in the middle of the back seat. If you can't afford a new car seat, make sure any second-hand seat you buy meets the current British Standards. Make sure it is installed according to the manufacturer's instructions.
A front carrier is great for a 2-month-old. Make sure it has good head support for him and is comfortable for you.
An infant swing is helpful at this age as well. Make sure it is stable and in good repair, and also that it is set up in a safe, visible place.
"Back to Sleep" and "feet to foot" are still the rules.
>No pushchairs yet. Make sure the pram you use meets safety standards.
Don't hold a baby and a hot liquid at the same time.
Keep your baby's environment smoke-free.
Although you are allowed to hold an infant during plane journeys, it's not very safe to do so. Just as in the car, your baby's top-heavy shape will make him act like a bullet, shooting out from your arms if there's any trouble. Consider paying for a separate seat or travelling at off-peak times to improve your chances of getting an empty seat next to your own, and bring the car seat.

4 Months

Your safety sphere must now expand to include everything within your baby's grasp. Make sure anything reachable is safe for his hands and mouth, since that's where most things will end up. He's become an expert grabber and as he gets better at snatching and holding things, he'll get into more trouble as well.

 Move electrical devices, breakables and cords away from bathing and nappy-changing areas.
 If your baby is very active, start changing his nappies on a lower surface. Spread a clean towel on the bed and change him there. Otherwise, make sure you keep one hand on him at all times during changing - one quick twist and he'll be on the floor.
 A cot toy on the rail will give him something to do before he calls you for breakfast. Make sure it has no loose or small parts and is securely fastened.
 Make sure hanging mobiles are out of reach. They're a favourite attraction for your baby now.
 Lower the cot mattress to the middle notch, if it has one.
 Use a car seat for every outing in any car, including Grandma's or the babysitter's.
 Place the car seat in the middle of the back seat, facing backwards.
 Check the temperature in the back seat frequently on long trips by sitting there yourself periodically. Also, don't forget to stop and feed your baby.
 Bathing is more exciting than ever. Keep the soap, lotions and oils completely out of reach.
 An infant seat isn't safe at this age, as your baby can tip it over. Pass it on to a pregnant friend or relative.
 Bassinets and cradles may need to be retired, too. Most are too small and tippable to be safe.
 Many babies are ready for a backpack carrier. Before each outing, attach straps and lower the seat sling so he's settled well into the carrier.
 Long hair and jewellery are favourite targets for little hands. You might want to reconsider your hair and fashion style.
 Your baby enjoys outings now. The Department of Health (UK) recommends that young infants be kept out of the sun completely. If you are out on a sunny day, make sure he is well protected. Ensure that your baby's skin is covered completely with clothing, and that his face and eyes are protected with a good sun hat. Avoid being outside during peak sunshine hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

6 Months

Your baby learns about the world at this age by touching and tasting everything. He is getting very adept at grabbing whatever catches his eye and putting it in his mouth. This includes necklaces, earrings, glasses, your hair and anything else on your person that looks interesting to him. For his safety, you'll have to constantly curb or re-channel this relentless curiosity. This will be easy once you've baby-proofed your home and have a variety of safe toys for him to explore. Click here for more information on how to baby-proof your home.

 High chairs - Once your baby starts eating solid food, it's time to get him a high chair. This is a great way for him to sit with the family at the dinner table and watch you eat, even while he smears and squishes his food all over his tray.
 Make sure the high chair has a broad enough base to be very stable on the floor. Also make sure it has a safety belt to hold your little wriggler in.
 Don't forget that your infant can now grab anything that catches his eye. Keep cutlery and glasses out of his reach.
 Walkers - Don't use them. Walkers don't help babies learn to walk any faster than they normally would - they just help them get into more trouble faster.
 Pushchairs - He'll want to be upright for most outings, so make sure he can be, and that your pushchair base is solid and safe.
 Your baby loves going outside these days. Here are some safety tips to bear in mind when you take him out.
 Remember that he can reach and grab for things you can't see when he's on your back in his backpack. Always be aware of your surroundings - bushes, trees and even supermarkets.
 Don't let him eat leaves, rocks or soil he finds in the park. Create a clean sitting space.
 Remember that sun can harm your baby's skin even when it's cloudy or cold. The Department of Health (UK) recommends that infants are kept out of the sun completely. Dress your baby in light cotton clothing that covers him, and make sure he's wearing a broad-brimmed hat to protect his face and eyes. Keep your baby out of the sun as much as possible during the peak hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
 Playpens offer a safe place for him to explore. Make sure yours meets safety standards, and that he can't climb out. Keep your playpen in a safe, open place.
 When giving solid food, put small portions in a bowl or on a plate. Don't dip the baby's spoon into the jar unless you know he's going to eat it all. Saliva spreads bacteria, and the remaining food will quickly go off in the jar.
 Keep all utensils used when preparing your own baby food very clean. Freeze food you don't plan to use straight away.
 Avoid honey, foods that can cause choking, and bottles in the baby's cot.

9 Months

A good rule of thumb once your baby reaches 9 months: don't take your eyes off him for a second! Because your baby is now mobile, he's an unstoppable exploring machine. This is healthy and natural and should be encouraged, but you need to make sure his environment is safe. Because you can't count on him to stay where you put him, your baby-proofed territory will have to expand.

 Because your baby is so active, now is the time to start changing his nappies on the floor or a bed instead of a higher surface, if you haven't already.
 Keep hanging curtains or blind cords high out of reach. Make a new hook or shorten the cord.
 Your baby is now into everything. To preserve his safety and your peace of mind, adjust your interior decoration to "Baby Lives Here". Remove the plants, books and knick-knacks you don't want him to get hold of. It's better than shouting "No!" at him constantly.
 Plug up all electric sockets and cover all sharp furniture edges. Use safety latches on all lower cupboards. Move cleaning products to a high cabinet out of reach - they are very dangerous. A latch isn't good enough in this case.
 Get into the habit of pushing all cups, plates and cutlery away from the edge of a table when you get up.
 Get rid of insect traps, repellents and poisons on the floor.
 Always empty buckets, basins and other liquid containers before you leave them.
 Keep your baby out of direct sunlight. Broad-brimmed hats provide protection from the sun and heat. It's best to keep your baby out of the sun between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., when its rays are strongest.
 Backpacks are great for babies this age - but be aware of the space around you. Lots of things will be within your baby's reach. He'll also get adept at standing on the frame. Bring his feet forwards around you at the start of your trip.
 Public parks, lawns, playgrounds and beaches contain many dangerous little objects, such as cigarette ends, ring pulls, chewing gum, and worse. Inspect the area before you put an infant down. He'll find anything you miss, especially the tiny items.
 A car seat is a must for every car journey. Belt up every time. Babies under 9kg/22lbs must use a rear-facing car seat. Those over 9kg/22lbs(or those who can sit up unaided) may use a forward-facing seat.
 Get creeping around - crawl around the house and see the world from his perspective. Look for dangers in all the interesting nooks you can see from this angle.

1 Year

What a year it's been! Now your child is becoming upright and you'll need to be more vigilant than ever. You can't contain him and you wouldn't want to. Set up his environment so you can watch him easily during his explorations.

 Your toddler's cot mattress should be set low enough that he can't get out. The top rail should be at his shoulder or chin. Check your cot manufacturer's assembly instructions for how to lower your mattress board.
 Position the cot away from lamps, blinds, cords and framed pictures that your curious toddler could grab, as well as other furniture he could use to make his escape.
 Try to have a soft surface on the floor beneath the cot (a soft rug or pad) for when your baby learns how to climb out. And toys thrown overboard won't break as easily.
 Your baby now loves to open and close doors. Watch his fingers!
 One-year-olds may also crawl down stairs. Keep all staircases gated, at both top and bottom, with stair gates.
 Use plastic dishes that your toddler can't break while feeding himself.
 Keep toddlers away from all moving machinery - lawnmowers, power tools, garage door openers and electrical kitchen devices. Toddlers often can't stop, even when they hear a "no".
 Make sure windows are secure. You can put stops and locks on them to keep your toddler from pushing them open and falling out. Put up a fence in the back garden or play-space to help you keep track of your baby. Put a lock on the gate.
 Many plants, both indoor and outdoor, are poisonous. Your local garden centre can tell you which plants you should not have around the house and garden. If your child eats part of a plant, call your doctor straight away. If you're asked to take your child in for an examination, make sure you take along the leaves, berries and blossoms of the plant.
 Watch your toddler at the park. Moving play equipment is usually too dangerous for him unless he's on your lap. He can't be relied upon to hold on. The same thing is true for amusement park rides.
 Warn your toddler and keep him close to you when an unfamiliar animal approaches. Toddlers are very erratic and may upset even the most placid of dogs.
 Do a visual scan of beach, camping and park areas. Your toddler will spot strange objects and put them in his mouth faster than you can grab them.
 Some toddlers can crawl out of a car seat, and think this is fun. Deal with this promptly and firmly. Your toddler MUST stay strapped in his car seat while you are driving. This can be a matter of life and death.
 If you ride a bike with your child, get a bike helmet for him that fits securely and use it on every bike ride. Be sure to wear one yourself.
 Never give a moving toddler food. Get him to sit down while eating. Avoid foods that cause choking at all times. Click here for more on this topic.
 Don't let your toddler wander around restaurants. He'll get into trouble or cause trouble for the staff and other customers.
 Never force-feed a child. He'll choke or gain weight unnecessarily.
 When visitors arrive, place their handbags and luggage containing medicine high out of reach.

18 Months

This age may be the most challenging when it comes to keeping your baby safe. He's constantly on the move and is driven towards increasing independence from you. He's a real dynamo, but doesn't yet have the maturity to know what can hurt him. Don't be surprised to find him climbing on work surfaces to reach cupboards and trying to navigate stairs by himself. His curiosity will take him places you never thought he'd go. Keep an even closer eye on him now.

 Keep iron tablets and all other vitamins up out of reach. Since they look like sweets and are not in childproof bottles, they can be dangerous.
 Make sure your child's bed is safe. If he is coordinated and big enough to climb up and out of his cot, get a cot extender that he can't climb over. If the cot is low enough to the floor, you could take the rails off. Or maybe it's time to get him a small bed of his own with a "youth rail".
 Make the floor your nappy-changing table. It's easier and safer to change a wriggling toddler's nappy on the floor.
 Grown-up toys are fun! At least, that's what your toddler thinks. Children can get themselves caught in machines - from kitchen appliances to garage doors. If you have an automatic garage door, make sure you can see that your baby is safely out of the way when the door comes down, for example. And keep remote controls for the door out of your child's reach.
 Don't leave unfinished or unattended alcoholic drinks around your house, even during a party. Even small amounts of alcohol can harm a small child.
 If there are smokers around, keep ashtrays out of reach and get smokers to go outside.
 Although it's tempting, turn off the television. Children under 2 have little to gain and much to lose if they're glued to the television.
 Put your GP's phone number, local hospital number and NHS Direct number (0845 4647) on the wall by every phone.
 Brush his teeth every day. Put only a small amount of children's fluoride toothpaste on the toothbrush and supervise all the time.

2 Years

Although your 2-year-old has calmed down a bit in the past six months, he's still very busy and must be watched all the time. He gets into things quickly, so it's crucial to make his environment safe. He still needs your help to find a new activity once you've moved him away from a forbidden one with a "no".

 Your 2-year-old's room must be a place where he can be left alone safely, so give it special scrutiny.
 Examine all playground equipment closely. There should be a soft surface underneath, such as vinyl mats or bark. Your child should not be able to get higher than about 1 meter (3 feet) above the surface without you holding on to him. Keep in mind that wooden equipment can splinter.
 On bike rides, your toddler should ride in a BSI-approved bike seat behind a parent. He should always wear an approved child helmet.
 Check your garage carefully. Toxic substances and heavy or motorised equipment can endanger a toddler. Either carefully supervise play here or make it a "nobody under 1 meter (3 feet) tall" zone.
 Every day should start with sun block on exposed body parts - keep that hat handy too!. Unbreakable, polarised sunglasses should be used on sunny outings.
 Two-year-olds are unsafe on stairs; block them off at the top and bottom. Make sure your old gates are sturdy enough for your 2-year-old.
 Never encourage your child to go to someone he hasn't met before until he is comfortable, probably after he's seen you talking and interacting amiably with the new person.
 Teach your toddler to stay away from new animals until you are sure that the animals are comfortable and safe with small, unpredictable children. A feisty 2-year-old can frighten even the most docile of pets.
 Two-year-olds can tip up lightweight pushchairs. Adding weight to the back will help, but you will generally need to watch him.

3 Years

Playing is how 3-year-olds learn. And they play constantly! Although 3-year-olds are a bit more predictable than 2-year-olds, they still need close supervision as they play and socialise. Their growing curiosity and imagination can lead them into new sorts of trouble.

Make sure your child is safe by following these guidelines:

 If you have outdoor play equipment, make sure it's sturdy and that all its surfaces are smooth. Anchor it well over a shock-absorbing surface and away from fences or pavement. Keep in mind that wood can splinter and should be checked periodically.
 If you ride your bike with your child on the back, he needs a well-fitting bicycle helmet and seat. You can ask your local bike shop for advice.
 Learning to cross the road is very important for a young child, and your 3-year-old is ready to start. Show him how to watch for the green man and look both ways, but don't expect him to remember every time. Make sure he always stops at the kerb and waits for help. He will not be reliable at this age so he needs the supervision.
 Don't let your child ride his tricycle in the street. Supervise him even if he's in the driveway or front garden.
 Stay with your child in public toilets, even if you have to take your son into the women's toilets or your daughter into the men's toilets.
 Teach your child not to talk to strangers. Three-year-olds can strike up a conversation with anyone. Teach them early to be "introduced by your family" before talking to anyone.
 Make sure his potty doesn't rub or scrape him. Nothing discourages toilet training more!
 Teach him the concept of his own "private parts". He'll be curious, so you'll have lots of opportunities. Teach him that no one except himself, members of his family, or a nurse or doctor should touch certain areas of his body. Teach him the proper names for genitals and answer his questions about sexual matters honestly.
 Appliances, gadgets, switches and plugs should all be out of your child's reach. And remember, children this age are clever climbers!
 Consider blocking television channels that broadcast material you don't want your 3-year-old to see. Limit television viewing to one hour each day and watch with your child. Remember that a television is a very bad babysitter. If you go to the cinema or rent videos to watch with your child, stick to those rated U, or selected PG films. Even some of these may scare or overwhelm sensitive children. Be advised that cartoons are some of the most violent programmes on television.

Special Safety Tips

Most mishaps and accidents happen at the end of the day, between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., when everyone is tired. Accidents are also more frequent when your regular routine is upset, such as when you have visitors and during outings and holidays. Be careful during this time and try to avoid fatigue for both you and your toddler. Make an effort to slow down and give yourself more time in your schedule.

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Safety

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childproofing

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