Childproofing isn’t something you do once and forget about.  new dangers can crop up every day as your baby becomes more mobile, and more things are within reach. 

Here are ten keys to a safe house:

1. Use locks on cupboards, particularly those containing dangerous household products such as bleach so as to ensure child safety.
2. Use locks on drawers that may pull out completely or which contain objects that you want to keep safe from your baby, such as heavy cutlery, or drawers containing special documents.
3. Check your house for possible poisons such as medicines, vitamins, cigarettes, toiletries and other toxic substances; move them out of reach or lock them away.
4. Some houseplants are also poisonous; if you have houseplants, find out which, if any of them are poisonous and get rid of them.  Use a houseplant text book from the library if you haven’t got one.
5. To stop your baby falling, use stairgates, window locks and block wide railings.  Never leave your baby alone on sofas, beds and changing tables. Always use safety belts in high chairs and supermarket trolleys.
6. Use corner cushions on sharp table or cupboard corners to prevent nasty bumps.
7. Pets and their poo can be a hazard.  Keep your baby away from cat litter and dog poo, and unpredictable pets that bite or scratch.
8. Little fingers can be trapped in doors, use doorstoppers where needed.
9. Prevent burns by keeping hot food and drinks away from the edges of tables and work surfaces. Don’t carry your baby and hot food or drink at the same time. Don’t hold your baby while cooking, and turn pan handles away from the front of the hob.
10. Check batteries in smoke detectors monthly and if you haven’t got any detectors installed, get some NOW!  Plan an escape route in case of fire; you won’t have time to think in an emergency.