The Toddler-Proofing Checklist, Room by Room

Do these first

Anchor every chest of drawers, bookcase and television. Furniture tip-overs are the most serious common household hazard for toddlers, and straps cost very little.

Fit gates at the top and the bottom of every staircase. Hardware-mounted gates belong at the top; pressure gates are fine at the bottom.

Shorten or tie up every blind cord and cut any loop.

Kitchen

Magnetic cabinet locks on anything with cleaning products, knives or medication — or better, move those above head height entirely.

Turn pan handles inwards, use the back burners, and fit an oven-door lock if yours runs hot on the glass.

Bathroom

A toilet lock, a non-slip bath mat and a tap cover handle the three usual problems. Set your water heater to 49°C / 120°F.

Never leave a toddler in a bath alone, not even for the length of a doorbell.

Living areas and bedrooms

Corner guards on coffee tables and hearths, outlet covers throughout, and door-knob covers on rooms you would rather stay shut.

Check the cot has nothing climbable near it, and drop the mattress to the lowest setting as soon as they can pull to standing.

Get down to their height

Kneel in every room and look around from a toddler's eye line. You will find cables, coins and cupboard handles you have never noticed standing up.

Repeat the exercise every few months — their reach changes faster than your habits do.