Safe & Sound: A Parent’s Guide to At-Home Safety for Under 5s

emilias918
Jul 3
4 min read

Young children are curious, active, and eager to explore the world around them.

While this is a vital part of their development, it also means that the home - where they spend most of their early years - must be a safe space that supports discovery without unnecessary risk.

Let's dive straight into our guide to at-home safety for under 5s.

1. Preventing Falls

Falls are the most common type of accident for under-5s, especially once your little one becomes mobile and start pulling themselves up, crawling, or walking.

Ways to prevent risks:

Use well-fitted safety gates at both the top and bottom of stairs.
Ensure windows above ground level are fitted with window locks or safety restrictors.
Keep floors clear of toys and clutter to reduce tripping hazards.
Anchor bookcases, drawers, and TVs securely to the wall.
Place soft mats or rugs beneath areas where your child is learning to stand or walk.
Always supervise your child when they're climbing or playing on elevated surfaces, including beds, sofas, or outdoor equipment.

2. Kitchen & Cooking Safety

The kitchen is full of learning opportunities but also of potential hazards — from hot surfaces to sharp objects — yet many children naturally gravitate towards it through their natural curiosity.

Ways to prevent risks:

Designate a safe zone in the kitchen (like a low drawer filled with wooden spoons or plastic bowls) to encourage supervised involvement.
Use hob guards and turn pan handles inward while cooking.
Store all cleaning products and sharp utensils out of reach or in cupboards with child locks.
Keep kettle cords and appliance cables tucked away from the counter edge.
Never leave a hot drink or cooking pan within a child’s reach, and avoid carrying a child and something hot at the same time.

3. Choking & Suffocation Risks

Under 5s explore with their mouths (especially if they're teething - click here for our full teething guide), and small items can become a choking hazard.

Ways to prevent risks:

Cut small foods (grapes, cherry tomatoes, sausages) into quarters lengthwise.
Avoid giving young children popcorn, hard sweets, or whole nuts.
Ensure toys and play materials are age-appropriate and don’t contain small detachable parts.
Supervise mealtimes and encourage your child to sit down while eating.
Keep plastic bags, cling film, balloons, and cords well out of reach, as they can pose suffocation risks.
Consider using cord shorteners or covers for blinds and curtains with long cords.

4. Burns, Scalds & Fire Safety

Little ones skin is highly sensitive to heat and can burn more quickly than adults.

Ways to prevent risks:

Test bath water with your elbow or a thermometer; aim for around 37–38°C.
Keep hot drinks well away from the edges of tables and worktops.
Avoid using tablecloths that could be pulled down by curious hands.
Keep irons, hair straighteners, and curling wands well away from children—even when cooling down.
Use a fireguard if you have an open fire or wood burner.
Fit smoke alarms on every floor and test them regularly.

5. Harmful Ingestion

Many everyday items look harmless (and interesting!) to children but can be harmful if swallowed.

Ways to prevent risks:

Store medicines, toiletries, cleaning products, alcohol, and even vitamins in locked cupboards or out of reach.
Keep items in their original packaging with clear labels.
Use cupboard locks or latches where needed—especially at low levels.
Watch out for decorative plants that might be toxic when ingested, such as lilies or ivy.

If you suspect your little one ate something harmful:

Take your child to A&E if what they swallowed a potentially poisonous substance
Call 111 if you’re unsure and there are no obvious symptoms

Click here for an in-depth NHS guide.

6. Water Safety

Drowning is a serious risk to young children, even with small amounts of water.

Ways to prevent risks:

Always supervise babies and toddlers during bath time - never leave them alone.
Empty baths, buckets, and paddling pools immediately after use and store them upside down.
Keep toilet lids down and consider using toilet seat locks.
If you have a garden pond, use a safety mesh cover or fence off the area until your child is older.

7. Safe Sleep Practices

Following safe sleep guidelines can reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) (click here for our full SIDS guide) and ensure restful sleep for both you and your child.

Ways to prevent risks:

Always place babies on their backs to sleep, with their feet at the foot of the cot.
Keep the cot free of pillows, duvets, toys, and bumper pads.
Use a firm, flat mattress with a fitted sheet.
Dress your baby in a suitable sleep sack or layer clothing instead of using loose blankets.
Maintain a smoke-free environment and avoid overheating the room (ideal temperature: 16–20°C).

8. Electrical & Socket Safety

Modern sockets are usually safe on their own, but other electrical risks remain present in many homes.

Ways to prevent risks:

Keep appliances unplugged (or switched off at the plug) when not in use and store cords safely.
Avoid overloading sockets or using loose, frayed wires.
Ensure that night lights, heaters, and extension cables are placed safely out of reach.
Store battery-powered devices out of reach and never let a child play with button batteries (or any batteries).

Creating a safe home for young children doesn’t mean removing all risk—it’s about reducing hazards while allowing space for exploration, play, and learning.

As your child grows and becomes more mobile, reassess your environment regularly and adjust safety measures accordingly.

When children feel safe, they’re more confident to explore the world around them—and that’s where the most meaningful learning happens!