Make sure that chests of drawers and shelving units are securely anchored to the wall as bulky, heavy furniture can seriously injure or even kill a small child if it falls on top of them. Remember, even if they’re not pulling themselves up or climbing yet, they soon will be. It’s best to plan ahead

It’s amazing what toddlers can use as a ladder. Don’t make it easy for them by putting furniture near windows. All upstairs windows should have a lock, or, better still, (as a lock can make it hard to escape in a fire), a restrictor which lets windows open enough to allow fresh air in, but not children out

As Leah's story tragically shows, children can easily get tangled up in dangling blind cords, which can choke them, potentially even killing them. The best advice is not to use blinds with looped cords in a child’s bedroom. If you have blinds with cords elsewhere in your home, wrap the cords up and keep them out of reach using a “cleat”

Nappy sacks like other plastic bags, can be dangerous. They might not fit over a baby’s head, but if they go over their mouth and nose they can stop them from being able to breathe. If you are going to use them, find a place for them that is not in reach

Nappy sacks like other plastic bags, can be dangerous. They might not fit over a baby’s head, but if they go over their mouth and nose they can stop them from being able to breathe. If you are going to use them, find a place for them that is not in reach

If your child is under 24 months, and you are in a house with stairs, use a safety gate to prevent access to the top and bottom of the stairs. Also try to keep your stairs free from clutter

If there’s a rug in your child’s room taping down the underside can stop a fall

Bedtime can also be medicine time for poorly little ones. Lock it away afterwards so it’s not in reach - even if it does have a child resistant cap.

Keep babies’ cots free from clutter like soft toys, cot bumpers and soft, pliable bedding. These can mould around a baby’s face and lead to suffocation

Buy a new cot mattress, or - if using a second-hand mattress - carefully check that it's clean, dry and free from cracks or tears. It should fit the cot snugly, with no gaps

Choose a cot that meets the British safety standard (BSEN716) or the standard relevant to your country as it will have been designed to reduce the number of accidental deaths due to suffocation and strangulation
 

Cots with bars on all four sides can allow air to circulate freely. The bars should be vertical. If they are horizontal your baby could use them as a ladder to climb out. They should also be no more than 6.5cm apart so your baby can’t get
stuck between them

Second hand cots should be approached with caution. Older cots may contain lead based paint which is poisonous. If there is a drop-side mechanism, check it works properly. Also look out for any old stickers or decorations that could come loose and become a choking hazard
 

Babies are less able to control their temperature so the cot shouldn’t be near a radiator or sunny window

Ensure your child is the right age for the cot, bed or other sleep product you wish to use. Kids’ 2-in-1 (combination) portable airbeds/sleeping bags, which are often promoted for holidays, are not suitable for babies due to the risk of suffocation. Always check the labels and follow the safety instructions
 

Putting babies at the bottom of the cot (so their feet touch the end) can stop them squirming down and suffocating
under bedding

Cot bumpers can do far more harm than good. Not only can the ribbon strangle kids, the bumper itself can be used by children to climb out of the cot. All-in-all, you’re better off without them

Never use a pillow with a baby less than 12 months old, there is no benefit to baby and it could cause suffocation.

While we know it’s impossible to watch a child all the time, you should still never leave a baby unattended on a raised surface, such as a bed. It only takes a moment for them to roll off, and the results can be devastating

Babies who overheat are at an increased risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). They can get too hot because the room is too hot, or because they have too much bedding or clothing. The ideal room temperature is between 16 and 20ºC

The best way to keep babies safe when they’re sleeping is in a cot of their own. Some babies have been accidentally suffocated by their parents while co-sleeping/bed-sharing. The risk increases if you’ve been drinking alcohol, smoking or taking drugs, or if your baby was born prematurely

Because of the risk of suffocation, use blankets or a lightweight sleeping bag (without a hood) for children under 12 months old, rather than a duvet or quilt.