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Life changes when you become a parent. A home where a newborn or crawling toddler lives looks very different to that of a home with a young couple without kids. These differences are essential to ensure the safety of children because an average house has many hazards. It takes time to baby-proof your home, but can often happen gradually as your baby jumps from one milestone to the next - just make sure you are one step ahead!

This home safety list includes many essential safety ideas as well as many items that would be a most appreciated and practical gift for new parents.

General

* Remove small, fragile or breakable items

* Barrier gates on stairs

* Covers on all power points

* Safety locks on windows to stop them opening more than 4 inches

* Child proof locks for cupboards, drawers, fridge, washing machine, dryer and toilet

* Stickers or frosting on glass areas to prevent collisions

* Secure large objects to prevent them from falling eg bookcases

* Blind and curtain cords out of child's reach

* Ensure suitable number of smoke alarms installed

* Heating appliances out of reach

* Place all hot drinks out of reach

* Move furniture away from windows, ceiling fans and electrical switches

* Fireguards in front of all fires

Bathroom

* Lockable medicine cupboard

* Bath thermometer

* Cosmetics, razors, hairdryers all out of reach

* Reduce hot water tap below 50 degrees

* Heater out of reach

* Non-slip mat in bath tub

Laundry

* Store poisons out of reach

* Nappy bucket with firm fitting lid

Kitchen

* Barrier gate to restrict access

* Fit an oven guard

* Fire blanket / fire extinguisher

* Store plastic bags out of reach

* Safety lock on dishwasher

* Lockable cupboard for cleaning products

* Knives and sharp objects out of reach

* Saucepans placed on back hot plates with handles turned to prevent them being pulled down.

* Child resistant latches on cupboards you do not want your child getting into

* Replace tablecloths with placemats

* Kettle and appliance cords out of reach

Outside

* Store poisons, pesticides, paints out of reach

* Clear pathways

* Remove all branches hanging at child's eye level

To Keep Your Children Safe while you can't be with them - provide them with a Safe Kids Card - Find out more - www.safefamilycards.com