The short answer
Walking, climbing, and pulling up make falls more likely at this age. Use stair gates, keep furniture away from windows, anchor heavy items, and never leave a toddler unattended on a raised surface. After a fall, seek urgent help for repeated vomiting, a seizure, unusual sleepiness, or a serious injury.
In this guide · 11 sections
Keep in mind
- Use physical barriers at stairs and keep windows and balconies inaccessible without an adult.
- Keep a hand on your toddler on changing tables, beds, and sofas; the floor is safer for changing.
- Watch for concerning symptoms after a head injury and seek medical advice promptly.
Why do falls become more common at this age?
Toddlers are gaining speed, balance, and curiosity, but they are not yet able to judge heights or hazards reliably.
They may pull up on furniture, climb, or move toward stairs and windows quickly. Change the environment rather than relying only on reminders.
Block stairs with a physical barrier
Fit a suitable safety gate at stair access points and close it after every use. Follow the maker’s instructions and use a gate securely fixed for the location.
Stay with your toddler on stairs. Do not let them climb or descend alone, even if they have begun practising steps.
Keep windows and balconies out of reach
Keep windows closed or use child-resistant locks or restrictors that are appropriate for the window. A fly screen is not a fall-prevention barrier.
Move chairs, toy boxes, and other climbable furniture away from windows. Keep balcony doors locked when an adult is not with the child.
Furniture can tip as well as cause a fall
Anchor dressers, bookcases, and televisions to the wall. A toddler may pull on a drawer or climb a shelf, causing heavy furniture to tip.
Keep tempting toys and remote controls off high furniture so your child is less likely to climb for them.
Stay within reach on raised surfaces
Never leave a toddler alone on a changing table, bed, sofa, or other raised surface, even for a moment. Children can roll or move unexpectedly.
Change nappies on the floor when practical and keep the supplies you need close by before you start.
Make floors and play spaces safer
Clear toys, cords, and clutter from walkways and stairs. Wipe spills promptly and secure rugs that slide.
Choose a clear play area and supervise climbing or play equipment. Match equipment to your child’s abilities and use it as intended.
What should you watch for after a fall?
Check your child’s breathing, responsiveness, and overall behaviour. Symptoms can change after a head injury, so keep watching your child.
Seek urgent medical advice if your child vomits, has a seizure, becomes unusually sleepy or difficult to wake, or behaves differently. For a serious injury, loss of consciousness, or breathing difficulty, contact local emergency services immediately.
What can you do today?
Close and check stair gates, move furniture away from windows and balconies, and clear floors and stairs of trip hazards.
Anchor heavy furniture, change your child on the floor when practical, and stay within reach on raised surfaces. Know how to get urgent medical advice for a head injury or concerning symptoms.
When to seek support
Some signs need emergency help; other concerns can be discussed with your child’s healthcare team.
- Get urgent medical help after a head injury if your child vomits repeatedly, has a seizure, becomes difficult to wake, or behaves unusually.
- Call local emergency services for loss of consciousness, severe injury, or breathing problems.
Sources used for this guide
English editorial review:
The English text and regional guidance have been checked editorially. This is not an individual clinical assessment.
Luluna provides general parenting information. It does not diagnose conditions or replace your child’s healthcare professional.
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