The short answer
Recheck the home as your toddler learns to climb, pull drawers, and reach new places. Anchor heavy furniture, secure windows and stairs, lock away medicines and cleaners, and keep button batteries and magnets inaccessible.
In this guide · 12 sections
Keep in mind
- Secure heavy furniture and TVs to a wall.
- Use stair gates and window protections; screens alone do not prevent falls.
- Lock away medicines, cleaners, button batteries, and small powerful magnets.
Why recheck the home at this age?
Toddlers may now walk quickly, move chairs, open drawers, climb onto furniture, and reach hazards that were previously out of reach.
Review each room from your child’s height and think about what they can climb, pull, open, or carry.
How can I prevent furniture and TV tip-overs?
Anchor dressers, bookcases, TV stands, and other heavy furniture to a wall using the manufacturer’s instructions or suitable anti-tip hardware.
Drawer locks can help, but they do not replace anchoring the furniture itself; keep tempting toys off high furniture to discourage climbing.
How can I make windows, balconies, and stairs safer?
Keep chairs, sofas, and low tables away from windows and balcony edges. Window screens are not fall barriers; use properly fitted window guards or restrictors that still allow emergency escape.
Use a safety gate at the top and bottom of stairs, fitted according to its instructions. A pressure-mounted gate should not be used where a fall down stairs is possible.
Reduce loose rugs, trailing cords, small toys, and slippery footwear in walking routes.
Supervise your toddler around stairs, windows, and balconies even when safety devices are fitted.
How should medicines and cleaning products be stored?
Keep medicines, laundry products, and household cleaners in their original containers, locked away and out of sight and reach.
A high shelf alone may not be enough as toddlers learn to climb. Child-resistant packaging is not childproof.
Why are button batteries and magnets especially dangerous?
Button and coin batteries are found in remotes, toys, key fobs, and small devices; swallowing one can cause severe internal injury quickly.
Small high-powered magnets can injure the bowel, especially if more than one is swallowed. Keep batteries and magnets secured, and check toy battery compartments.
What should I check at child height?
Secure unused outlets with appropriate covers or tamper-resistant receptacles, keep electrical and blind cords out of reach, and pick up coins, batteries, and small toys.
If older siblings are at home, check that small toys and batteries are put away after use.
How can I reduce burns from hot surfaces?
Block access to heaters, fireplaces, radiators, and other hot surfaces; use the back burners, turn pan handles inward, and keep hot drinks away from edges.
Assume your toddler may move a chair to reach a counter; do not rely on height alone.
What can I do today?
Choose one room and check it from your toddler’s eye level. Look for furniture that could tip, open windows, medicines, cords, batteries, and hot surfaces.
Think about a new skill your child has learned recently, such as climbing onto a chair, and check the new risks it creates.
When is urgent help needed?
If a button or coin battery or a powerful magnet may have been swallowed, call 999 or go to A&E immediately, even if your child seems well. Do not induce vomiting.
For any other suspected poisoning, call NHS 111 for advice; call 999 for an emergency.
When to seek support
Some signs need emergency help; other concerns can be discussed with your child’s healthcare team.
- If a button battery or magnet may have been swallowed, seek emergency medical advice immediately; do not wait for symptoms. For other suspected poisoning, contact your local poison service or emergency service.
Sources used for this guide
- American Academy of Pediatrics / HealthyChildren.org — HealthyChildren – Home Safety: Tips for Families With Young Children
- American Academy of Pediatrics / HealthyChildren.org — HealthyChildren – How Small Batteries Can Become Dangerous to Children
- American Academy of Pediatrics / HealthyChildren.org — How High-Powered Magnetic Toys Can Harm Children
- www.cpsc.gov — regional guidance
- NHS — Baby and toddler safety
- www.poison.org — regional guidance
- www.nhs.uk — regional guidance
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.
Explore more guides