Work out an escape plan for your family and tell your children what to do in case of a fire. Practise the plan regularly.

Liquid laundry capsules can cause chemical burns if the liquid gets into a child's eyes, nose or mouth. Keep them out of sight and out of reach. Fit smoke alarms on every level of your home. Test them every week and change the batteries every year. If furniture has sharp corners, use corner protectors to prevent your child from hurting their head. If you use a bath seat, remember that it's not a safety device. You still need to stay with your baby all the time.

Special devices can stop doors from closing properly, preventing your child's fingers getting trapped. At night, remember to close doors to stop any potential fires from spreading. Avoid heating up bottles of formula in a microwave. Use a bottle warmer or jug of hot water instead.

Toddlers will play with anything they can reach, so keep matches and lighters out of young children's sight and reach. Make sure your garden is secure so that your child cannot get into neighbouring gardens, where there may be ponds or other drowning hazards. Extinguish and dispose of cigarettes, cigars and pipes carefully, particularly at night or if you are tired. After warming a bottle of formula, shake the bottle well and test the temperature by placing a few drops on the inside of your wrist before feeding. It should feel lukewarm, not hot. Do not leave your baby unattended on a bed, sofa or changing table, even for a second, as they could roll off.

Hold on to the handrail when carrying your baby up and down stairs, in case you trip. Make sure the stairs are free of toys and other trip hazards. Keep toys and garden play equipment well away from washing lines, so that children cannot stand on them and reach the line.