As the long summer days fade and families spend more time indoors, the home quickly becomes the main playground for curious little ones. Cosy autumn evenings bring comfort, but they can also come with new safety risks. Toddlers are natural explorers, and with doors and windows closed against the chill, everyday spaces can suddenly hide unexpected hazards.
September marks Baby Safety Month, a reminder that prevention is always easier than cure - making it the perfect moment for a seasonal safety reset. Just like swapping sandals for wellies or unpacking school bags, giving your home a quick safety check helps ensure your family can enjoy the season with peace of mind.
Here are 10 indoor hazards every parent should revisit this autumn - and the simple steps you can take to protect against them.
1. Smoke Alarms & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
With colder evenings and heating back in use, the risks of fire and carbon monoxide exposure rise. Test alarms, replace batteries, and keep detectors dust-free to ensure they’re fully working.
2. Doors That Slam Shut
Autumn breezes (or excited siblings) can send doors banging shut - and little fingers are often in the way. Door Slam Stoppers are an easy way to prevent doors from closing fully, offering soft protection for curious hands.
3. Small Objects That Can Choke
Autumn crafts and seasonal decorations often bring beads, buttons, or small trinkets into the home. CAPT highlights that choking is a leading cause of accidents in under-fives. Use the Choke Tester included in the Home Safety Check Tools to see whether items are safe or should be stored away.
4. Sharp Furniture Corners
Coffee tables and low cabinets are exactly at toddler eye-level and can cause painful bumps. Fred Corner Protectors soften sharp edges without disrupting your décor, creating a safer play space.
5. Kitchen Burn Risks
With soups, hot drinks, and more cooking indoors, the kitchen becomes a danger zone. RoSPA advises keeping pan handles turned inward and kettles at the back of worktops. A discreet solution like the Stove & Hob Guard adds a strong barrier between children and hot surfaces.
6. Blind Cords
As windows are closed more often, blind cords can dangle within reach, creating a new hazard. RoSPA recommends either cordless blinds or properly securing cords. Take a few minutes to check every room and tie cords safely out of reach.
7. Battery Compartments
Toys, remotes, and festive decorations often hide button batteries, which can cause severe internal injuries if swallowed. RoSPA warns that these small items are a growing danger in modern homes. Always ensure battery compartments are secured with screws or replaced with child-safe alternatives.
8. Cleaning Products & Medicines
Autumn brings coughs, colds, and more cleaning indoors. Nidirect advises keeping all cleaning supplies and medicines locked away and out of sight. Discreet Invisible Magnet Locks and Drawer Catches provide sleek, secure storage that blends into your home.
9. Electrical Sockets
Indoor play often means more plugs in use for heaters, lamps, and gadgets. Plug Socket Covers keep curious fingers safe, fitting snugly and preventing tampering as little ones to copy what grown-ups do.
10. Staircases
With darker evenings and more energetic indoor play, falls on stairs become a real risk. CAPT highlights that installing gates at both the top and bottom of staircases significantly reduces serious injuries. The Fred Screw-Fit Clear-View Stairgate combines strength with style, letting you keep an eye on your child while maintaining a modern look.
By focusing on these ten areas, you’ll transform your home into a safer, more confident playground for your little ones. It’s not about limiting their curiosity - it’s about safeguarding exploration. A simple starting point is the Fred Home Safety Starter Pack (17 pieces), which includes essentials like corner protectors and cupboard locks to make childproofing quick and stress-free. With a few small adjustments, you can create a home where your little one can explore freely and securely this autumn.