The start of a new year is a natural time for parents to review routines, make improvements and focus on what matters most. One of the most important things we can do for our children at any time of year is ensure their environment is as safe as possible. Now that the festive period has passed, this can be the ideal moment to carry out a simple home safety check.

To support you, we have created a practical room-by-room guide covering key risks, expert recommendations and helpful safety solutions. These tips are based on guidance from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) and are designed to give families confidence that their home is secure, welcoming and better prepared for everyday life with children.

 

What Safety Checks Should Parents Do in the Living Room?

 

According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), the living room is where the highest number of home accidents occur. Key checks include:

• Fire and heat safety: Never leave children unsupervised near open fires or wood-burning stoves. Use fireguards when needed.
• Blind cord safety: Tie cords up and out of reach to prevent strangulation risks.
• Matches and lighters: Keep these locked away or fully out of reach.
• Candles: Place candles well out of reach and never leave them unattended.
• Doors: Prevent finger-trap injuries with guards such as the Fred Safety Door Slam Stopper

 

 

How Can Parents Make Their Kitchen Safer?

RoSPA reports that around 67,000 home accidents happen in UK kitchens each year, and 43,000 of these involve children under four. Kitchens contain heat, sharp objects and cleaning chemicals, so extra care is essential. The following checks can help parents reduce risk quickly and effectively.

 Fire and Burn Prevention

Young children are naturally curious and often unaware of danger, which makes hot surfaces a major cause of injury. Key steps include:

• Check alarms regularly: make sure smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are fitted and working. These provide crucial early warnings if something goes wrong. 
• Keep hot items out of reach: turn pan handles towards the back of the hob and place hot dishes away from the edge of the worktops. This prevents children from pulling or touching them. 
• Use protective guards: a Fred Safety Stove and Hob Guard creates a barrier that stops little hands from reaching hot surfaces. 
• Be mindful with hot drink: hot drinks stay dangerously hot for longer than most people realise. Always keep mugs and cups away from edges and never hold a hot drink while carrying your child. 

Prevent Poisoning and Chemical Access

Poisoning is one of the most common home safety risks for young children. Cleaning products, medicines and alcohol often look harmless but can be extremely dangerous if swallowed.

• Store hazardous items securely: Keep alcohol, medicines and all cleaning products in cupboards that are out of reach and ideally locked.
• Understand the risk: Poisoning incidents have risen significantly, with more than 28,000 children in the UK treated for accidental poisoning each year. Most occur when items are left accessible during daily routines.
• Use child-proof locks: A lock kit, helps secure cupboards and drawers so children cannot open them. This creates a simple but effective barrier between children and hazardous products. Fred Safety has a variety of locks that you can use for this. 
  

 

What Safety Checks Should Parents Do on the Stairs?

Stairs are a common place for falls and are involved in around 58,000 accidents each year (RoSPA). Keeping this area clear and secure helps prevent injuries. Key stair safety checks include: 

• Keep the stairs free from toys, shoes and other clutter that can cause trips.
• Make sure carpets or runners are properly fitted and not loose or damaged.
• Install safety gates at both the top and bottom of the stairs. Choose gates that meet British Safety Standard EN 1930, such as the Fred Safety Stair Gates.

 

 

What Safety Checks Should Parents Do in the Bathroom?

Bathrooms can be high-risk spaces because of water, slippery floors and access to hazardous products. A few precautions go a long way. Key bathroom safety checks include:

• Store cleaning products, medicines and cosmetics out of reach or in locked cupboards.
• Keep electrical items away from the bathroom entirely.
• Use a non-slip mat to help prevent slips during bath time.
• Never leave children unattended in the bath or bathroom.

 

What Safety Checks Should Parents Do in Children’s Bedrooms?

Bedrooms should be calm, safe spaces where children can rest or play. The right setup helps reduce risks for babies, toddlers and older children. Key bedroom safety checks include:

• Remove small objects that may pose a choking risk. The Fred Safety Choke Tester can help check if items are safe.
• Secure heavy furniture to the wall with a kit such as the Fred Safety Furniture Anti-Tip Kit
• Tie blind cords up high and ensure children cannot access windows or climb onto furniture near them.

 

 

Every family home is different, but a few simple steps can make a big difference to your child’s safety. By checking each room and making small adjustments, you create a safer environment for your little one to explore and grow. Taking action now helps protect your child throughout the year and gives your family greater peace of mind.