When little ones creep, climb toddle and scamper through the house, accidents are almost inevitable. In fact, home accidents are a leading cause of injuries to children, whose curiosity makes them especially vulnerable.

Here are some sensible steps for minimising dangers to small children in your home - and don't forget to pass on these tips to the grandparents - especailly if your children visit or stay with them.

Child-proofing is no substitute for good supervision but such measures will certainly help reduce risk!

1. WINDOWS

The world outside looks exciting to a child and an innocent attaempt to chase the cat or catch a bird outside in the garden can reslut in a curious toddler falling through a part-opened window. Attaching security stays to the window is the best way of preventing this from happening.

2. CABINET DOORS AND DRAWERS

Kitchen and bathroom cabinets contain many hazards - from household chemicals to sharp objects. screw pressure release latches on lower cabinet doors , following the instructions on the package.

Prevent children opening drawers by installing spring loaded latches which require a certain mastery of technique to open.

A plastic cabinet padlock can be used to latch together that handles and knobs of double doors. Always close doors to rooms your child shouldn't access.

3. EXTENSION CORDS, LAMPS AND ELECTRICAL OUTLETS

A tug on a cord can pull a lamp off a table, and chewing on a cord can cause severe electrical burns. Ideally, you should temporarily  eleiminate table and floor lamps during the time your children are young. Otherwise run cords out of sight and out of reach.

Electric shock and fires are a serious risk to life. Prevent small children from sticking objects into electrical outlets by covering the outlets with purpose bought caps or box-style protective covers.

4. MAKE THE TOILET SAFE

Don't use hook-on automatic toilet bowl cleaners as these are a magnet to tiny fingers and they're very toxic.

Keep the toilet lid down at all times and don't store toilet cleaners next to the toilet. Such products should be stored in a locked cupboard.

make sure bathroom doors can be unlocked from outside in case your child locks him or herself within, and if necessary, change the lock set altogether.

For hygiene's sake, keep your toilet brush up high too. You don't want little ones exploring this germ-ridden object!

5. TURN DOWN THE HOT WATER CYLINDER

Adjust the thermostat on your hot water heater so tap water runs no hotter than 48 degrees C. Run hot water into a bowl and test its temperature using a cooking thermometer then adjust the setting if needed.

Children's skin is sensitive to scalding so before bath-time, check the water with your risk or with a special bathtub thermometer.

6. EMPTY YOUR CUPBOARDS

Remove the following items from inside your home or at least place them up high, out of reach. This includes plant-care chemicals, polishes, matches, lighters, pesticides, paints, art and hobby supplies and cleaning agents.

7. INSTALL OR CHECK SMOKE DETECTORS

Mount a smoke detector on every level of your home and outside each sleeping area (one detector in the hallway can serve all bedrooms, provided it's within 3 metres of each door). pay attention to recommended clearances and setbacks from walls and corners. Check the battery in each unit carefully and replace the batteries twice a year.