🪜 Preventing falls at home

Prepare before you start

• Keep nappies, wipes and clothes within reach.
• A changing mat on a clear floor can reduce fall risk.
• Use correctly installed gates, window restrictors and furniture anchors suited to your home.

Check the main fall hazards

1. 1. Change baby safely

   On a raised changing surface, keep a hand on baby and stay beside them. If something is missing, take baby with you or place them safely in their cot.

2. 2. Use seats as intended

   Use the high chair only when baby meets its developmental requirements and fasten the full harness every time. Keep it away from surfaces a child could push against. Never place a bouncer or car seat on a table or counter.

3. 3. Secure stairs and walking routes

   Install suitable gates at the top and bottom of stairs, following the instructions; use a hardware-mounted gate at the top. Clear loose rugs, clutter and wet floors. Avoid wheeled baby walkers.

4. 4. Protect windows and balconies

   In flats and high-rise homes, keep balcony access controlled and furniture away from rails and windows. Fit suitable window restrictors without compromising emergency escape. Insect screens do not prevent falls.

5. 5. Support safe exploration

   Anchor climbable furniture and televisions. Give baby supervised, awake tummy time on a clear floor, not a raised surface. For sleep, use their own firm, flat, clear cot with baby on their back, without pillows, blankets or toys. Remove hats indoors.

Classic mistakes

• ❌ Assuming a harness makes supervision unnecessary Straps reduce some risks but do not stop a chair tipping or replace an attentive adult.
• ❌ Ignoring concerning symptoms after a fall Call 112 for unconsciousness, seizures, breathing difficulty or floppiness. Emergency response availability varies in Nigeria; keep a nearby emergency department number and safe transport backup. Seek urgent assessment for repeated vomiting, unusual drowsiness, changed behaviour or a significant fall; ask a clinician if unsure.

Same topic

• 🍬 Preventing choking and swallowing hazards
• 🛁 Water safety and drowning prevention
• 🧴 Preventing household poisoning
• 🔥 Preventing burns in the kitchen and daily life

Read next

• 🧸 Babyproofing the house (when baby goes mobile)
• 🚨 Getting trained in infant & child first aid