NOT-SO-OBVIOUS DANGERS

Poisonous plants in the house and garden. Find out what you’re growing, and get rid of whatever’s poisonous.

Lawn dressing that might contain harmful pesticides. Babies love to eat soil, so don’t let your baby play outside immediately after fertilising your garden.

Outside play equipment (such as buckets and wheelbarrows) and dog bowls that have filled up with water after it’s rained all pose a drowning risk.

Your car keys. Give your baby your keys to play with and he could press your remote, open the gate, and get out onto the road.

The wind. This can cause doors to slam and crush little fingers. Get doorstops just in case.

Rocks that hide under long grass. Just when you think it’s safe to play, something sharp to fall on might be hiding under all that foliage.

Washing machines and tumble driers. These are not for playing with or in. Kids can get trapped. Keep these doors closed – always.

Toothpaste, if consumed in large amounts, can be dangerous and even lethal. Watch out for mouthwash, nail polish and perfume too.

Some antique furniture was painted using lead-based paint (which is poisonous) and should be kept away from a baby, who can chew on the painted surface.

Shelves filled with books and heavy toys should never be placed above a baby’s cot in case it collapses onto your baby.

Boiling water in the drain. Don’t empty boiling water down the drain when your children might be outside playing near or in the outside drain. They will get burnt.

Recycling and reusing. Always keep products in their original containers. Alcohol or detergents decanted into an old plastic juice bottle, for example, could lead to a fatal mix-up.