Children's room safety guidelines that every parent should know

If you're decorating a little one's room, it's always wise to keep these children's room safety guidelines in mind. 

1. Think about bed location

Don’t position a child's bed underneath a window, directly against a radiator or with shelves, ledges or appliances above it. Doing so will put them at greater risk of falling, burning or having items drop onto them. 

2. Avoid hanging heavy pictures

Particularly above the bed where they could fall onto your sleeping child. The same goes for mirrors, either hung or leaning against a wall. 

3. Secure freestanding furniture

By fixing it to the wall with anti-toppling devices such as straps or fixing brackets. Most tall or heavy pieces of furniture, such as bookcases, will come with their own attachments, but check before you buy.  

4. Avoid open drawers

Children might be tempted to use these as a climbing frame. Pop child-proof latches on lower drawers so that they can't be pulled out. 

5. Don't choose bunk beds if your child is under six

Bunk beds are a great space-saving option for older children, but for those five and under, there's a risk they could fall and hurt themselves climbing up and down to bed. 

Cabin beds are a better option if you can squeeze them in. There’ll be plenty of extra storage underneath too.

6. Use socket covers

These will keep plug sockets safe from probing fingers and prevent any nasty shocks.

7. Secure all dangling lamp cords

 to prevent injury from pulling on them.

8. Childproof the windows

Use latches that will let the window open no more than 10cm. This will provide good ventilation without putting your child in danger.