Parents across the country are being advised to take more time to identify potential hazards in the home in a bid to reduce the number of children being injured in accidents.   

The warning comes from child safety product manufacturer Clippasafe, following the latest Accident and Emergency admission figures. They show that household injuries to children accounted for more than 14 per cent of all Accident and Emergency admissions in England last year*.

Clippasafe's managing director Roger Cheetham is worried that these figures could easily increase during 2009: "The current economic climate means that families will be spending more time at home this year. Unless parents start taking the necessary home safety precautions, I fear that these numbers could be even greater at the start of 2010." 

To give parents a helping hand, Clippasafe has identified the top three most common dangers in the home, with guidance and suggestions to help prevent any accidents.

Burns    

A child's skin is much more sensitive than an adult's, so extra care needs to be taken when bathing and feeding. Hot bath water is a major cause of scalding injuries that happen in the home, so make sure that you use a temperature gauge.      

Domestic house fires are often started by children playing with matches and lighters, or cigarettes not being extinguished properly. Make sure that you keep any hazardous item out of reach and don't light candles, oils or incense when your child is around.

We all know that children love to explore, that's why it is important to invest in safety equipment such as fireguards and guards for the oven and stove. That way, toddlers can enjoy their independence without facing potential risks.

Falls     

Your child can fall from all sorts of items, ending up with painful bruises, bumps, cuts and swellings. The accident can be even worse if they fall from a great height or land on a hard, sharp or hot surface.

Attaching a stair gate firmly to your walls at the top and bottom of the stairs, as well as guards and locks to windows, will help you to keep an eye on adventurous youngsters.

Cuts     

Little hands can easily grab strong cleaning products and knives from unlocked cupboards, drawers and cabinets, so keep sharp objects and harmful substances locked safely away. Inquisitive children also like to touch, prod, push and poke, so be aware of overloaded plug sockets, as well as open washing machines, door hinges and unloaded dishwashers.

It's also advisable to secure loose wires and use cable tidies where possible to avoid unnecessary trips.

Sharp edges on tables and furniture have the potential to cause nasty cuts, but this risk can be eliminated by fitting cushioned corner guards to make sure that your child's head is protected.