If you have babies or young children at home, you should think about childproofing your home. Although nothing beats parents' or a caregiver's vigilance and consistent attention, there are steps you can take to prevent untoward incidents at home.

Young children are given to explore new things with their mouth. As such, the first thing you should look at are toys that the child have access to; particularly toys that are left in the playpen or crib. Small toys or toys with detachable small parts (including cuddly soft toys with glued on nose or button eyes) are choking hazards and should never be given to children younger than 3 years old. As a guide, anything that can pass through the opening of a common toilet paper tube is a potential choking hazard.

For children who are still mouthing their toys, you should limit them to playing with toys that are washable or can be wiped. Such toys should be regularly cleaned to prevent infections and diarrhea. Furry toys are not recommended as they are difficult to clean, tend to collect dust, 'shed' furs when pulled and may potentially be an asthma trigger. You should also remove any toy with sharp or rough edges and parts as children may accidentally scratched themselves or poke themselves in the eye while playing. Plastic bags are a big no-no as they are a suffocation hazard.

Once the child learns to move around on his or her own, there will be more things to lookout for. Pills and mothballs, for instance, can proof deadly as children may mistake them for candies and swallow them. If possible, it is best to have medicine stored in non-breakable bottles with childproof caps. Check all low cabinets for potentially poisonous substances and have these locked away. Houseplants can be equally deadly as the child may chew on them.

Another thing to look out for is chipped or peeling paint in the house; as some paints contain lead. All electrical outlets must also be covered to keep out prying fingers. Electrical cords, strings and ribbons should be kept out of reach as these can potentially cause strangulation. Sharp object and breakables should also be put away to avoid injury.

If you allow your child into the kitchen, you should ensure that heated stove, pans and pots are kept out of the child's reach. As for the bathroom, toilet lids should always be kept down. You should never the bathtub, pail or basin filled with water as a child may drown in them. Where it is possible, windows and doors should be locked to keep children out. If you have stairs at home, it is a good idea to install gates at the top and bottom of the stairs.

After all is said and done, you should still always keep an eye out for your child.