It is important to encourage exploration and freedom to develop movement patterns and coordination in your child’s brain, while ensuring safety. Make sure to consider safety within both indoor and outdoor environments. For example, in your home ensure that there are no sharp items available or sharp edges on furniture; no toys left around which could be a choking hazard; no trip hazards on the floor; and safety doors at the top of staircases. When playing outdoors, make sure to check that play equipment e.g. swings or roundabouts are working properly, and that there is suitable soft flooring in case of falls. Correct fitting footwear can also help to avoid trips and falls.