HEALTH chiefs have warned parents to be on their guard against children suffering injuries by falling down at home.

The message comes after 13 youngsters were rushed to Dorset hospitals in 12 days, all needing treatment after tumbles in the house or garden.

Margery Hookings, spokesman for North Dorset NHS Primary Care Trust, said that under-fives are most at risk.

She said: "It is important for children to get physical activity, but remember active play can increase the risk of an accident.

"Each year, nearly 10 per cent of all North Dorset children have to go to minor injury units at Blandford, Sherborne and Shaftesbury.

"Even a fall from one metre can cause serious trauma in a child."

She urged mums and dads to follow guidelines drawn up by childcare experts at Shaftesbury Hospital to prevent slips and trips.

New babies should have their nappies changed on the floor because they can easily roll off beds, sofas or changing tables, while bouncing cradles and baby care seats can fall from other raised surfaces. Older children should be taught not to climb on high areas like roofs, sheds or fences.

Special care needs to be taken in flats with balconies - there should be at least a 110cm barrier around the edge with no nearby furniture to climb on.

Make sure that falls are not broken by a hard surface like paving or concrete - the safest options are grass or impact-absorbing materials.

Fitted safety gates help stop tots falling down the stairs and prevent them wandering into hazardous areas like the kitchen.

Latches and guards will restrain children who may otherwise topple out of windows and five-point harnesses avoid falls from pushchairs or high chairs.

Corner protectors can soften sharp edges of furniture and low wattage night lights will show a tot the way to the toilet during the night, avoiding bumps and bruises in the dark.

The Child Accident Prevention Trust says half of all accidents in UK homes are caused by falls and 60 per cent of children taken to hospital are under five years old.