Watch out for railing gaps.

Yes, both are real hazards, but railing gaps are the one that can lead to serious falls. Slippery surfaces are annoying and cause bumps; wide gaps can trap a kid’s head or let them squeeze through entirely.

The standard safety rule: gaps should be no wider than 4 inches (about the size of a soda can). Anything bigger and your kid’s body—or head—might fit through. That’s a fall risk from stairs or a balcony. Slip-resistant rugs or anti-slip tape on hardwood can handle the slippery floor problem.

If you’re buying or building new, measure the gaps before you install. If you’re in an older house, check every railing between floor and balusters. A quick fix: use plexiglass panels or mesh guards.

Railing gaps are not something to wait on fixing.