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The risk of injury is very small (a child's body is relaxed in sleep), but it'll scare him. Guard rails on each side, or on one side if the bed side butts up to a wall, are usually all you need. You could also put down a rug and pillows, cushions or an old duvet for a few weeks just in case.

Around one child in 50 sleepwalks or has sleep terrors and although accidents are fairly rare, you'll want to take steps to lessen the likelihood. So make sure the bedroom floor is clear of toys and keep a stairgate at the top of the stairs or across the doorway of your child's bedroom.

As you'll know if your child has either of these conditions, it's best to guide him back to bed without waking him. Sleep terrors and sleepwalking usually stop of their own accord by the age of 5 or 6.

Whether or not your child sleepwalks, keep his cot or cotbed away from windows. Curiosity has led to many an accident, with little ones getting tangled in curtain cords or trying to climb out of a window. Window locks are as important as shortening or tucking away cords.

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