Homewreckers: the damage caused by UK toddlers

Anyone with a toddler at home will know about the 'child-proofing' measures needed to reduce the danger of their latest family member getting hurt or injured around the house. What every parent will also know though, is the danger that the toddler poses to the house itself! According to research by Direct Line Home Insurance, the average toddler will cause £400 of damage to the home and its contents.

The survey, conducted by Opinium, reveals the damage most often experienced by parents during this tricky phase. On top of the list is 'ruined paintwork or wallpaper' - reported by almost half of parents. All parents should probably expect furniture to be soiled in some form or other (44 percent), but an unlucky 19 percent even said their toddler had ripped their furnishings. More dangerous, though less common, are damaged electrical cables (6 percent) and broken windows (4 percent).