My DS is super crazy - we're amazed that we've never had a trip to hospital or more than a few bruises because he is just so gung-ho about everything. His latest adventure was falling down a full flight of stairs, he cried for a few minutes (mostly because I freaked out), didn't have a scratch on him, then spent the next ten minutes trying to get back up there to do it again. Yesterday he tried to leap from the couch into the pram (which was being moved at the time). He's a total nutter, absolutely fearless.

Whilst they are learning a new physical skill it is the most likely time for injuries, so if you can either take him to or create an area where he can practice and fall over without injury, then he will master that skill quickly and without injury. A play-pen might be good for some peace of mind when you really need to get things done - put lots of cushions in there and he can practice standing (and falling over) to his heart's content. But if he is anything like my DS, a play-pen may feel too confining before long and he will want to be out exploring.

One thing I have noticed with my own DS is that once he learns a physical skill he is very dexterous and confident; he rides his little trike around our (enclosed) car-park, and zooms in and out between the poles, then heads straight towards a pole at break-neck speed, then stops a centimetre away with this big grin on his face. There are benefits to having a very active, fearless, determined child - even if it does cause a few grey hairs.