Objective To analyze the risk factors in the domestic environment for the occurrence of falls in children under five years of age. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted in May and in June of 2016 with 344 caregivers of children from Northeast Brazil. A socio-economic questionnaire and a checklist for environmental observation were used. Bivariate analyzes were performed using Pearson's Chi-square test. Results They were associated with the risk of falls in children under 5 years of age: High net (p = 0.015), presence of stairs or steps without a handrail (p=0.003), and exits and passages kept with toys, furniture, boxes or other items that may be obstructive (p=0.002). Conclusion The factors in the domestic environment identified as associated with the risk of falls in children under five years of age demonstrate that there is a need to construct prevention strategies related to the structure and organization of this environment.