Childproofing

Definition: The process of making your home safer for young children by identifying hazards and either removing, securing, or blocking access to them. Childproofing typically begins around 6 months when babies start moving on their own, and it continues to evolve as children grow and reach new developmental stages.

Parent Tip: Here is the room by room checklist I share with parents in my classes. You do not have to do everything at once. Start with the highest risk items first and work your way through over a few weekends.

Want a more detailed version? My free Home Safety Report Card walks you through a complete room by room audit with deeper guidance on each item.

Kitchen

  • Install cabinet and drawer locks on anything containing cleaners, knives, or sharp tools
  • Move all cleaning products to a locked upper cabinet, not under the sink
  • Turn pot handles toward the back or side and cook on the back burners
  • Install stove knob covers and an oven anti-tip device
  • Keep hot drinks out of reach of crawling babies and curious toddlers
  • Secure trash cans with child resistant lids or keep them behind a locked cabinet

Bathroom

  • Install a child safety latch on the toilet lid
  • Store medications, vitamins, mouthwash, razors, and cleaning supplies in a locked cabinet, never on the counter
  • Set the water heater no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent scalding
  • Place non slip mats in the tub and on the bathroom floor
  • Never leave a child alone in the bath, even for a second

Living Areas

  • Anchor all tall furniture, dressers, bookcases, and TVs to the wall to prevent tip overs
  • Cover unused electrical outlets with safety plugs or outlet covers
  • Tie up or cut cords from blinds and curtains to prevent strangulation
  • Remove or pad sharp corners on coffee tables and furniture
  • Keep small objects, coins, batteries, and magnets out of reach
  • Move houseplants out of reach if they are toxic

Bedrooms and Nursery

  • Keep the crib free of blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, and bumpers for babies under 1 year
  • Anchor changing tables and dressers to the wall
  • Install window guards or locks on any window above the first floor
  • Keep furniture away from windows so children cannot climb up
  • Use a baby monitor for infants and young toddlers

Stairs and Doorways

  • Install hardware mounted safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs
  • Use door knob covers on rooms containing hazards
  • Keep the basement door locked
  • Add corner guards to railings and banisters where needed

Garage and Outdoor

  • Lock garage doors and any access to tools, chemicals, or lawn equipment
  • Empty kiddie pools and buckets immediately after use, since drowning can happen in less than two inches of water
  • Check that outdoor play equipment is age appropriate and well maintained
  • Store grills, lighters, and matches out of reach

Whole Home Safety

  • Install working smoke alarms on every level and outside each sleeping area
  • Install carbon monoxide detectors near sleeping areas if you have any fuel burning appliances
  • Practice a family fire escape plan twice a year
  • Keep a well stocked children's first aid kit somewhere you can grab it fast
  • Save