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