Baby-Proofing Your Home: Room by Room Guide

The moment your baby starts crawling, your entire home transforms into an obstacle course of potential hazards. Baby-proofing is about reducing the most dangerous risks so your curious explorer can discover the world safely.

When to Start Baby-Proofing

Start before your baby is mobile, ideally around 4-5 months. It is much easier to install cabinet locks and outlet covers before you are chasing a speedy crawler.

The Kitchen: High-Priority Zone

  • Cabinets: Install magnetic locks on cabinets containing cleaning products, sharp utensils, and heavy items
  • Stove: Use stove knob covers and a stove guard
  • Dishwasher: Keep it locked — detergent pods are extremely toxic
  • Trash: Use a can with a locking lid or store it inside a locked cabinet

The Living Room

  • Anchor bookshelves, TV stands, and dressers to the wall
  • Cover sharp corners on coffee tables and hearths with foam guards
  • Secure outlet covers on all unused outlets
  • Hide or bundle electrical cords
  • Check that window blinds do not have looped cords (a strangulation risk)

The Nursery

  • Crib slats should be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart
  • The mattress should be firm and fit snugly
  • Nothing loose in the crib: no pillows, thick blankets, bumpers, or stuffed animals until after 12 months

Explore our safe crib bedding designed to meet current safety guidelines.

The Bathroom

  • Install toilet lid locks
  • Set your water heater to 120F (49C) maximum to prevent scalds
  • Use a non-slip mat in the tub
  • Lock all cabinets containing medications and cleaning products

Baby-Proofing Checklist Summary

  • Anchor all furniture over 30 inches tall
  • Cover all outlets
  • Install cabinet locks in kitchen and bathrooms
  • Install stair gates
  • Remove or secure all cords
  • Set water heater to 120F
  • Install toilet locks
  • Check smoke and CO detectors
  • Create a first-aid kit and post poison control number (US: 1-800-222-1222)
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