How to Babyproof Your Home

Chasing a crawling infant or an active toddler around the house is physically and mentally challenging enough. The last thing you need to worry about is your child grabbing a hazardous item, getting too close to a fireplace or a heavy object falling on them. Avoiding these potentially dangerous interactions is why babyproofing your home is so important. This blog will provide tips on which items you need for your home and give a room-by-room checklist of what to babyproof.

Childhood accidents occur at home more than you’d think. Each year, about 3.5 million children end up in the emergency room from injuries that commonly happen under your own roof.

Ideally, you can make many of these modifications or additions during your pregnancy before your child comes home from the hospital. But there isn't a set timeframe, per se.

Setting up the nursery and creating a safe sleep environment are the first priorities. You should ensure smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are installed. During the newborn stage, an anti-scald valve is also recommended to help ensure the water temperature is safe for your child once you start bathing them, either in the sink or bathtub.

From there, you have several months until your child begins to sit up and move. You’ll want to have all of your baby proof measures in order by the time your child begins to crawl, which typically occurs anywhere from 6 to 9 months old.

One important note to consider: Babyproofing is an evolving concept. You’ll need to constantly add and tweak safety protections as your child grows and is more active.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends parents use the following items to remove hazards and prevent household injuries.

Safety latches and locks: Whether in the kitchen or a bathroom, latches and locks are important in preventing your child from rummaging through drawers or cabinets with potentially dangerous materials. Locks can either be flex locks or magnetic locks that require a key.

Safety gate: Gates serve many purposes, from preventing a child from entering or exiting a room to preventing them from falling down the stairs.

Door knob covers and door locks: Much like gates, knob covers and locks prevent your child from entering a room or area of the house you don't want them in.

Anti-scald devices: These devices are placed on sinks, showers and tubs to prevent your child from burning themselves from hot water.

Smoke alarms: Each level and bedroom should have a smoke alarm to alert you of a fire.

Window guards: Screens won't prevent your child from falling out a window, so window guards and wedges should be installed so windows can't be opened more than a few inches.

Corner and edge bumpers: Coffee tables, chairs and other furniture can have sharp edges that need a bumper to prevent injury.

Outlet covers and outlet plates: Covering electrical outlets prevents your child from sticking their fingers in a socket and getting electrocuted.

Carbon monoxide (CO) alarm: You should install carbon monoxide alarms in all sleeping areas.

Cordless window coverings: Cords from curtains or blinds pose a strangulation risk. You can either buy new window coverings or request a free repair kit from the Window Covering Safety Council. Continuous-loop cords should be anchored to the floor or wall.

Furniture and appliance anchors: Children tend to climb on things, so securing televisions or bookcases can prevent them from falling over.

Before you start, get a glimpse of how your child views things. It may seem silly, but get on your hands and knees to simulate what is at eye level and within reach to grab and touch.

Here is a room-by-room checklist of things to do to childproof your home.

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