Baby-Proof Your Home Before They're Mobile

TIMELINE:

4-5 Months (Before Mobility)

• •Get on floor, look for hazards at baby's eye level
• •Secure furniture that could tip
• •Install smoke/CO detectors if missing
• •Plan your approach

6-8 Months (Rolling/Sitting)

• •Install baby gates
• •Secure cords and blinds
• •Lock cabinets with dangerous items
• •Cover outlets

9-12 Months (Crawling/Cruising)

• •Complete all safety measures
• •Remove tablecloths (babies pull on them)
• •Reassess as baby explores new areas
• •Add corner guards

12+ Months (Walking/Climbing)

• •Anchor ALL furniture (they climb everything)
• •Move chairs away from counters
• •Reassess frequently as abilities change

PRO TIP: Get on hands and knees and crawl through your home. Everything looks different from baby height. Cords, outlets, small objects, and furniture edges you never noticed become obvious hazards.

MUST DO:

• •Under sink (cleaning supplies = poison)
• •Drawers with sharp objects
• •Cabinets with breakables
• •Even "safe" cabinets (babies love exploring)

• •Stove knob covers (prevents gas/burner activation)
• •Turn pot handles inward (can't be grabbed)
• •Stove guard if possible (blocks reaching burners)
• •Never leave cooking unattended with baby in kitchen

• •Unplug appliances when not in use (toaster, blender)
• •Keep appliance cords out of reach
• •Oven lock if your model allows
• •Dishwasher lock (knives, chemicals)

• •Locking trash can lid OR cabinet lock
• •No access to recycling (sharp can lids, glass)

• •Fridge lock (optional but helpful)
• •Remove magnets at baby height (choking hazard)

CHEMICALS TO LOCK UP:

• •Dish soap and dishwasher pods (BRIGHT AND ATTRACTIVE)
• •Cleaning supplies
• •Garbage bags (suffocation risk)
• •Aluminum foil/plastic wrap boxes (sharp edges)

CHOKING HAZARDS:

• •Magnets
• •Twist ties
• •Small food items (grapes, nuts, popcorn)
• •Pet food in reachable locations

CRITICAL - DROWNING RISK:

⚠️ Babies can drown in 1-2 inches of water

⚠️ Drowning is silent - no splashing or screaming

⚠️ Never leave baby unattended near ANY water

• •Toilet lock (babies love playing in water)
• •Always close lid AND bathroom door
• •Empty buckets immediately after use

• •Non-slip mat in tub
• •Spout cover (soft cover prevents bumped heads)
• •Never leave water in tub
• •Hot water heater set to 120°F or lower (prevents scalding)

• •Medications (even vitamins can be toxic)
• •Cleaning supplies
• •Razors
• •Hair tools (curling iron, flat iron)

• •Unplug and store hair tools after use
• •Keep trash can locked/inaccessible
• •Remove bathroom rugs baby could trip on
• •Step stools stored away (climbing risk later)

MEDICATION SAFETY:

• •Lock box or high cabinet with lock
• •Includes: Prescriptions, OTC meds, vitamins, supplements
• •Advil/Tylenol look like candy to toddlers
• •Close caps completely (child-resistant ≠ child-proof)

FURNITURE SAFETY:

• •Bookcases, dressers, TV stands, cabinets
• •Use furniture straps/anti-tip anchors ($5-10 each)
• •TVs mounted to wall OR strapped to stand
• •Don't assume it's "too heavy to tip" - toddlers climb

⚠️ Furniture tip-overs kill 1 child every 2 weeks in the US

• •Corner guards on coffee tables
• •Hearth covers if you have a fireplace
• •Consider removing coffee table temporarily (crawling phase)

• •Outlet covers on all unused outlets
• •Cord covers or cord concealers for electronics
• •Hide power strips behind furniture
• •Lamp cords secured (baby could pull lamp down)

• •Window guards (especially 2nd floor+)
• •Cordless blinds OR cord cleats high on wall
• •Window stops to prevent full opening
• •Move furniture away from windows (climbing risk)

• •Hearth gate or bumper
• •Fireplace screen secured
• •Keep tools out of reach
• •No access to gas valve if applicable

CHOKING HAZARDS TO REMOVE:

• •Coins
• •Batteries (extremely dangerous if swallowed)
• •Small decorations
• •Remote control batteries (secure compartment)
• •Board game pieces
• •Pet toys with small parts

CRIB SAFETY:

• •No blankets (until 12+ months)
• •No pillows
• •No bumpers (suffocation risk)
• •No stuffed animals
• •No positioners

• •Firm, flat mattress
• •Fitted sheet only
• •Slats no more than 2-3/8" apart
• •No drop-side cribs (banned for safety)
• •Mattress at lowest setting when baby can pull up

• •Anchored to wall (CRITICAL)
• •Never leave baby unattended on changing table
• •Keep diaper supplies within arm's reach
• •Straps on changing pad used every time

• •Cordless blinds
• •Crib away from windows
• •Window guards installed
• •No furniture under windows

• •Lid with safety hinge (prevents slamming on fingers/head)
• •Or use open shelving instead
• •Ventilation holes if enclosed

BEDROOM HAZARDS:

• •Nightstand lamps (pull cords)
• •Small bedside items (coins, jewelry)
• •Medications in nightstands
• •Heavy items on dressers that could fall
• •Button batteries in remotes/devices

BABY GATES:

• •Screwed into wall/banister
• •Pressure gates can be pushed open → DO NOT USE at top
• •Gate should swing away from stairs (not over them)

• •Easier to remove and reposition
• •Less critical location

GATE SELECTION:

• •Height: At least 22" (taller as baby grows)
• •Slat spacing: Less than 2-3/8"
• •No V-shaped openings (strangulation risk)
• •Easy for adults to operate one-handed

STAIR SAFETY:

HALLWAY HAZARDS:

• •Floor lamps (tip easily)
• •Hall tables with sharp corners
• •Decorations at baby height
• •Doors that could pinch fingers (door stops help)

GARAGE (Keep baby OUT):

Hazards in garage:

• •Chemicals (antifreeze, paint, pesticides)
• •Tools (power and hand tools)
• •Heavy items on shelves
• •Car (never leave baby alone in/near car)
• •Garage door (keep remotes out of reach)

LAUNDRY ROOM:

• •Door locks on front-loaders
• •Keep detergent pods locked up (look like candy!)
• •Dryer sheets out of reach
• •Never leave doors open

• •Detergents
• •Stain removers
• •Bleach
• •Dryer sheets
• •Iron and ironing supplies

⚠️ LAUNDRY POD WARNING:

Laundry pods are extremely dangerous to children. They look like candy, are brightly colored, and can cause:

• •Chemical burns to mouth/throat
• •Breathing problems
• •Eye injuries
• •Death in severe cases

Keep pods in locked cabinet, NOT in pod dispenser on washer

YARD/DECK:

• •4-sided fence with self-closing, self-latching gate
• •Pool alarms
• •CPR training for all caregivers
• •Remove pool toys when not in use (don't attract baby)
• •Never leave baby unattended near ANY water

• •Baluster spacing less than 4"
• •Gate at stairs
• •Remove climbable furniture near railings
• •Check for loose boards, nails

• •Fence around yard
• •Lock gates
• •Remove poisonous plants
• •Check for mushrooms regularly
• •Store garden chemicals in locked shed
• •Cover window wells
• •Pad concrete edges near play areas

• •Age-appropriate only
• •Secure anchoring
• •Soft surface underneath (mulch, rubber)
• •Check for hot surfaces in summer

DRIVEWAY SAFETY:

• •Walk around car before backing up
• •Don't allow play in driveway
• •Know where baby is before moving any vehicle

OFTEN OVERLOOKED:

• •Extremely dangerous if swallowed (burns through tissue)
• •Found in: remotes, key fobs, toys, watches, hearing aids
• •Secure battery compartments
• •If swallowed → ER immediately (even if child seems fine)

• •Strangulation hazard
• •Replace with cordless blinds OR
• •Use cord cleats mounted high on wall
• •Tie cords out of reach

• •Multiple small magnets = surgical emergency if swallowed
• •Fridge magnets at baby height
• •Magnetic building toys

• •Medications
• •Hand sanitizer
• •Keys (swallowing, choking)
• •Coins
• •Gum
• •Keep purses on hooks, out of reach

• •Pet food (choking, bacteria)
• •Water bowls (drowning risk for crawlers)
• •Litter boxes
• •Pet toys with small parts

• •Many are toxic if ingested
• •Move out of reach or rehome
• •Common toxic plants: Pothos, Philodendron, Peace lily, Dieffenbachia

• •Dry cleaning bags
• •Shopping bags
• •Storage bags
• •Suffocation risk - tie in knots before discarding

ESSENTIAL PURCHASES:

Safety Devices:

• •[ ] Outlet covers (sliding style better than plug-in)
• •[ ] Cabinet locks (magnetic or adhesive)
• •[ ] Drawer latches
• •[ ] Stove knob covers
• •[ ] Toilet lock
• •[ ] Baby gates (hardware-mount for stairs)
• •[ ] Door knob covers
• •[ ] Door stops/finger guards
• •[ ] Furniture anchors/anti-tip straps (multiple)
• •[ ] TV mount or strap

Protection:

• •[ ] Corner guards
• •[ ] Hearth bumper (if fireplace)
• •[ ] Spout cover for bathtub
• •[ ] Non-slip bath mat

Windows/Blinds:

• •[ ] Cordless blinds OR cord cleats
• •[ ] Window guards/stops

Detection:

• •[ ] Smoke detectors (every level + bedrooms)
• •[ ] Carbon monoxide detectors

BUDGET ESTIMATE:

• •Basic childproofing: $100-150
• •Thorough childproofing: $200-300
• •With baby gates: Add $30-100 per gate

WHERE TO BUY:

• •Amazon (best selection)
• •Target/Walmart (immediate availability)
• •IKEA (furniture anchors included with purchase)
• •Dollar store (outlet covers, but check quality)

SAVE THESE NUMBERS:

📞 Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222 (US)

• •Call for ANY ingestion concern
• •Free, 24/7, confidential
• •Faster than ER for poison questions

📞 Emergency: 911

POST NEAR PHONE/ON FRIDGE:

• •Poison Control number
• •Pediatrician number
• •Address (for babysitters to give 911)

FIRST AID KIT:

• •Infant/child CPR guide
• •Digital thermometer
• •Infant acetaminophen (ask pediatrician for dose)
• •Infant ibuprofen (6+ months, ask pediatrician)
• •Bandages
• •Antiseptic wipes
• •Tweezers
• •Ice pack

LEARN:

• •Infant CPR (local hospital often offers free classes)
• •Choking response for infants
• •Signs of poisoning

IF POISON INGESTED:

1. Stay calm

2. Remove remaining substance from mouth/hands

3. Call Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

4. Have product container ready to describe

5. Follow their instructions

6. Do NOT induce vomiting unless told to