Baby-proofing is the process of identifying and eliminating potential hazards in your home to create a safe environment for a crawling baby and toddler. The process should begin before your baby starts crawling (around 6-9 months) and continue as they become more mobile.
22 steps across 3 sections
1. Phase 1: Do Before Baby Starts Crawling (4-6 Months)
- Get on the floor — Crawl through each room at your baby's eye level to spot hazards you would not notice from standing height.
- Install outlet covers — Place safety plugs or sliding plate covers on all unused electrical outlets throughout the house.
- Anchor heavy furniture and TVs — Use anti-tip straps or L-brackets to secure bookcases, dressers, TV stands, and any top-heavy furniture to the wall.
- Set water heater to 120 degrees F — Prevents scalding. Install anti-scald devices on faucets if possible.
- Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors — One on every floor and in every sleeping area. Test monthly and replace batteries annually.
- Lock up hazardous items — Move all cleaning supplies, medications, vitamins, laundry pods, and chemicals to locked cabinets or high shelves.
2. Phase 2: Before Baby is Mobile (6-9 Months)
- Install safety gates — Hardware-mounted gates at the top of stairs (pressure-mounted gates are NOT safe for stair tops). Use pressure-mounted gates at the bottom of stairs and between rooms.
- Install cabinet and drawer locks — Use child-proof locks on all cabinets and drawers, especially in the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room.
- Secure window cords — Cut looped blind cords and use safety tassels. Cordless blinds are the safest option. Keep all cords out of reach.
- Install window stops or guards — Prevent windows from opening more than 4 inches. Screens are NOT strong enough to prevent falls.
- Cover sharp furniture corners — Apply corner guards or bumpers to coffee tables, fireplace hearths, and other sharp-edged furniture.
- Secure toilet lids — Install toilet lid locks to prevent drowning risk (a child can drown in as little as 1 inch of water).
3. Phase 3: Room-by-Room Deep Proofing
- Crib meets current safety standards: slats no more than 2-3/8 inches apart, firm snug-fitting mattress, no pillows/blankets/bumpers/stuffed animals in the crib.
- Keep the crib away from windows, blinds, and wall decorations.
- Secure all dressers and changing tables to the wall.
- Use stove knob covers and keep pot handles turned inward.
- Keep knives, scissors, and sharp objects in locked drawers.
- Store heavy items (cast iron pans, appliances) in lower cabinets so they cannot fall from height.
- Use a stove guard to prevent reaching hot burners.
- Never leave a child unattended in or near water.
- Use non-slip mats in the tub.
- Store all medications, razors, and cosmetics in locked cabinets.
Common Mistakes
- Thinking baby-proofing is a one-time task
- Using pressure-mounted gates at the top of stairs
- Relying on window screens
- Leaving small objects on low surfaces
- Not securing the toilet
Pro Tips
- Do a baby-proofing walkthrough with a professional if your budget allows — so...
- Take a CPR and first aid class for infants and children before the baby arrives
- Create a "yes space" — one fully baby-proofed room or area where the child ca...
- Check for recalled products at cpsc.gov before purchasing second-hand baby gear
- Replace button batteries in remotes, toys, and devices with tape over the bat...
Sources
Picking one
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