⏰ When Should You Baby Proof?
The best time to baby proof your home is before your baby becomes mobile — ideally around 4–5 months, well before crawling starts. Babies develop quickly and can go from rolling to crawling to pulling up in just weeks. Getting ahead of these milestones gives you peace of mind.
Don't wait for an accident to prompt action. Get on your hands and knees and see your home from your baby's perspective. You'll be surprised what catches your attention when you're 18 inches off the ground.
Kitchen
- ✓Install cabinet locks on all lower cabinets, especially those with cleaning products, sharp objects, or heavy cookware
- ✓Use stove knob covers and a stove guard to prevent burns
- ✓Secure the refrigerator with an appliance latch
- ✓Keep all sharp knives, scissors, and utensils in locked drawers or out of reach
- ✓Store cleaning products in a locked high cabinet — never under the sink within reach
- ✓Keep trash cans behind a locked cabinet door or use a locking lid
- ✓Never leave hot liquids, pots, or pans near the edge of the counter or stove
Bathroom
- ✓Install a toilet lock — toddlers can drown in just inches of water
- ✓Set your water heater to 120°F (49°C) maximum to prevent scalding
- ✓Lock up all medications, vitamins, and supplements — even child-resistant caps aren't child-proof
- ✓Use a non-slip bath mat inside and outside the tub
- ✓Install a faucet cover to protect baby's head from the hard spout
- ✓Never leave your baby unattended in or near water — not even for a second
Nursery & Bedrooms
- ✓Anchor dressers, bookshelves, and TVs to the wall with furniture straps — tip-overs are a leading cause of injury
- ✓Keep the crib bare — no blankets, pillows, bumpers, or stuffed animals until age 1+
- ✓Use cordless blinds or secure cords high and out of reach — strangulation hazard
- ✓Cover all electrical outlets with sliding covers (better than plug-in caps that can be pulled out)
- ✓Place the crib away from windows, curtain cords, and heaters
- ✓Install a baby monitor to keep watch without being in the room
Living Room & Common Areas
- ✓Add corner protectors to coffee tables, fireplace hearths, and sharp furniture edges
- ✓Install baby gates at the top and bottom of stairs (hardware-mounted at the top, pressure-mounted elsewhere)
- ✓Secure TV and heavy electronics with wall mounts or furniture straps
- ✓Keep small objects, coins, and batteries out of reach — choking hazard for children under 3
- ✓Cover floor-level electrical outlets and hide cords behind furniture
- ✓Move houseplants out of reach — many common plants are toxic to children
🔒 General Home Safety
Smoke & CO detectors — Test monthly and replace batteries annually
Fire extinguisher — Keep one on each floor and learn how to use it
Poison control number — Post 1-800-222-1222 where it's visible
First aid kit — Stock with baby-appropriate supplies
Door and window locks — Install on all accessible doors and windows
Pool/yard safety — Fence pools, lock gates, and supervise outdoor play