Baby-Proof Your House

Room-by-room safety pass before your baby starts crawling (around 6-9 months).

Whole House

• Get on hands and knees in every room — see what they'll see
• Outlet covers or tamper-resistant outlets in every room
• Cordless window blinds or cord wind-ups (strangulation hazard)
• Anchor every dresser, bookshelf, and TV to the wall
• Corner guards on coffee tables and sharp furniture edges
• Pick up small objects — anything that fits in a toilet paper roll is a choking hazard
• Test smoke and CO detectors; add one outside the nursery
• Save Poison Control in phone: 1-800-222-1222

Stairs & Doors

• Hardware-mounted gate at top of every staircase
• Pressure-mounted gate okay for bottom of stairs
• Door-knob covers on bathroom, basement, and exterior doors
• Finger-pinch guards on doors that slam

Kitchen

• Cabinet locks on anything below counter level
• Stove knob covers and oven lock
• Move all cleaning products to a high, locked cabinet
• Dishwasher lock; never leave detergent pods reachable
• Trash can with locking lid or behind a cabinet

Bathroom

• Toilet locks on every toilet (drowning hazard at any age)
• Set water heater to 120°F max to prevent scalding
• All medications, razors, and cosmetics in locked cabinet
• Non-slip mat in tub; never leave water in the tub

Living Areas

• Fireplace screen secured; hearth padding if stone
• TV anchored or wall-mounted, cords hidden
• Houseplants checked against ASPCA toxic-plant list
• Move heavy or fragile items off low shelves

Nursery

• Crib meets current safety standards — no drop sides, slats <2 3/8 inches apart
• Crib mattress firm and tight-fitting — no gaps
• No bumpers, blankets, pillows, or stuffed animals in crib
• Changing pad has safety strap; never leave baby unattended
• Monitor cord at least 3 feet from crib

Outside

• Pool fence with self-latching gate (4-sided, 4 feet tall)
• Garage chemicals, paint, and tools locked or out of reach
• Car seat installed correctly — get it inspected for free at most fire stations