Are you expecting a little one or have a baby who is starting to crawl? Maybe you're going to be a grandparent and forgot what needs to be babyproofed around the house. Regardless of if you are a soon-to-be parent, family member watching a toddler or just having friends with small children over, take a look at our checklist on how to babyproof your home.
How to Babyproof Your Living Room
Place covers on all corners of coffee tables and end tables
Mount television to the wall or attach it to a television stand
Put pinch guards on all of the doors the baby has access to in order to prevent pinching their little fingers
Add screens under your floor vents to prevent objects from being dropped in
Use outlet safety covers to prevent accidental electrocution
Keep fireplace tools out of your baby's reach
Place a high quality screen in front of the fireplace
How to Babyproof Your Dining Room
Keep silverware off the dinner table when not in use
Avoid having a long table cloth that could be pulled from below
Vacuum/sweep regularly to prevent little mouths from consuming old food that has fallen on the floor
How to Babyproof Your Kitchen
Install lock tabs on all cabinet doors
Keep kitchen knives out of reach, possibly in a locked cabinet above the countertop
Keep dishwasher door locked at all times
If stove knobs are reachable, keep them locked or place safety covers on them so the stove top will not be accidentally turned on
Keep handles of pans (hot or cold) turned inward on stove top
Keep oven door locked or use a swivel oven lock
Have a side lock on the refrigerator and freezer doors, if within your child's reach
Set a low maximum temperature on your hot water heater
How to Babyproof Bedrooms
Install furniture straps to prevent furniture from tipping over
Attach television to a stand or wall
Do not rest a stand-up mirror against the wall
Install cordless blinds
Keep all small items, such as jewelry, out of reach
How to Babyproof a Bathroom
Use a faucet cover in the tub
Install locks on all cabinet doors that are within reach
Keep medications, razors, nail polish, etc., out of your child's reach
Purchase a child safety latch to go on the toilet lid
Set a low maximum temperature on your hot water heater
How to Babyproof a Laundry Room
Keep all detergents/cleaners locked away out of your child's reach
Install child safety locks on your washer and dryer doors. Some washer and dryers have a child safety lock feature on them that can be turned on.
How to Babyproof a Garage
Keep door to garage locked at all times, as different potentially dangerous liquids and equipment may be stored here.