Baby Proof Checklist: How to Baby Proof Your Home

Once your baby starts crawling, your home becomes a world of exciting (and sometimes dangerous) discoveries. Knowing how to baby proof a house or apartment is essential for creating a safe environment where your child can explore freely.

This baby proof checklist covers everything you need to protect your baby—from baby proofing cabinets and drawers to securing furniture and safeguarding appliances. Plus, we’ve included recommendations for the best baby proof products to make the process easier.

1. Anchor Furniture and Appliances

Unsecured furniture and appliances can pose serious hazards for climbing babies.

• Use furniture straps to secure bookshelves, dressers, and TVs to the wall.
• Keep heavy items like books and decor off higher shelves.
• Never place furniture near windows.

Product Recommendation: 4our Kiddies Furniture Straps

2. Install Safety Gates

Blocking access to stairs and other hazardous areas is a must.

• Use hardware-mounted gates for stairs and pressure-mounted gates for other areas.
• Ensure gates are tall enough to prevent climbing.

Product Recommendation: Regalo Easy Step Safety Gate

3. Baby Proof Cabinets and Drawers

Cabinets and drawers are magnets for curious little hands, but they often contain sharp objects, cleaning supplies, or other hazards.

• Install childproof locks or latches on all lower cabinets and drawers.
• Use magnetic locks for a seamless look or strap locks for quick installation.

Product Recommendation: Munchkin Xtraguard Dual Action Latches

4. Cover Electrical Outlets

Protect your baby from the dangers of electrical outlets.

• Use outlet plugs or sliding outlet covers to block access.
• Consider tamper-resistant outlets for a more permanent solution.

Product Recommendation: Babepai Outlet Covers

5. Soften Sharp Corners and Edges

Babies learning to crawl or walk are prone to bumping into sharp furniture edges.

• Add foam corner guards to coffee tables, countertops, and other furniture.
• Use edge protectors to cover longer edges.

Product Recommendation: Roving Cove Edge and Corner Guard

6. Secure Doors and Windows

Doors and windows can be a safety risk if not properly secured.

• Use door stoppers to protect fingers from getting pinched.
• Install window guards or locks to prevent falls.

Product Recommendation: Segal Window Guards

7. Baby Proof the Kitchen

The kitchen is full of potential hazards, but a few adjustments can make it baby-safe.

• Use stove knob covers to prevent accidental turning.
• Lock the refrigerator, oven, and pantry with baby-proof latches.
• Store knives and breakable items in higher, locked cabinets.

Product Recommendation: EUDEMON Oven Locks

8. Secure Cords and Blind Strings

Cords from blinds or curtains can pose strangulation hazards.

• Use cord winders or wraps to keep cords out of reach.
• Consider cordless window treatments for added safety.

Product Recommendation: Blind Cord Safety Wraps

9. Baby Proof Bathrooms

Bathrooms are full of slippery surfaces and dangerous items.

• Install toilet locks to prevent accidents.
• Use nonslip mats in the bathtub and on bathroom floors.
• Store medications and toiletries in locked cabinets.

Product Recommendation: Wappa Baby Toilet Lock

10. Use the Best Baby Proof Products for Safety

Having the right tools makes baby-proofing easier and more effective.

Top Picks for Must Have Baby Proofing Items:

• Furniture Anchors:  4our Kiddies Furniture Straps
• Cabinet and Drawer Locks: Munchkin Xtraguard Dual Action Latches
• Outlet Covers: Babepai Outlet Covers
• Corner and Edge Protectors: Roving Cove Edge and Corner Guard
• Safety Gates: Regalo Easy Step Safety Gate

How to Baby Proof a House or Apartment: Pro Tips

1. Get Down to Their Level
   View the room from your baby’s perspective to identify potential hazards.
2. Tackle One Room at a Time
   Focus on baby-proofing one area before moving to the next to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
3. Keep Updating
   As your baby grows and becomes more mobile, adjust your baby-proofing efforts to meet their new abilities.

The Bottom Line

Baby-proofing is an essential step in keeping your home safe for your little one. By following this comprehensive baby proof checklist and investing in the best baby proof products, you can create a secure space where your child can explore with confidence.

For more tips and parenting checklists, check out our parenting checklists data base on The Mother Network, your trusted partner in navigating parenthood.

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