Babyproofing feels overwhelming until you break it down room by room. Most hazards fall into a few predictable categories — once you know what to look for, the walkthrough goes fast.
Kitchen
- Cabinet locks on anything containing cleaning supplies, sharp objects, or small items
- Stove knob covers and a stove guard to prevent reaching hot burners
- Trash can with a secure lid, out of easy reach
- Cords from appliances (kettles, toasters) kept short and out of pulling range
Bathroom
- Toilet locks to prevent drowning risk and general exploration
- Cabinet locks on any storage containing medications or cleaning products
- Non-slip mats in the tub
- Water heater set to 120°F or below to prevent scald injuries
Living Areas
- Furniture anchors on any dressers, bookshelves, or TVs that could tip if climbed on
- Outlet covers on every accessible outlet
- Cord management for blinds and curtains — looped cords are a strangulation risk
- Corner guards on sharp furniture edges at a toddler’s head height
- Fireplace guards if applicable
Stairs and Doorways
- Baby gates at the top and bottom of all stairs
- Door knob covers on rooms you want off-limits
- Door slam guards to prevent pinched fingers
Bedroom and Nursery
- Crib meeting current safety standards, with nothing loose inside (see safe sleep guidance)
- Window blind cords secured out of reach, or cordless blinds
- Furniture anchored, same as living areas
General Household
- Small objects (coins, button batteries, small toy parts) kept well out of reach — button batteries in particular are a serious choking and internal injury hazard
- Houseplants checked for toxicity if you have any indoors
- A working carbon monoxide and smoke detector on every level
When to Actually Do This
Around 4-6 months, before crawling starts, is a good time to do a full pass — mobility develops faster than most parents expect once it starts. Get down on the floor at your baby’s eye level; it reveals hazards you’d never notice standing up.