Having a baby is such an exciting and joyous time. And along with the arrival of your little one, you’ll be preparing for a lot! Baby proofing your home is a great first step in preparing for your new baby. Today, we’re sharing our ULTIMATE guide to baby proofing your home along side an easy-to-follow checklist!
Do I really need to baby proof my house?
In short, Yes! We totally get it, baby proofing is a lot of work. But it’s also one of the best ways to prevent injuries and keep your baby safe!
When should I baby proof the house?
Even though most babies start to get mobile around 7-9 months, it’s actually a great idea to start baby proofing a few months before you have your baby. Baby proofing can be quite time-consuming and let’s be honest, you won’t have a lot of extra time once the baby gets here!
The best way to get started with baby proofing your home is to go through this list, order the items you need, and get one room done at a time!
How to baby proof your home
General safety ideas for any space
- Secure heavy furniture (bookshelves, dressers, large cabinets, etc.).
- Use outlet covers.
- Cover any sharp corners.
- Keep tiny toys/objects out of reach.
- Switch to cordless blinds or cut/tie blind cords.
- Secure your television.
- Keep plants out of reach.
- Keep reachable shelves empty.
- Keep breakables out of reach.
- Utilize door stoppers to keep little fingers from getting pinched.
- Tuck and hide any cables.
- Keep medicine and cleaning products in an upper cabinet.
- An indoor play space for baby is a great idea.
- Baby gates, baby gates, baby gates. You can’t have enough!
- Make sure your water heater temperature does not exceed 120 Degrees.
- Keep indoor temperature between 65 and 72 Degrees.
Baby’s room
- Use a baby monitor.
- Get a firm mattress and always lay baby to sleep on their back.
- Don’t use bumper pads, blankets, pillows, or stuffed animals in crib.
- Position your crib away from windows, shelving, decor, and furniture.
- Use childproof locks on dresser drawers.
- Try to avoid rocking chairs or gliders without a lock.
Bathrooms
- Use a non-slip mat in the bathtub.
- Cover the water spout in the bathtub.
- Keep razors, curling irons, and hair dryers out of reach and unplugged.
- Keep your bathroom trash in a locked cabinet.
- Use locks on cabinets and drawers.
- Keep a lock on your toilet.
Kitchen
- Keep small magnets off of refrigerator.
- Lock stove knobs.
- Keep a lock on refrigerator.
- Keep locks on all cabinets and drawers.
- Put a lid on your trash or hide it away in a cabinet or drawer.
- Be safe while cooking. Don’t hold a baby near a stove/oven and keep the handles of pots and pans pointed toward the wall.
- Remove any tablecloths from tables.
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Sarah says:
This is a great reminder as we are getting ready to prepare for our 2nd later this summer!
Deborah Brooks says:
Wow it’s been 20 years since we had to babyproof! I do remember all of the challenges that came along with the babies
Farrah says:
Love how comprehensive this list is! I have a few friends who are expecting later on this year that this’ll be helpful for! :]