As parents, grandparents, or caregivers, keeping little ones safe is always top of mind, especially in the nursery, where unique challenges can arise. Taking a proactive look at your home helps ensure it’s a safe, calm, and comfortable space for your baby to grow and explore. From simple baby-proofing tips to expert advice, small steps today can make a big difference in preventing accidents and giving you peace of mind.
When and Why to Start Baby Proofing
Most parents begin baby-proofing their homes before their child starts crawling, usually around six months of age but a comprehensive approach to safety should start from birth, covering sleep safety, choking hazards, and other infant precautions in addition to mobility-related protections as your baby grows. Items like exposed electrical outlets, sharp furniture corners, unsecured dressers and televisions, and small objects that could become choking risks are all factors to consider.
Nursery Safety Tips Every Parent Should Know
Once the essentials are handled, it’s important to fine-tune the nursery itself. Always adjust the crib mattress height as your child grows to prevent them from climbing out. Keep the room temperature comfortable, and use a baby monitor to stay aware of your child’s activity when you are not in the room.
Childproofing Your Home: Beyond the Basics
Baby proofing goes beyond the first round of adjustments. Installing baby gates can help block off areas like staircases or kitchens, while designated safe play zones encourage independent exploration without worry. Doorknob and drawer covers can prevent curious hands from accessing dangerous items. As your baby grows, continue walking through your home to spot new dangers, since children quickly learn to climb higher, reach further, and test new areas.
Baby Proofing Checklist: Room by Room
Nursery & Sleep Area
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Crib: Lower mattress as baby grows & keep it free of blankets, pillows, and toys.
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Furniture: Anchor dressers and bookshelves to the wall.
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Outlets: Cover all electrical outlets.
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Window & Cords: Keep crib away from cords or windows.
Living Room & Play Areas
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Furniture: Use corner protectors & anchor heavy furniture.
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Toys: Check for choking hazards & keep small objects out of reach.
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Outlets: Cover exposed outlets.
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Rugs: Use non-slip rugs to prevent falls.
Kitchen
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Cabinets: Lock away sharp tools and cleaning products.
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Stove: Use knob covers & turn pot handles inward.
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Choking Hazards: Store small food items out of reach.
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Dishes: Place breakable dishes and sharp objects out of reach.
Bathroom
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Toilet: Install toilet locks.
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Medicines: Store securely, out of reach.
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Slips: Use non-slip mats in the tub & on the floor.
Outdoor Areas & Entryways
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Gates: Secure at the top/bottom of stairs & exits.
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Water Safety: Fence off pools & water features.
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Fencing: Inspect for gaps in gates & fences.
General Home Safety
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Cords: Shorten or hide all cords.
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Sharp Objects: Lock up scissors, knives, and tools.
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Detectors: Test smoke and CO detectors regularly.
Sleep Safety
Many parents focus on the nursery as the first space. Start by making sure heavy furniture, such as dressers and bookshelves, is secured to the wall so it does not tip over. Keep the crib away from windows and cords to prevent entanglement. Electrical outlets should be covered, and long cords should be shortened or tucked away. The crib should be set up with a firm mattress and free from loose bedding, bumpers, or toys to promote safe sleep.
Living Room
In the living room and other play areas, anchor televisions and large furniture pieces to the wall to avoid tipping accidents. Sharp edges on coffee tables or other low furniture can be cushioned with corner guards, and small objects that could pose choking hazards should be kept out of reach. Electrical outlets in these spaces also need covers to keep little fingers safe. Rugs should be secured with non-slip pads to prevent tripping and slipping accidents.
Kitchen
The kitchen has a lot of risk areas to look out for. Lock cabinets containing cleaning products, knives, or other sharp tools, and store these items well out of reach. Stove knob covers help prevent accidental burner turning, and pot handles should always be turned inward to avoid spills. Any small food items or packaging that could become choking hazards should be stored high up and out of sight.
Bathroom
Bathrooms also require careful attention. Toilet locks prevent unnecessary access, and medicines, cleaning supplies, and toiletries should be stored in locked cabinets or placed on high shelves. To reduce the risk of slips and falls, non-slip mats should be placed both in the bathtub and on the floor outside it.
Outdoors
Outdoor areas and entryways need their own considerations. Baby gates should be secured at the top and bottom of staircases and exits leading outside. Pools and water features should be locked or gated, and fences should be inspected for gaps or openings where a child could slip through. A final step is ensuring doors that lead outdoors are secured with locks that children cannot easily open.
Final Baby Proofing Walkthrough
Before your baby arrives, take a moment to walk through your home from their perspective, get low, look around, and notice what they might see, reach for, or bump into. Double-check that furniture is anchored, outlets are covered, and cabinets are securely locked. Test baby gates and monitors to make sure everything is working as it should. Remember, babyproofing isn’t something you do just once, it’s an ongoing process. As your child grows and becomes more curious and mobile, your home will need a few updates along the way to keep up with them.
Creating and maintaining a baby proofing checklist takes effort, but it helps create a home where your child can explore freely and safely. As you prepare your nursery, consider adding baby essentials that prioritize safety and comfort. Pieces like convertible cribs and versatile gliders can grow with your family, offering long-term value and peace of mind.