Childproofing Your Home: A Room-by-Room Checklist

When to Start Childproofing

Start before your baby begins crawling — typically around 6 months. It's easier to do it all at once than to scramble when they're already mobile.

Living Room

• Secure heavy furniture (bookshelves, TVs) to walls
• Cover sharp corners on coffee tables
• Keep cords out of reach or use cord shorteners
• Block fireplace access with a sturdy gate

Kitchen

• Lock lower cabinets, especially those with cleaning supplies
• Use stove knob covers
• Keep knives and sharp tools out of reach
• Never leave hot liquids near table edges

Bathroom

• Never leave standing water in the tub
• Use non-slip mats in the bath
• Lock all medications and toiletries away
• Set water heater to 120°F (49°C) or lower

Bedroom

• Ensure crib meets current safety standards
• Keep cords from blinds out of reach
• Remove items from crib that could cause suffocation

Stairs and Hallways

• Install safety gates at top and bottom of all stairs
• Ensure banisters have gaps no wider than 4 inches

General Tips

Get down on your hands and knees to see the world from your baby's perspective — you'll spot hazards you'd never notice from standing height.