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As your baby starts to pull up and explore, it’s important to make your home safe. Focus on covering outlets, securing sharp corners and cabinets, and adding gates near stairs. But the most important thing is to stay close and keep an eye on your little one — nothing replaces attentive supervision.

What’s Inside

Why Childproofing Matters

When a baby starts standing, their curiosity knows no bounds. A safe environment prevents 90% of accidents.

Most common hazards:

• Falls: Stairs, unsecured furniture, slippery floors.

• Choking: Small toys, coins, batteries.

• Burns: Hot surfaces, electrical cords, spilled liquids.

• Poisoning: Cleaning products, medications, toxic plants.

7 Steps to a Safe Home

1. Secure furniture: Anchor bookshelves, TVs, and dressers to walls.

2. Block stairs: Use hardware-mounted gates (not pressure gates) at top and bottom.

3. Cover outlets: Install sliding safety covers or plug guards.

4. Soft edges: Add silicone corner protectors to tables and countertops.

5. Lock cabinets: Use childproof latches for cleaning supplies and medications.

6. Hide cords: Tie up blind cords and secure electrical wires out of reach.

7. Replace toxic plants (e.g., lilies, philodendrons) with safe options (spider plants, violets).

Room-by-Room Safety

Kitchen

• Turn pot handles inward

• Use stove knob covers

• Store knives and chemicals in locked drawers

Bathroom

• Set water heater to 48°C (120°F) to prevent scalding

• Install toilet locks

• Keep razors and cosmetics on high shelves

Living room

• Remove glass decor from low tables

• Use a fireplace screen

• Keep remotes (battery hazard!) away

Home office

• Secure cords and heavy books on lower shelves

• Lock away stationery (pins, paper clips)

• Add corner guards to desks

Stairs

• Install gates at the top and bottom

• Use non-slip mats under rugs

• Place a monitor near the nursery door to track movements

When to Call a Doctor

Seek immediate help if:

• Baby hits their head and becomes lethargic or vomits

• Swallows a non-food item (e.g., button battery)

• Develops a rash or breathing difficulties after chemical exposure

FAQs about safety

— When to start childproofing?

Begin before crawling (6–8 months). Update measures as the baby grows.

— Are baby walkers safe?

No! They increase fall risks. Use stationary activity centers instead.

— How to teach safety?

Use simple phrases like “Hot – ouch!” and redirect to safe zones.

— What if the baby ingests detergent?

Call emergency services immediately. Do not induce vomiting.

Essentials for baby care many parents choose

Sources

• Childproofing Your Home - Several Safety Devices to Help Protect Your Children from Home Hazards, United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, https://www.cpsc.gov/safety-education/safety-guides/kids-and-babies/Childproofing-Your-Home. Accessed 6 May 2025.

• Making Your Home Safe for Children, Saint Luke’s, https://www.saintlukeskc.org/health-library/making-your-home-safe-children. Accessed 6 May 2025.

• Safety in the kitchen, during feedings, near bodies of water and around burn hazards, Mayo Clinic, https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/parenting/safety-in-the-kitchen-during-feedings-near-bodies-of-water-and-around-burn-hazards/. Accessed 6 May 2025.

• A Guide To Childproofing Your Home, Cleveland Clinic, https://health.clevelandclinic.org/a-guide-to-childproofing-your-home. Accessed 6 May 2025.