Baby Proof Checklist
Table of Contents
Throughout the home
Cover all electrical outlets with outlet covers
Babies can easily stick their fingers and other objects in electrical outlets and electrocute themselves.
Store all electrical wires
Tightly wrap up all electrical wires and tuck them away; secure them to walls, behind furniture or under molding.
Lock all windows
Secure lower windows that babies can reach, as they can easily fall out of unsecured windows.
Install baby gates.
Remove curtains or replace them with short curtains that your baby can not reach.
Tie up any dangling pull cords for blinds or drapes so that your baby can not reach them.
Remove items from open, low-lying shelves
Books, DVDs, collectibles and any other items you may have out on low shelves should be stored away.
Guard fireplaces
Put up fireplace guards around hearths to prevent injury from lit fires, as well as injury from the hard hearth.
Apply padding to corners
Cover sharp corners, such as table and shelf edges, with self-adhesive padding to prevent injury.
Avoid using tablecloths
The dangling edges of tablecloths can be tempting to babies and they can easily pull them and pull any items on top of the table off with the tablecloth.
Use trash cans that have secure lids or place trash cans in cabinets or closets so your baby can't access them.
Block access to radiators or heaters with baby gates
These surfaces become very hot and can cause burns if touched by your baby.
Place house plants on tall surfaces to keep them out of your baby's reach
Avoid having toxic plants in the house, such as poinsettias.
Keep a list of emergency phone numbers in easy-to-see locations
Numbers on the list should include the number of your baby's doctor, the numbers to hospitals, fire departments and police stations, as well as numbers to trusted emergency contacts, such a
Kitchen
Cover stove knobs with covers or locks.
Seal refrigerator and freezer doors with adhesive locks.
Install locks on all cabinets within baby's reach
This will keep cleaning products, breakables and anything else that may harm baby at bay.
Store plastic bags behind closed doors.
Place exposed food items far back on the counters.
Lock away knives and any other sharp objects.
Furniture
Cover pointed edges on tables with soft edge guards.
Secure any tall furniture to the walls to avoid toppling
Attach L-brackets to the back of tall furniture and screw the brackets into the walls.
Place baby gates around furniture that your baby may climb, such as bookshelves.
Push heavy equipment, such as televisions and stereos, as far back as possible on the furniture that houses them.
Bathroom
Install locks on all cabinets.
Place locks on toilet seats
Toilets present a potential drowning hazard, as babies can easily lift the lid and fall in.
Place a cover over the bathtub spout
Babies can easily knock their heads into the spout while bathing.
Use a thermometer when drawing baths
Avoid freezing or burning the baby by checking the water temperature; an ideal temperature for babies is between 90 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Draw baths to just below the baby's waist height.
Never leave a baby unattended in the bath.
Nursery
Secure the crib
Stuffed animals, pillows, blankets and any other loose materials should be removed, as they can potentially suffocate the baby.
Put locks on drawers and doors.
Secure the changing table
Use a changing pad with a safety belt and always belt baby onto the table.
Lift window coverings and cords
A baby can easily pull on window coverings or blind cords and injure herself
Toys
Choose toys that are age-appropriate for your baby
Read labels on toy packaging to ensure the toys you select are ; ; appropriate for the age of your child.
Ensure that toys do not have accessories that can easily be torn off, such as buttons, zippers or ribbons
Babies can pull off such items and potentially choke on them.
Make sure toys are not too heavy for your baby to pick up.
Ensure there aren't any long cords or strings
Long cords and strings can easily be wrapped around your baby's neck and choke her.
Avoid small toys that can fit in your baby's mouth
Babies explore with their mouths and small toys present a choking hazard.
Download or Print this Baby Proof Checklist
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Introduction
Details
On average, babies begin to crawl at about 8 months, though some may begin even earlier. Though it's an exciting milestone, it can also be a scary one, as your baby will begin to explore everything — including things that she shouldn't. In order to avoid a potentially dangerous situation, baby proof your home before your little one starts moving.
Tips
- Crawl on the floor. See what the world looks like to baby by getting close to the ground and remove anything that may be dangerous or enticing.
- Check toys regularly. See if toys are operating properly and clean them twice a week.
- Always be mindful of baby. Keep your eye on the child at all times; no matter how child-proof you think your home is, there is always a chance an accident can happen.
- Keep emergency numbers handy.
Who it's for
This Baby Proof Checklist is for anyone who wants a simple, practical way to get things done without missing steps.
- Avoid forgetting - keep all your Baby Proof essentials in one place (external memory)
- Save time - start from a proven Baby Proof structure instead of a blank page
- Stay on track - track progress, come back later, and keep momentum
- Coordinate with others - share the list and divide responsibilities
- Learn the process - follow the steps in a sensible order, even if it's your first time
How to use it
How to use this Baby Proof Checklist
- Save Baby Proof Checklist to your free Checklist account so your progress is saved and synced across devices.
- Customize it in the app: remove anything that does not apply, then add your own details for Baby Proof (dates, sizes, addresses, notes).
- If others are involved, invite them to collaborate and divide responsibilities.
- Work through the list: check items off as you go, and set reminders for time-sensitive steps.