As a new or expecting parent or caregiver, you might look around your home and notice some things in a new light (and not just that your possessions now live in a sea of toys, pacifiers and diapers). Suddenly, the corners look sharper. Bookshelves look heavier. Cabinets look like an invitation to danger. Electrical outlets are your enemy.

Alongside everything else that needs to be done when preparing for a baby, you might be questioning when to babyproof and what rooms need the most TLC. Fortunately, babyproofing isn’t about creating a perfect home but about reducing the biggest risks to enjoy watching your baby grow. Our safety experts have tips for babyproofing your home room by room to make it safe and comfortable for your little one.

When to make your babyproofing checklist

In the newborn stage, it may feel like you have ample time to create a safe space for your new bundle of joy. But our safety expert and injury prevention manager Clare Decker notes that starting sooner than later is best to help prevent safety risks.

“When they start getting around on their own or when you aren't physically carrying them everywhere — even if it's army crawling or scooting  — that’s when babyproofing matters,” Decker says.

Some families think that when babies start to walk it’s time to buckle down the furniture and protect outlets, but the process should start before baby arrives.

Phase one: During pregnancy, tackle major hazards such as anchoring furniture, mounting televisions and covering outlets. Tackle the things that could be a problem within 4 to 10 months as babies become mobile.

Phase two: By 4 months, complete the rest of the safety list, including softening corners, locking cabinets and putting away items that are unsafe for children.

Find trusted babyproofing products that meet current safety standards in our Safety Store catalog or shop with your favorite reputable retailers to find what works best for your family.

Check your baby's perspective

Getting down on the floor and seeing your house as if you’re the one crawling around can help identify areas that need extra precaution. Trusting your parental instincts can take you a long way when removing harm. Knowing your baby’s habits, your home and where the two could create a problem is the first line of defense — not buying every safety gadget on the market.

A room-by-room babyproofing checklist

The first defense is always supervision.

“Homeproofing is your co-parent,” Decker laughs. “If you want your child to have more freedom, it may take more of your time and attention. But even if you’re watching your kid closely, things still happen. That’s where homeproofing comes in.”

Every room comes with its own babyproofing checklist, but before diving into each room, start with these common safety concerns that can be found throughout your home.

Whole-home safety checks

• Place safety gates or baby gates at the top and bottom of stairs to keep your baby from dangerous falls that can lead to head injuries once they’re mobile.
• Soften sharp corners of furniture, fireplace hearths and mantles, lower countertops and windowsills with corner protectors.
• Add wall anchors to all furniture (especially heavy furniture) to prevent the risk of them tipping over onto your child.
• Apply magnetic or (child safety) door strap locks on any cabinets and drawers that contain dangerous materials or that shouldn’t be opened by baby.
• Attach antislam mechanisms or dummy handles to doors to prevent them from slamming on little fingers.
• Install carbon monoxide and smoke detectors.
• Use outlet covers on accessible outlets to prevent electrical shock, and secure cords that can be dangerous within baby’s reach.
• Ensure batteries are safely screwed into products like toys, TV remotes or car key fobs. Swallowing button batteries is particularly dangerous for young kids.
• Prevent falls by adding window guards (bars on the outside) or window stops (no more than four inches of opening).
• Tie-up cords for window blinds or shades to prevent strangulation hazard. Cordless window coverings are also a great option.
• If your house was built before 1978, check to see if it has lead paint, as touching or inhaling the particles can harm your baby.
• Add safety covers to baseboard heaters and supervise children closely around their hot surfaces.
• Store marijuana and cannabis products, prescription and over the counter medications securely out of reach and out of sight of children.

How to babyproof the kitchen

• Add knob covers to stoves and other appliances with front-facing or easily accessible handles.
• Place knives and other sharp cooking tools out of reach on a higher shelf. Even a butter knife can be dangerous for a small child.
  • Note: The dishwasher can still hold these dangerous utensils and can be accessed by little hands. Adding a safety lock or creating an emptying routine can prevent injuries.
• Put away appliances that could cause injury, such as a mandolin, personal blenders with sharp blades or others that can make hot food (like a rice steamer) when not in use.
• Some parents worry that locking all their cabinets stops their child from exploring. With safety top of mind, it’s possible to leave some open that don’t contain dangerous items, such as a cabinet for storing plastic containers.
• Use lock settings on the oven door or buy an oven lock to prevent smashed fingers or head injuries.
• Keep pet food in a secure container and bowls up when not in use.

How to babyproof the living room

• Add protective glass or metal barriers for fireplaces to keep babies away from open flames.
• Clear any low shelves and tables with breakables, candles or toxic house plants.
• Wall-mount televisions or add straps from the TV to furniture to prevent toppling.
• Move any furniture, ottomans or stools that children may use to climb.
• If decorating for holidays like Christmas, secure the tree to the wall to prevent tipping, keep breakable ornaments out of reach, cover electrical cords and place gifts elsewhere until it’s time to open. A baby gate around the tree can also create a barrier for small hands.

How to babyproof the bedroom

• Use a trigger lock, lock box or cable lock for any firearms kept in the bedroom or nearby closets. Store ammunition separately in a locked storage container.
• When unsupervised, ensure bedding is tight, and remove all pillows, loose blankets or stuffed animals that pose a suffocation risk. Learn more about safe sleep guidance.

How to babyproof the bathroom

• Secure cosmetic items, cleaning supplies and medications that can be dangerous to small children in a cabinet with a baby lock. If your baby gets ahold of dangerous substances, immediately call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or 911.
• Not all kids are interested in toilets, but a toilet lock may be necessary. Decker says from her experience, once they’re interested, they won’t leave it alone.
• Note: Standing water can be hazardous. Empty tubs, buckets or toys that may hold water.
• Remove any stools when not in use that children can use to climb.

How to babyproof the laundry room, garage and furnace

• Adjust your water heater to less than 120 degrees F to prevent scalding and accidental hot baths as babies get old enough to turn on and off faucets.
• Put laundry detergents, especially laundry pods that can look edible, out of reach.
• Place dangerous liquids (gas, antifreeze, window washing fluid) and tools in a high place to prevent accidental poisonings, or put an extra lock on the garage door.

How to babyproof when visiting friends and family

You can’t babyproof every home, but you can come prepared when you travel or visit others. If there isn’t a child in the house, chances are there are dangers to look out for. Upon arrival, do a quick safety scan to check for choking hazards, medications, cleaning supplies and breakable items within reach. Whether you’re on a longer vacation or a short weekend trip, use these babyproofing tips on the go:

• Ask hosts to temporarily move fragile decorations, pet food or other small objects to a higher surface.
• Check that stairways, balconies, fireplaces and pools are supervised or blocked off.
• Secure cords, chargers and dangling window blind cords where possible.
• Bring a portable baby gate or travel crib to create a safe space for your child.
• Look out for small choking hazards, such as hearing aids, and ask to have them moved to a safe place away from children to avoid swallowing.
• Ask hosts to move or secure all medications.