How to Baby-Proof or Toddler-Proof Your Home

As parents quickly learn, babies are curious and ready to explore the world. Each new phase of scooting, crawling or walking brings new levels of interest--and new levels of danger! Baby-proofing is important to maintain a safe environment for your child. It is also important to help your child learn his or her limits. By implementing these suggestions, provide your child with a safe area to explore.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• electrical outlet inserts or covers
• toilet seat lock
• toilet paper roll lock
• cabinet safety latches
• drawer catches
• baby gates
• corner guards
• door hinge pinch guard
• door stopper(s)
• doorknob cover(s)
• breathable crib bumper
• materials to bolt down heavy furniture

1. Insert plastic covers in your electrical outlets or, better yet, purchase child-proof covers that go over your switchplates.
2. Install a lock for your toilet seat cover, as well as a toilet paper roll lock.
3. If you own a pool, consider training in swimming and lifesaving. Completely fence in the area surrounding the pool. Doors leading to the pool should close automatically. Never leave your child unattended in the pool, bath tub, or near any liquid--even a wash bucket.
4. Receive training in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
5. Install locks on your kitchen and bathroom cupboards. Move harmful materials (such as cleaning products, toiletries, alcohol, medications, paint and all liquids) to higher ground.
6. Move books on lower bookshelves to higher shelves.
7. Bolt down bookcases, top-heavy or large pieces of furniture, including televisons.
8. Install baby gates in necessary areas, particularly at the top and bottom of stairs without doors.
9. Make sure your crib and mattress meet required guidelines. Crib bars should be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart. The mattress should fit snugly in the crib. Sheets should fit snugly on the mattress, as well.
10. Keep plush toys, blankets, pillows and bedding out of your baby's crib.
11. Consider a breathable bumper pad for your baby's crib.
12. Keep all electrical cords (including baby monitor cords) out of baby's reach from the crib.
13. Keep small objects out of reach: coins, scissors, cords, strings, older siblings' toys. If it's small enough to fit through a cardboard paper towel roll, it's too small.
14. Keep toys with long strings out of baby's reach and never put such a toy in baby's crib.
15. Never tie baby's pacifier to a ribbon or string. Use a pacifier clip with a short string.
16. Remove harmful houseplants (see helpful links below).
17. Install baby gates where necessary, especially at the top and bottom of stairs.
18. If you have an outdoor deck, install a deck guard.
19. Pad sharp corners of coffee tables and brick fireplaces.
20. Install doorknob covers to keep baby from locking himself or herself in a room.
21. Consider intalling a door-hinge pinch guard.
22. Place safety screens over/around furnaces, portable heaters, wood burning stoves, and fireplaces.
23. Remove objects that your child may use to climb on or over.
24. Keep a list of important numbers on hand, such as your cell, emergency contact information, your child's pediatrician, the National Poison Control Center: 1-800-222-1222, etc.
25. Keep hot lightbulbs and candles out of reach.