Bringing a baby home is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with new responsibilities. Babies are naturally curious, and as soon as they start crawling, every corner of the house becomes an adventure zone. That’s why babyproofing is essential. With a solid plan, you can reduce risks and create a safe environment for your little one to explore. This checklist covers every room in your home to ensure peace of mind.
Babyproofing the Nursery
The nursery is your baby’s safe haven, so make it hazard-free from the start.
- Crib Safety: Use a firm mattress with a fitted sheet; avoid pillows, blankets, or stuffed animals.
- Furniture Anchors: Secure dressers, shelves, and changing tables to the wall.
- Cords and Blinds: Tie up or replace long cords that can pose strangulation risks.
- Outlet Covers: Place safety plugs in unused sockets.
💡 Tip: Keep a baby monitor out of reach but angled for a clear view.
Babyproofing the Living Room
The living room is where family time happens, but it’s full of potential hazards.
- Corner Guards: Add padding to sharp edges of coffee tables and TV units.
- TV and Electronics: Mount TVs to the wall and hide cables.
- Fireplace: Use a sturdy gate around fireplaces and heaters.
- Floor Safety: Secure rugs with non-slip pads to prevent falls.
💡 Tip: Store small objects like coins or batteries in closed containers.
Babyproofing the Kitchen
The kitchen can be one of the most dangerous areas if not secured.
- Cabinet Locks: Install childproof latches on cabinets storing cleaning supplies.
- Stove Safety: Use back burners and knob covers to keep little hands away.
- Appliances: Unplug and store appliances like blenders and toasters when not in use.
- Floor Hazards: Wipe spills immediately to avoid slips.
💡 Tip: Create a “baby-safe cabinet” with plastic containers so your child has something safe to explore.
Babyproofing the Bathroom
Bathrooms have slippery surfaces and chemicals that need extra caution.
- Toilet Locks: Prevent accidents with childproof toilet latches.
- Bath Safety: Always check water temperature; use a thermometer for accuracy.
- Medicine Storage: Keep all medications locked away, high out of reach.
- Non-Slip Mats: Place mats inside and outside the bathtub.
💡 Tip: Never leave your baby unattended in the bathroom, even for a moment.
Babyproofing the Bedroom (Other Rooms)
- Window Guards: Install safety latches or window stops.
- Furniture Anchors: Secure bookshelves and wardrobes.
- Small Objects: Remove jewellery, coins, or buttons from low tables and drawers.
- Lighting: Use cordless night lights instead of lamps with dangling cords.
General Babyproofing Tips for the Whole House
- Baby Gates: Place at the top and bottom of stairs.
- Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Install and check batteries regularly.
- Choking Hazards: Keep all small items, from coins to batteries, away.
- Floor Check: Get down on all fours to see the world from your baby’s perspective.
Creating a Safer Home, One Step at a Time
Babyproofing doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With this checklist, you can tackle each room step by step, ensuring your home is a safe space for your baby to explore and grow. Remember: babyproofing isn’t a one-time task—it evolves as your child becomes more mobile and curious. Stay alert, update your safety measures, and enjoy peace of mind knowing your little one is safe.