How to Baby Proof Your House: A Room-by-Room Checklist

When you bring your new baby home it’s hard to imagine they’ll be crawling in their first year and walking before the age of two! The time goes by quicker than you think, which is why it’s important to baby proof the rooms in your home to provide them with a safe environment to crawl and roam. Check out these smart baby-proofing ideas for every room in your home.

Bedrooms

Window Blinds

Window blinds may be an unassuming choking hazard for young children. Before your baby comes, consider purchasing cordless shades and blinds. According to the U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission, a child under 10 dies every month from window cord strangulation.

Furniture

As kids grow, they become more curious and gain confidence as they’re able to walk. Make sure the furniture in your bedrooms (dressers, nightstands, etc.) are either secured with wall safety straps or install drawer stops to prevent kids from accidentally pulling furniture onto themselves.

Toy Box

Kids love to play with their toys but may get a little too adventurous. To prevent toddlers from climbing in and getting stuck in their toy box, remove the lid.

Bathrooms

Toilet Seat

Children can drown in as little as one inch of water. Take preventative measures by purchasing seat locks for the toilets in your home.

Cabinets 

To prevent curious hands going in places they shouldn’t, it’s a good idea to lock all cabinets to ensure your kids don’t accidentally get their hands on things like cleaning supplies or medicine.

Water Heater 

To prevent possible burns, turn your water heater down to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or less.

Kitchen

Stove Knobs 

To prevent your child from accidentally turning on the stove and a creating a possible fire hazard, add knob covers to the list of things to purchase on your next Amazon order.

Counter Corners 

Bumping into the sharp edge of the kitchen counter or dining table can really hurt. Add pads to the corners of the counter tops in your kitchen, dining room, living room and any other rooms that will have regular interaction with your kids.

Knives and Appliances 

When your kids watch you cook dinner, they want to help. Before an accident happens, consider putting your kitchen knives in a kid-safe drawer or purchase a childproof self-locking knife block. As for appliances, they may see a hanging cord they’re tempted to tug on or insert their little hands in places not meant for them.

Living Room

Outlets

Install outlet covers on all electrical outlets in the home to prevent children from putting their fingers or objects in electrical openings.

Baby Gate 

A baby gate is a great way to contain young kids to safe areas of the home. It’s also a good idea to add one in front of any stairs you may have, ensuring that it’s firmly in place.

Fireplace 

If you’re using your fireplace, make sure your child is far enough away either with a baby gate or by holding them to ensure they don’t accidentally burn themselves. Whether the fireplace is on or not, it’s a good idea to leave the baby gate up as a fire prevention method.

Furniture 

By giving your children their own mini-furniture you can deter them from wandering and climbing up large sofas to avoid possible tumbles and falls.

Babyproofing Tips Beyond the Home

Babyproofing can keep your newborn safe outside of the home, too. Follow these safety tips when in the car, at the park, in stores and more.

Safest Car Seat for Babies 

Car Seat Safety is important and the car seat you choose depends on your baby’s age and size. Before going to the store, you should know what type of car seat you’re looking for. There are three main types:

• Infant car seat (rear-facing)
• Convertible seat (rear-facing and can be forward-facing)
• All-in-one seat (rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster seat)

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides information on how to install your car seat correctly, and provides car seat recommendations based on your child’s age and measurements.

Yard Safety

The best way to ensure your child’s safety is to be with them while out in the yard. To avoid possible accidents, make sure all gardening tools and any other sharp objects are safely stored away along with securing the fence around your property to avoid any pets or kids from wandering away.

Share the Good News

If you’ve added a new member to the family, let your local Farm Bureau agent know. A local Farm Bureau agent is there to help you celebrate your life wins and is there to help you protect what matters most.