The Ultimate Baby Proofing Checklist: Keep Your Home Safe for Your Little One

Ryan Wirth
Jul 14
4 min read

As your baby begins to explore the world, your home transforms from a cozy haven into a maze of potential hazards. Baby proofing your home is one of the most important steps you can take to keep your child safe. Whether you’re a first-time parent or simply need a refresher, this comprehensive baby proofing checklist will help you create a secure environment and give you peace of mind.

At Baby Safe CPR, we know that home safety starts with preparation. Our guide walks you through each room of the house, ensuring that your baby stays safe while discovering the world. That being said, every house and child are different, so make sure you prepare for your specific situation.

Why Is Baby Proofing So Important?

Babies are naturally curious, and as they start crawling, pulling up, and walking, they gain access to a surprising number of household dangers. Baby proofing helps reduce the risk of accidents like falls, burns, choking, and poisoning.

General Safety Tips for Baby Proofing Your Home

Start by walking through your home at baby level. Get on your hands and knees and look around, you’ll be surprised how many hazards are in reach. Here are the basics every parent should cover:

✅ Install safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs.
✅ Cover all electrical outlets with plugs or sliding covers.
✅ Anchor heavy furniture and TVs to the wall to prevent tip-overs.
✅ Add corner and edge bumpers to sharp furniture.
✅ Keep small objects, batteries, and coins out of reach to avoid choking.
✅ Secure cords and blinds with cord wraps or switch to cordless.
✅ Set your water heater to 120°F or lower to prevent scalding.
✅ Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home.

Room-by-Room Baby Proofing Guide

👶 Nursery & Bedrooms

Your baby will spend a lot of time in the nursery, so safety here is essential.

Use a firm crib mattress with a fitted sheet, no pillows, blankets, or stuffed toys.
Make sure crib slats are no more than 2 3/8 inches apart.
Position the crib away from windows, blinds, and cords.
Secure dressers and bookshelves to the wall.
Avoid placing toys or objects where your baby could use them to climb.

🍽️ Kitchen

The kitchen is full of potential hazards. A few simple steps can make it safer:

Install cabinet and drawer locks to keep dangerous items out of reach.
Store cleaning supplies and sharp objects in locked or high cabinets.
Turn pot handles inward when cooking on the stove.
Keep appliance cords unplugged and out of reach.
Use stove knob covers and keep hot beverages away from edges.

🛁 Bathroom

Never leave a baby unattended in the bathroom, even for a few seconds.

Use non-slip mats in and around the tub.
Install toilet locks to prevent drowning.
Keep medications and toiletries locked up or on high shelves.
Unplug hairdryers and curling irons and store them out of reach.

🧺 Laundry & Utility Rooms

Laundry rooms often house dangerous chemicals and appliances.

Lock up laundry detergents, bleach, and cleaning products.
Keep washer and dryer doors closed when not in use.
Ensure appliance cords are tucked away from little hands.

🚪 Doors & Windows

Prevent falls and unwanted exploration with these safeguards:

Install window guards or stops to prevent window falls.
Use doorknob covers for rooms your baby shouldn’t enter.
Consider baby-proofing sliding doors and adding finger pinch guards.

🧸 Play Areas

Designate safe play zones for your child to explore and learn.

Choose age-appropriate toys and inspect them regularly for loose parts.
Use toy bins without heavy lids to avoid finger injuries.
Create a gated area or playpen for a supervised play space.

🔥 Fire & Emergency Preparedness

Emergencies can happen at any time. Be ready.

Install and test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly.
Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and know how to use it.
Develop a fire escape plan and practice it with your family.

🐾 Don’t Forget About Pets

If you have furry family members, take extra precautions:

Supervise all pet and baby interactions.
Keep pet food and water dishes out of baby’s reach.
Store litter boxes or pet waste in closed areas or behind gates.

When Should You Start Baby Proofing?

You should begin baby proofing before your baby starts crawling, usually around 6 to 9 months old. Ideally, start early and make adjustments as your child grows. What’s safe for a newborn may be hazardous to a toddler.

Want to Go a Step Further?

In addition to baby proofing, knowing how to respond in an emergency is critical. At Baby Safe CPR, we offer CPR and first aid classes designed for parents, grandparents, and caregivers. Learn how to handle choking, and infant and baby CPR, and more with confidence.

Final Thoughts: Baby Proofing Is an Ongoing Process

Baby proofing isn’t something you do once and forget—it evolves as your child grows and becomes more mobile. Regularly reassess your home and update safety measures as needed.

Creating a safe environment allows your baby to explore and learn while giving you peace of mind. For even more confidence, consider taking one of our infant CPR & safety classes at Baby Safe CPR.

Ready to Baby Proof and Stay Safe?

✔️ Walkthrough your home and check the areas we went over

✔️ Sign up for an infant CPR class

✔️ Share this guide with other parents and caregivers