The Ultimate Childproofing Checklist

Houses are filled with unseen dangers that could harm curious children and infants. There are the obvious ones, like power sockets, but that's just the beginning. These childproofing checklists by room help ensure you don't miss a thing before a cute little tyke comes to visit or stay. 

Whole-House Solutions

Download Checklist Here

Implement these childproofing tips in every room:

• Install window guards and stops

• Install safety covers on all power outlets 

• Install childproof locks and latches on all drawers, cupboards, doors, and cabinets 

• Tuck away all electric cords and install cord covers 

• Install a temperature guard on the water heater

• Secure all furniture with anchors or straps

• Attach heavy furniture to the wall 

• Cover sharp edges on furniture with padding 

• Put non-slip pads underneath all rugs

• Place gates around floor heaters and radiators 

• Place gates or fences at the top and bottom of all stairs 

• Get rid of blinds and curtains with looped cords 

• Place baby-safe doorstops throughout the home

• Lock away alcoholic beverages, nicotine products, and cannabis products

• Store firearms in a safe and make sure they all have trigger locks

Nursery 

• Finish painting and wallpapering two months before the infant arrives. This ensures they won't be exposed to any harmful fumes

• Place the crib away from windows, heaters, lamps, strings, cords, and direct sunlight

• Make sure there are no gaps between the mattress and the crib

• Place a thick rug under the changing table

• Securely install mobiles well beyond the baby's grasp 

• Place diaper supplies within reach for adults, but away from the child

• If using a humidifier, select a cool-mist humidifier to avoid accidental burns 

Bedrooms and Living Room

• Move tall and wobbly lamps behind furniture or take them away entirely 

• Mount TVs to the wall or secure them to sturdy furniture with straps or anchors 

• Secure electronics in cupboards with childproof latches

• Cover the fronts of accessible electronic devices with small plexiglass strips

• Install fireplace screens

• Hide accessories like logs and matches 

• Tape down the battery covers on remote controls 

• Hide items like razors and ties

Kitchen

• Install covers on stove knobs

• Install a latch for the oven door 

• Install a guard to block burners

• Install childproof latches on the refrigerator, freezer, and dishwasher

• Ensure the kitchen table is sturdy and level

• Place lockable covers on garbage cans

• Store dish towels and cleaning agents away from the child's reach 

• Store pet food away from the child's reach 

• Store glassware and anything sharp away from the child's reach

• Place knives in a latched cupboard 

Bathroom and Laundry Room

• Place soft covers on the bath spout and knobs

• Put non-slip mats in and around the tub

• Make sure the water heater is set no higher than 120°F 

• Place childproof tops on all medications and store them out of reach

• Install a safety lock on the toilet seat 

• Latch trash can shut 

• Gate off the laundry room or lock it 

• Place cleaning agents on a high shelf 

• Lock and latch front-loading washing machines and dryers

Garage, Yard, and Property 

• Store tools and toxic substances in a lockbox or safe 

• Check on the garage door's safety sensor or install a new one

• Gate off access to the garage

• Latch any fences and gates

• Surround swimming pools or bodies of water with a locked fence

• Inspect property for poisonous plants and remove them 

• Store yard and gardening tools in a locked shed