Child-Proofing Your Home Checklist

16 items · Home · Medium difficulty · 1 hour

Practical, room-by-room actions to make your home safer for babies and toddlers.

• Measure stair openings and choose appropriate stair gates

  Note exact width and mounting type before buying a gate.

• Install stair gates at the top and bottom of stairs

  Follow manufacturer instructions; use hardware-mount gates for top of stairs.

• Test stair gate latches and swing for secure closure

  Push/pull and try slamming lightly to confirm reliability.

• Fit tamper-resistant outlet covers on all unused sockets

  Use sliding or insert covers that require two-step removal.

• Secure blind and curtain cords using cord cleats or switch to cordless

  Keep cords well above child reach and out of cribs and play areas.

• Wrap or shorten remaining cords and tie them out of reach

  Use Velcro straps or cord shorteners to remove loops and slack.

• Install childproof locks on lower cabinets and drawers

  Prioritize cabinets that store cleaners, knives, or breakables.

• Move medicines and cleaning products to locked, high cabinets

  Keep original labels and use child-resistant containers when possible.

• Anchor tall furniture and TVs to wall studs with brackets or straps

  Prevent tip-over by fastening furniture at two points.

• Locate studs and choose appropriate anchors before installing brackets

  Use a stud finder and hardware rated for the item weight.

• Remove small objects and toys from floors and low surfaces

  Check for coins, batteries, buttons, and small toy parts regularly.

• Install corner guards on sharp table and furniture edges

  Use soft guards on low surfaces where children play.

• Install a compliant pool fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate

  Ensure the gate latch is out of a child's reach and the fence separates the pool from the house.

• Store garden tools, fertilizers, and pesticides in a locked shed

  Keep all chemical labels intact and store them high or locked.

• Lock doors to the garage and basement and install childproof door covers if needed

  Prevent unsupervised access to hazardous spaces and tools.

• Perform a room-by-room hazard sweep and fix issues you find

  Check for loose cords, unsecured items, choking hazards, and reachable chemicals.

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