I've teamed up with Allstate to share this post with tips to baby proof your home.
When my son first started crawling, I had no idea how much trouble he'd try to get into. Never did I imagine he'd try to use his dresser like a ladder and climb up the drawers to the top. Never did I think he'd get into my travel cosmetic bag that I kept underneath my bathroom sink and explore all of the travel sized medication bottles. It got even worse when he started walking. I had to be hyper-vigilant to keep a watchful eye on him at all times. I didn't really feel prepared for all of the hidden dangers in our home, so I started researching ways to baby proof our home to make it as safe as possible.
I read about all the "big" things to do, like securing furniture to the wall to prevent accidental death from it tipping over on a climbing child, and mounting flat screen TVs to the wall. Did you know that, according to the Child Injury Prevention Alliance, more than 40 children (less than 18 years of age) visit the emergency department for injuries from furniture tip-overs each day? That's well over 14,000 children a year, and while that's just terrifying to me, it was the smaller hidden dangers that kept me on my toes. With a new baby coming, I wanted to be sure to cover my bases, so I reached out to the Allstate Information Team to see how I could be more prepared this time around.
First, I wanted to know which room in the home is the most dangerous for babies and toddlers, and what can parents do to help make them safer? My first thought was the bathroom since there are the potential drowning risks, but people also store all sorts of cleaning supplies under their sinks. Then, I thought maybe it would be the kitchen since there are inherent risks there too and lots of cleaning solutions being stored. The professionals at Allstate told me it was both rooms actually - and not just because of the cleaning supplies. Things like lotions, makeup remover, and nail polish remover are often easily accessible and can pose a risk to small children if ingested. The kitchen is a big risk because this is where families spend most of their time preparing meals and cleaning. The stove is obviously very dangerous to toddlers while cooking because the surface will be hot, but there's also a risk of hot liquids that could splash, and the oven door could be very hot for little hands. Also, it’s common to store cleaning supplies under the kitchen sink, but you may want to consider moving them to a higher cabinet. It’s important to get good cabinet baby proof locks for all of your cabinets and stove, and you should consider getting a splash guard in front of the stove. Another thing that no one thinks about is getting a lock for the refrigerator. I wish I'd thought of that before my toddler got into our fridge and dumped an entire prepped lasagna on the ground - it was not pretty and it cost me over $25 in ingredients!
I also wanted to know what are some hazards that might be easily overlooked by parents? Last year, I read an article about a child who mistook a laundry pod for candy. I would have never thought about that, but they are brightly colored and soft and squishy, so I can see why that would confuse a little one. Since then, I've started storing them above my washing machine in a cabinet, rather than underneath in the pedestal drawer. The Allstate Information Team said that the best thing to do is to get down on your hands and knees and go through every room at their level to really look at what dangers there are. Electrical outlets are something to make sure to put guards on. Cords from lamps, TV’s, stereo equipment, and the like can be pulled by a toddler and topple on top of them. I think this is great advice and I just finished crawling around our house. I found quite a few choking hazards tucked away in drawers that are easily reached by toddler hands and I realized that lots of items I was storing in the our closets could easily tip over. I have some work ahead of me for sure.
Another good point to think about is that depending on where you keep them, seasonings, peppers, red wine and apple cider vinegar can also be hazardous if ingested. Sure, they're fun to look at, shake, and even “sprinkle” all over the floor, but they can be harmful too. The other is pet food and your pet's water bowl. Make sure pet food isn't accessible - not only is it kinda gross, it's also a dangerous choking hazard. While we're on the topic of choking hazards, you should definitely think about how game pieces (like Hi-Ho Cherry-Oh pieces) are tempting to put in the mouth. Make sure games with small pieces are well out of reach when proper supervision isn't possible. I'm definitely going to have to do that for before baby #2 arrives.
Finally, I wanted to know what are some ways to make a child's nursery and playroom safer, since they spend a great deal of time there? Allstate recommends making sure that everything you have in your child's room is "safe" and within their reach. The same with their playroom. Everything in those rooms should be something that they're able to interact and play with, whether it be markers, paint, kinetic sand, Play-Doh, and the like, but it shouldn't be left out. Also, be sure to get down on your hands and knees and check out the room from their perspective. Insert outlet covers, be sure your door stops don't have rubber caps on them that are easy to choke on, and make sure the cords to any window treatments are tucked away up high and out of reach so they don't post a strangulation risk. Do everything you can to completely baby proof that room so that it is the one area that is safe and just for them.
Armed with this new information, I've created a Baby Proofing Checklist so you can be sure your home is safe for your little ones. I hope it helps!
For the FULL SIZE checklist, just click HERE and print.
This post was written as part of the Allstate Influencer Program and sponsored by Allstate. All opinions are mine. As the nation’s largest publicly held insurance company, Allstate is dedicated not only to protecting what matters most–but to guiding people to live the Good Life, every day. Image credits: © MNStudio /Alex Stokes/ Dollar Photo Club.
Jenness says
When my twins were 19 months old, they both climbed out of their crib. It was so quiet past their usual wake time. I poked my head in, and they were COVERED in Vaseline! They had pulled the drawers our and used them to climb up the dresser to the top drawer, where I thought the Vaseline as safely hidden. NEVER ASSUME! After that (it took corn starch and washing with a clarifying shampoo three times each) I moved their dresser into their closet, locked the door to the closet, turned their beds into toddler beds, and took everything else except a basket of board books out of their room. I also turned the lock around on their door so they were safely locked INSIDE their room during the night.
Ruth V. says
Oh my goodness! That must have been something to see! Thank goodness they were okay (but probably very slippery 🙂
Sherry Compton says
There is so much to think about with baby proofing but it is so important. Do thorough research...read, talk to others, and enlist help. Great checklist. It's nice to have this to fall back to and check off.
Margaret MacKenzie says
This is a great post. I was shocked at the number of children injured by toppling furniture! With my daughter, I really didn't have to babyproof that much...definitely the plug covers but I could leave out glass ornaments and she would just look but didn't touch. My son, at 2 1/2 years, however, gets into everything. He has finally gotten out of the oral stage of putting everything in his mouth but does revert back to it every now and again. He's a climber and wants to see everything, which in terms of learning, is great but in terms of hazards, not so great. I have locks on every door, cabinet, fridge and freezer. I had one on my stove but he easily ripped that off. Luckily, with the stove that I have, the oven door doesn't get hot on the outside but he has a bad habit of opening it all the time. Thanks for the great information. Good luck with baby #2.
Lindsey G says
I have so many friends who are expecting their first child so I sent them a link to this post - I LOVE the checklist. I was so nervous when I was pregnant with my first child and didn't know if I was thinking of everything. Such a great resource.
Cynthia C says
Great tips. You can't be too careful with toddlers. They really can get into things quickly.
nicole dziedzic says
Thanks for the printable, this is a huge help. Great to have when baby proofing so you don't forget any of them.
Michelle Elizondo says
I like that you added a printable check list.
Dee Lafrenz says
Thank you for the reminder. I have a grand daughter that is going on 10 months old. She is just pulling herself up on things, and does try to open anything she can.
Veronica Bohan says
My son is already learning to climb gates!
Shakeia Rieux says
Thank you for sharing this!It is very informative,and the list helps a lot
Deborah D says
I think this is a great list. I have been using most of these and I found out that my nephews can remove the outlet covers that I use. I recently got new covers and hopefully he won't figure these ones out.
Christina H says
Such a useful list! We're expecting in June and starting to think about what we can do to babyproof in a rented apartment that has a lot of restrictions. This definitely gives me some things to think about!
Amber Ludwig says
It so funny! My pediatrician always asked us over and over if we've baby proofed and I was always thinking that "Im a stay at home mom and I will always be near him so what is the point"? Well needless to say he's two now and I finally feel like I can say my house is babyproofed but even then he still gets into everything lol! I feel like this checklist is absolutely amazing and such a great tool but I also feel like eveything can never be completely baby proofed 😉
nicole m. says
I'm a bit obsessive about this stuff. She has a bedrail on the side of her converted crib to keep her from falling out. I plan to secure dressers to the wall once we move to our new place in a week. I have a baby gate up to block her from the kitchen. At the new place, there will be one at the top of the staircase. Plugs in all the outlets. I keep all doors locked at all times, and always keep an eye on where she is. Call me a helicopter parent, but it keeps my little one safe and alive, and that's all that matters to me 🙂
Bel M says
I like the Printable checklist.Its a great help for moms!I have to keep my home free from glass vases & coffee table for few months) in the center to keep them not bumping their heads. Even though they are quick to catch up new things & land in trouble some times.My sons tries to pull the chairs and try to climb the islands ,cabinets.We need to keep an eye on them every minute.LOL
barnolds barnes says
I think another thing to consider is house-proofing your child instead of child proofing the house. There are some absolute safety issues obviously but it's a great opportunity to teach a child boundaries.
DEBRA DUBOIS says
Great information with toddlers baby proofing is so important they are quick and fast they get into things very quickly.
katie m says
Thank you for this list. Little one is on the way but it would be great to be prepared before our baby comes especially since a lot of the list I haven't thought about like a refrigerator lock.
Megan Clifton says
I do NOT look forward to all of the baby proofing! I am due in a little over a week and already thinking about how much stuff I have acquired since my last child and going to have to reproof everything!
Thankfully I at least kept all of my safety latches for cabinets and such 🙂
Kelly Marlow says
This post was very informative. We are about to move to a new home and will have to baby proof things. Our boys are old enough that we don't have to do much yet, but we do have a new baby arriving this year. The biggest challenge I think will be the fireplace in the new house. Everything else I have baby proofed before, but not a fireplace. I will be printing the checklist for sure.
Linda Mannst says
These are all great suggestions. My boys got into everything they could. They would also try to climb up on the kitchen counter tops to try to get into the upper cabinets. I could never turn my back on them. It is really a must to child proof your home with little ones. Things can still happen but atleast you have given it your all. Thank you for sharing
Allison Hicks says
Thankfully I didnt have to go extreme with baby proofing. Typical cabinet and drawer locks along with putting chemicals out of reach. All babies are different. Parents can usually gather how curious their children are going to be
Kathleen Kellams says
I baby proofed for my oldest daughter which is now 7 years old. Her sister wasn't far behind her, nor was my 3rd daughter so my home stayed pretty well child proofed. Now My 7 year old, 5 year old and 4 year old daughters have a 9 month old brother and it's hard to baby proof with older girls who have barbie shoes and hidden crayons in the floor.
Cathy Jarolin says
You can never be too safe for your Baby! I had door locks on cabinets all sharp items out of reach. When my children were sleeping in cribs I had them in our room. This way you were right there if they climbed out. They got their own room when they slept in their toddler beds.
Deborah W says
There are so many things that little ones can get into and get hurt. It's really important to have a list so you can check and make sure you have checked everything. You don't ever want to take your baby to the ER.
Jennifer says
Thank you for this. I have been thinking I need to get this done, and this list is helpful.
ERICA WEAVER says
we always baby proof with each child we get the locks and covers for everything always safe than sorry...everything from refridge to outlets everything gets lockeddown
Sandy Klocinski says
When you don’t need to use all four burners on your stove, use only the back two.
Rachel says
It's really shocking how many things around your home are dangerous for a young child. Crawling around on the floor to search for hazards is a great idea!
Dee Lafrenz says
Another heads up, secure your TV. My grandson (4) pulled a huge TV onto himself. No one got a chance to say goodby to him. Please secure TV's! And all furniture. He climbed on the TV to change the channel, and he was gone. Kids are so quick!
Nicole K says
How nice to be able to print it out, then you can carry the list with you as your checking things off. Sure would have came in handy when I had my toddlers walking about.
Linda Yip says
Adding to my pinterest & emailing myself a copy to share with other friends who are mom's or that will be future mommies. I have been pretty lucky my baby girl didn't ever mess around but I did baby proof the coffee table with rubber borders, put safety socket protectors, etc.
RANDY FULGHAM says
VERY NICE TIPS and sweet review--thanks for sharing
Kristen says
Great checklist! We'll definitely be using this with our first little one on the way!
Sarh S says
Great tips!! We've tried putting a lock (with the adhesive backing) on our fridge and my son just rips it right off, now that we have a side by side fridge/freezer we use one of the sliding lock things and he hasn't been able to get that off yet, but has bent it. We also tried one of the locks with the adhesive backing to keep our oven shut, but that as well didn't stick. We had to put one on the oven because he thought it was fun to open it and also figured out that he can climb on stuff to turn the oven and burners on. Toddlers are definitely adventurous creatures, but that is how they learn. I wont even get into how destructive he's been in the bathroom!!!
Laura D says
I never had to baby proof things with my first but my second is the total opposite and into everything. It's crazy!
Melissa Stephens says
I just had my third baby but i had baby proofed like a maniac with my first i thought i had done so well but then i realized nope forgot a lot! My son is autistic so i had to leave the house baby proofed. So when i had my second it was done or so i thought you forget a lot! But with my 3rd i was lucky because i still had the house majorly baby proofed and this time beause of all the "misses" from the amazing job i had felt i did with the first 2 were still away because of my son's autism but it is so true there are tons of things you don't think of! This list should be given to moms we all know the basics but extra info is never a bad thing!
Melissa Stephens says
* My 5 month old isn't crawling yet I mean i'll be ok not i am*
Melissa Lawyer says
I didn't have to baby proof our home until after baby #4 lol. It was then that I had trouble keeping track of everyone & what they were doing. Now on baby #8, I do everything from locking the fridge & cabinets to gating off rooms. For the big kids too 😉
Nicole K says
It's a great checklist to follow to keep your little ones safe
Sarah Elyce says
Our daughter is 4 months old and my head has been spinning about needing to do this soon. Thank you for the post and handy checklist.
Dee Lafrenz says
Make sure you also turn down your temp on your water heater. When the little one turns on water, and it will happen, they cannot get burned. I was scalded as a toddler, I had scars until I was in my 30's, they finally went away, I was lucky!
Alejandra Carreno says
It's amazing how much stuff there is to baby proof. You don't realize it until you have to do it. I love your checklist, I've shared it with my new mom friends.
Shayler Coultes says
What a great list
Linda Moffitt says
I always baby proof with all 3 of my kids and Love gates have always gotten great use out of gates Thanks for the tips
Christina Strapp Lambert says
I love this post because sometimes we tend to forget stuff. I use to think dressers and other furniture was okay the way it was until I read a blog post of a little girl that pulled her dresser on top of her herself while her parent's slept. It ended up killing her. I now have all the furniture secured and the tv.
Nikki H. says
This is a great list, thanks for the printable. I'll definitely be sharing this with my mommy friends. 🙂
Angel Hacke says
I sent all my friends who will be first time parents this link. There is so much to know!
Lily Kwan says
This babyproofing information is very helpful. Thanks for sharing!