How to Baby Proof a House

From the day you bring your baby home, you do all you can to protect him. Although you cannot anticipate all situations, you can take certain safety measures. To get a good idea of some of the potential dangers, get down at his level to catch a glimpse of what might be there.

Things You'll Need

  • Wall brackets
  • Bumper guard
  • Outlet covers
  • Drawer and cabinet locks
  • Non-skid tub mat
  • Tub faucet guard
  • Baby gate
  • Window stops

Instructions

  1. Around the House

    • 1

      Bolt tall bookcases and entertainment centers to the wall with brackets to prevent tipping in case your baby pulls up on the shelves. Put heavier items in lower shelves and drawers to keep furniture from being top-heavy. Push TVs or computers back from the edge of furniture so they cannot be pulled off accidentally.

    • 2

      Close drawers completely after use. Open drawers make good ladders.

    • 3

      Cover sharp corners of tables and other items with corners with padded bumpers.

    • 4

      Cover all electrical outlets with safety covers. Keep electrical cords out of sight. A tug on a cord can send a lamp or electrical appliance tumbling.

    Kitchens

    • 5

      Install locks on cabinets and drawers that contain hazardous items. Keep knives and other sharp cooking supplies locked up or out of reach.

    • 6

      Store cleaning supplies and chemicals in locked cabinets. Whenever possible use non-toxic cleaners.

    • 7

      Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove when cooking. Use back burners if possible. Never leave the stove unattended when cooking.

    Bathrooms

    • 8

      Set your hot water heater at 120 degrees Fahrenheit or lower to prevent accidental scalding.

    • 9

      Keep medicines, including vitamins and over-the-counter medications, locked in a cabinet or on a high shelf in the medicine chest or linen closet. Keep razors, scissors, clippers and other sharp implements in a locked drawer.

    • 10

      Use a non-skid mat in the bathtub and install a rubberized protective guard over the tub faucet.

    Baby Gates

    • 11

      Place a baby gate across doorways to keep your baby out of unsafe areas in your home.

    • 12

      Use gates at the top and bottom of staircases to keep your baby from climbing up or falling down stairs. Do not use a pressure-mounted gate at the top of stairs since it can become dislodged if your baby pushes against it.

    • 13

      Choose a gate that meets current safety standards and is easy for you to open and close. If it is difficult for you to use, you are likely to leave it open.

    Windows

    • 14

      Use cordless window coverings or those with cords that meet safety standards to prevent your baby from becoming entangled in cords and strangling. Use a shortening system for use on older cords.

    • 15

      Use stops to keep windows from opening more than 4 inches.

    • 16

      Place furniture, especially cribs and playpens, away from windows so it isn̵7;t possible for your baby to climb up to windows.

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