Childproofing Checklist

We have compiled a wealth of information on babyproofing your home. Peruse the checklists and familiarize yourself with the many household hazards. Once you know the problem areas in your home you can search through www.kidsafeinc.com for the right products. Click on the highlighted product words to see product details.

Bathroom Safety
Kitchen Safety
Nursery Safety
Electrical Safety
Stairway & Banister Safety
Fireplace Safety
Balcony & Deck Safety
Driveway Safety
Door Safety
Window Safety
Furniture Safety

Bathroom Safety: Babies can drown in as little as 2 inches of water, so never let your babies play in the bathroom or leave them alone. There are numerous other hazards as well.

• Lower water heater thermostat to 120 degrees to prevent scalding.
• Put a toilet lock on the toilet lid.
• Lock the medicine cabinet or move medicine out of reach.
• Electrical outlets should be GFCI(shock shut-off) type, and should have outlet covers.
• Supervise children while bathing. Never leave them unattended.
• Use non-skid bath mats to prevent slipping.
• Place soft spout covers over the tub faucet to prevent head bumps.
• Unplug and put away any hair dryers, etc. with dangling cords.
• Install cabinet latches to safeguard toiletries and cleaners.
• Install an Emergency Door Lock Release at your door latch to prevent lock-ins.
• Install additional safety grips to help prevent falls.
• Do not place used razors and other dangerous items in an accessible waste basket.

Kitchen Safety: The kitchen is full of potential dangers to your child.

• Keep your dishwasher latched at all times. Add the caustic soap only when you are ready to use it. Baby can access knives, glasses, etc.
• Use the back burners on your stove, and turn the pot handles to the back. Install a stove guard barrier.
• Use an oven lock to prevent access to the hot oven.
• Use cabinet latches at the under-sink cabinet if you store cleaning products here. Or move them to a higher out-of-reach cabinet.
• Keep a fire extinguisher in the Kitchen.
• Move appliances to rear of counter, and secure dangling cords.
• Always strap child in high chair.
• Keep all emergency numbers by the phone, including Poison Control.
• Empty all buckets and store upside down.
• Use stove knob covers to prevent use.
• Use a refrigerator latch to keep your child out.
• Be careful of dangling tablecloths.
• Use cabinet latches on all drawers and cabinets which contain knives, glass, sharp objects, plastic bags, seasonings, and liquor.
• Move refrigerator magnets out of reach, they can be a choking hazard.

Nursery Safety: The nursery should be one of the safest in your home. You should feel confident that your baby is totally safe here.

• Move furniture, including crib, away from windows.
• Secure all dangling drapery cords and blind cords with a cord wrap or blindwinder mounted out of reach.
• Use window stops so windows do not open more than 4 inches, or window guards to prevent a tragic fall.
• Install smoke detectors in all sleeping areas.
• Install a carbon monoxide detector.
• Crib slat spacing should 2 3/8” or less.
• Remove mobiles from cribs when your child begins to reach for them.
• Keep older children’s toys away because of small parts.
• Once your baby can pull itself up and stand, set the crib mattress to the lowest position.
• Use a nursery monitor to listen when you are out of the room.

Electrical Safety: Children are often very curious about electrical outlets and cords.

• Cover all in use child-accessible outlets with an outlet cover.
• Use outlet protectors that cannot easily be removed, and are large enough so that children cannot choke on them. The Safe Plate has a spring loaded door that closes automatically to cover the outlet.
• Cord shorteners can help secure excess lamp and appliance cords.
• Use a power strip safety cover to protect exposed power strips.
• Use a wire guard to cover exposed cord or speaker wire along a wall.
• Keep fans and portable heaters out of baby’s reach.

Stairway and Banister Safety: See also our ‘Guide to finding the right Baby Gate’

• Use safety gates to help prevent falls down stairs, and to keep children away from dangerous areas.
• Use only vertical slat gates, not mesh-type, where children can get a foothold to climb over the gate.
• Gates should be securely mounted to the wall/banister at the top of a stair. No pressure gates.
• Banisters should have balusters with a 4 inch space or less. If wider than 4” use the clear plastic Banister Guard to protect.

Fireplace Safety: Babies are generally drawn to the warmth and sparkle of a fire.

• Remove gas jet key from fireplace and place out of reach of child.
• Use a fireplace gate to keep child away from it.
• Use hearth cushions if you have a raised hearth.
• Move poker and other fireplace tools out of reach.

Balcony & Deck Safety: Secure your outdoor living spaces.

• Safeguard the railing of a raised deck or balcony with a mesh Deck Guard.
• Check that chairs and furniture cannot be used for climbing over railings.
• Segregate the BBQ grill with a Hearth Gate, or keep baby indoors while in use.
• Modern-type pipe railings with big openings can be childproofed with the installation of clear plexiglass.
• Block deck stairs with the installation of a metal or plastic gate.

Driveway Safety: Kids often play in driveways.

• Use a retractable Driveway Guard to safeguard child from street traffic.
• Use a Safety Sign to warn motorists of children’s presence.

Door Safety

• Use a bi-fold door lock to prevent babies from pinching their fingers or opening bi-fold doors.
• Door knob covers can keep babies from opening off-limits doors, but will allow adult use. Lever style knob covers are also available.
• Use a door pinch guard or a door holder to prevent pinched fingers.
• Install an Emergency Door Lock Release at bedroom door latches to prevent lock-ins.
• Use a one-piece door stop to replace all metal stops with removable rubber tip (choking hazard). Also replace the flexible coiled spring type which can pinch fingers.
• Use a sliding door flip lock to stop access to sliding doors.

Window Safety

• Install window guards to help prevent falls from windows.
• Use window stops to prevent windows from opening beyond 4 inches.
• Install window blind cord wraps to prevent the strangulation hazard.
• Open double hung windows at the top if possible.
• Check condition of window screen attachment.

Furniture Safety

• Put corner cushions on sharp edges and corners of tables.
• Secure all tall bookcases, dressers, and entertainment centers with anti-tip safety straps to prevent toppling. Store heavier items on bottom shelf for stability.
• Segregate tall lamps and coat racks from baby’s reach.
• Use the TV Guard and DVD Guard if they are exposed to baby’s curious fingers.
• Use the Kidsafe Latch to secure stereo cabinets, file cabinets, or appliances.
• Use safety straps to stop TV’s, computers, and other equipment from moving.
• Remove glass top coffee tables.
• Check all accessible drawers and remove dangerous items.
• Check the underside of chairs and tables for protruding nails or screws.
• Keep child away from exercise equipment, and folding chairs or tables.

Disclaimer:
This checklist was created in a thorough manner, but it is just for reference. It may not cover all the child safety issues in your home, or with your child. Childproofing does not take the place of proper adult supervision. Never leave a young child unattended.