Baby Proofing 101
Childproofing the home can seem overwhelming (we get it!) but we have compiled a list to get you started.
Common questions:
When do I start thinking about this: start before your baby learns to crawl (around 6-9 months).
How do I even begin: Start by getting on your hands and knees – get down on your little one’s level. Look and see what your baby can see.
Best way to babyproof – you do everything you can think of and then your baby will show you what you missed!
Here are some things to consider:
The basics…
Cover outlets. When traveling – bring outlet covers or packing tape to throw a strip over outlets.
Choking hazards – anything that fits through a toilet paper roll is small enough to chock on.
Magnetic locks for drawers and cabinets – are amazing.
Nursery - Safe sleep
Bare crib with just a fitted sheet
No toys, blankets or stuffed animals in crib
Room temperature 68-72 degrees
Clothing layers for baby (not too hot or too cold, layer in same amount you are wearing)
With a baby monitor, secure cords out of reach from baby
Place crib away from windows
Anchor heavy furniture to wall
Burns
Cover electrical outlets – to prevent little fingers from being inserted
Turn pot/pan handles away from front of stove
Set your hot water heater to max 120 degrees to help prevent scalding.
Bathroom
Install a latch on toilet seat
Water heater settings – under 120
Add bathmat
Secure shower curtains and drapes
Laundry room
Move plastic bags, cleaning supplies, medications and chemicals out of reach in a laundry room or into a locked cabinet.
Lock for front facing load washer/dryer
Kitchen
Install drawer and cabinet locks
Turn pot/pan handles away from front of stove
Remove tablecloth
Keep trash cans out of reach
Post UF safety plan on fridge
Remove fridge magnets
Living room
Anchor furniture
Move floor lamps behind furniture
Cover sharp corners/edges
Padding on fireplace
Move breakable objects out of reach
Cover electrical outlets
Reroute or remove exposed electrical cords
Place remotes/batteries out of reach
Move cords of blinds and curtains out of reach
Stairs
Install baby gates at the tops and bottom of stairs. Practice shutting it each and every time you walk through it.
Pool
If you have a backyard pool, have many layers of protection including door and pool alarms and install a fence with self-closing gates.
This is a great start and hope it helps you prepare for baby’s arrival!
Did you know that Unique Footprints has over 22 customizable courses like newborn care, infant safety, holistic sleep for baby, child development, and so much more? It’s the most comprehensive program out there! Choose a program, today.
Unique Footprints Authors:
Jenny Morrow, RN, IBCLC, LCCE, RYT
Jenny is a born and raised Texan who loves the feel of a book in her hands, an unshakable optimistic and refuels by time in nature. She’s a mom, neonatal nurse and founder of Unique Footprints (a fully realized, 100% digital pregnant and new mom resource). She created her company in the delivery room – literally! As a nurse assisting with deliveries and postpartum care, she directly witnessed families who did not feel prepared and were shocked through the transition into parenthood, and she knew there was a better way. Jenny has taught over 10,000 expecting families how to prepare for this time in their lives.
From the Unique Footprints editorial team and Jenny Morrow, founder of Unique Footprints. Unique Footprints follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources from ACOG, the American Academy of Pediatrics, CDC, the U.S. Surgeon Guidelines and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The UF TEAM also thoroughly researches peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations. Unique Footprints is endorsed by the American Pregnancy Association.