The Paramedic's Ultimate Babyproofing Guide

As a new parent, your baby’s safety is your top priority. Baby-proofing your home can help prevent accidents and keep your little one safe. But with so many products, kits, and supplies available on the market, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.

This guide, written by me, draws on my experience as a paramedic and mom and will help you navigate the world of baby-proofing and provide you with the best options to ensure your baby’s safety. Bringing a new baby into your home is an exciting time, but it’s also a time to take extra precautions to ensure their safety. Here’s a comprehensive checklist to start baby-proofing every room in your home:

The main points and general strategy for babyproofing:

First walk around your home with a critical eye – look for any broken glass, unstable furniture and exposed wires.
Ensure that all electrical outlets are covered by outlet or plug covers and power cords are out of reach of children’s hands.
Make sure heavy furniture is securely anchored to the walls with anti-tip kits or straps to prevent toppling over on top of your child while they’re exploring and playing.
Check windows, stairs, ledges, and other high surfaces where your child might attempt to climb up – these areas should be blocked off so they can’t access them.
Install safety guards on doors (especially bathroom doors) so your toddler cannot wander outside when you’re not looking directly at them.
Secure drawers and cabinets with locks or magnetic closures so curious kids won’t get into anything dangerous.
Ensure light fixtures use low voltage bulbs as higher temperatures can cause serious burns if touched.
Install door knob coverings made specifically for babies to prevent pinching little fingers.
Be sure smoke detectors are installed correctly throughout the home. Purchase a fire extinguisher and learn how to use it. Install a UL Listed carbon monoxide detector if you use gas or oil appliances. Make a note in your calendar so you know when to check the batteries.
Place nonskid rug liners under rugs.
Add emergency contacts to your phone plus an easy-to-access page with medical information. It is important to be prepared for any emergencies – for example, febrile seizures are a common yet under-discussed childhood emergency that can be frightening for parents. It is essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms as well as how to handle them in an emergency situation. Click here to read my blog post.

Babyproofing your home: a room by room checklist

Having a new baby in the house is an exciting but worrying time. To make sure your home is safe for them, it’s important to babyproof each room of your home. Take the time to go through every room to ensure your home is secure and free from potential hazards so that you can rest easy knowing your little one is safe at all times. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be well-equipped to create a safe environment for your child while they explore their world!

Nursery

Creating a safe and comfortable nursery for your baby is important – after all, it’s where they will spend most of their time growing up. It’s essential to take the necessary steps to make sure that your little one is secure and protected in their environment so you can rest easy knowing they are safe at all times.

Here are some babyproofing items to consider:

Crib:

Make sure the crib is sturdy and that the slats are no more than 2 3/8 inches apart to prevent your baby’s head from getting stuck.
Lower the mattress so your baby cannot roll out.
Use a crib rail cover to prevent your baby chewing on the crib rail.
Take all pillows, toys, bumpers and blankets out of the crib – check out how to set up your baby for safe sleep here
Study the crib mobile for any loose parts.
Check the mattress meets the new CPSC approved Federal Safety Standard for crib mattresses.
Try to ensure your baby cannot reach anything hazardous from their crib.
Keep all spare cribsheets nearby on a high shelf so you can easily change them at night-time. Read my blog post for more information on how many crib sheets you need
Do not position the crib next to the radiator.

Changing Table:

Keep all changing supplies, such as diapers and wipes, within arm’s reach to prevent leaving your baby unattended.
Position a thick rug next to the changing table just in case.
Keep the diaper station fully stocked so you don’t have to leave the room to find more supplies.
Install safety straps to the changing table so your child won’t roll off.

Light:

Consider a night light that can easily be accessed for nighttime feeds and diaper changes so you minimize the risk of tripping in the dark.
Use low voltage light bulbs in fixtures as higher temperatures can cause serious burns if touched.

Room thermometer:

Ensure your baby’s room is the correct temperature. Keep a room thermometer out of reach but easily visible for adults. Click here to read my post about setting your baby up for a good nights sleep

Electrical Outlets:

Cover all electrical outlets with outlet covers.

Furniture:

Secure furniture with anti-tip kits, adhesive backing or straps to prevent toppling over onto your child
Secure drawers and cabinets with magnetic locks or closures to keep curious kids from accessing dangerous items.
Invest in a comfortable chair to feed your baby. Read my post for my recommendations: The Best Breastfeeding Chair: Top 5 for 2023
Store night clothes and sleep sacks within easy reach for nighttime changes. Read my blog post for the best sleep sacks of 2023.

Living Room:

The living room is the heart of your home, and it’s where you’ll spend a lot of time with your baby. It’s essential to make sure that all areas within this space are secure and free from potential hazards so that you can rest easy knowing your little one is safe at all times.

Here are some babyproofing items to consider when creating a safe environment in the living room:

Baby Gates

Use baby gates to block off stairways, fireplaces, and other hazards.
Baby gates are a great baby-proofing product – they keep babies in and other household members, such as pets, out.

Check out my post: 9 Best Baby Gates for Stairs: Top Picks for Safety-Conscious Parents in 2023

Furniture

Use furniture anchors or straps to secure large furniture to the wall to prevent tipping.

Electrical items and cords

Use cord covers to prevent your baby from pulling on electrical cords.
Check all cords from lamps, TVs, and other electronics are tucked away securely.
Consider a safe, out-of-reach storage area for all tablets, laptops, remote controls etc that may be in the living room.
Move tall unstable lamps behind furniture.

Playpen

Space allowing, set up a playpen for baby to take naps, play and generally be set down when you need to be hands-free. The boundaries will keep your baby safe and provide a snug environment.
Playpens are useful for especially curious children!

Kitchen:

Keeping your kitchen safe for babies is essential. From hot surfaces to sharp objects and hazardous materials, there are many potential hazards that can put your little one in danger. Fortunately, there are a number of baby-proofing items and tips you can use to make sure the kitchen is a safe haven for your child.

Here are some babyproofing items to consider:

Cabinet Locks

Use cabinet locks to keep hazardous materials out of reach.
Place any chemicals in high cupboards.
Store sharp objects, such as knives, out of reach in a drawer or lockable cabinet.

Stove

Keep the stove handles and oven knobs turned away from your baby to prevent burns or scalding.
Use stove knob covers to prevent your baby from turning on the stove.

Electrical Outlets

Unplug all appliances when not in use and store them out of reach, such as a microwave or blender, so your baby cannot turn them on.
Cover any electrical outlets and cords with safety covers to prevent electric shock.

Garbage cans

Use lockable covers on garbage cans – some stores sell garbage cans specifically for homes with pets that have a hinged lid locking mechanism on them.

Dining table

Tablecloths – remove all tablecloths. A curious toddler may grasp and tug at objects especially when learning to stand. They can easily pull the objects placed on top of a tablecloth onto themselves or indeed pull the table over.
Edge and corner guards can be used on furniture edges and sharp corners to help protect your baby from bumps and bruises.

High Chair

Use a sturdy high chair with a safety harness.
If you will be using a booster seat, make sure it is securely fastened to the chair and that the straps fit properly around your baby.
Ensure the legs of your highchair are sturdy and cannot be tipped.

Refrigerator and Freezer

Make sure all heavy items are placed on lower shelves so they cannot tip onto your child if they were to open the door.
It’s also important to keep magnets away from children as they can be a choking hazard.

Bathroom:

The bathroom is one of the most dangerous rooms for babies, as it can contain slippery floors, hazardous materials, and sharp objects. Baby-proofing your bathroom is essential to ensure that your little one can explore safely.

Here are some babyproofing items to consider when creating a safe space in the bathroom for your child:

Toilet Lock

Use a toilet lock on toilet seats to prevent your baby from playing in the toilet.

Flooring

Take extra care to place non slip mats on slippery floors.

Bath

Use a faucet cover to prevent your baby from hitting their head on the faucet.
Faucet covers can also help prevent your baby from playing with hot taps.
Use a bath seat to keep your baby secure in the tub.
Place non-slip mats in the bathtub.
Use a bath thermometer to make sure your baby’s bath is at the perfect temperature (approximately 100F or 38C).

Bathroom cabinets

Put a secure lock on the bathroom cabinet door handle.
Store all medicines and vitamins in a locked cabinet or drawer. Always read the label before giving any medicine or vitamin to your baby.
Stock your medicine cabinet with a first aid kit.

Laundry room

When it comes to baby-proofing, the laundry room is often overlooked. However, this room can be a source of many potential hazards that can put your little one in danger. From hazardous materials and sharp objects to heavy objects and slippery floors, there are many things you need to consider when making sure the laundry room is safe for your child.

Fortunately, there are a number of baby proofing items and tips you can use to make sure the laundry room is a safe haven for your little one:

Store laundry detergent and other cleaning products out of reach or at least in cabinets with door knob covers.
Keep the laundry room door closed and locked to prevent your baby from accessing it.
Use a laundry room safety latch to keep the door shut.

Garden/Yard

When it comes to baby-proofing, it’s important to keep in mind that there are potential hazards lurking in your garden or yard. From sharp tools and hazardous materials to poisonous plants and slippery surfaces, there are many things you need to consider when making sure the garden or yard is safe for your little one.

There are a number of baby proofing items and tips you can use to make sure the outdoor area is safe for your child:

Secure your garden gate with a lock to prevent your baby from accessing it.
Keep all sharp tools out of reach or locked in a shed.
Cover garden ponds and swimming pools with security covers.
If you have an outdoor play area, use ground cover to cushion any falls and make sure the equipment is securely fastened.

Car

Keeping your car safe for you and your family is essential when it comes to baby-proofing. There are several products and tips you can use to create a safe environment in the car for your child:

Car Seats

Install a rear facing car seat for infants, and follow instructions carefully on how to fasten it correctly.
Make sure all other passengers are wearing their seatbelts or are inappropriate booster seats.

Mirror

Use a rearview mirror so you can keep an eye on your child while driving.

Child-Proof Door Locks

Put child-proof locks on the doors and windows to prevent your toddler from opening them while in the car.

Sun Shades

Use sunshades and window shades to protect your baby’s delicate skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays when traveling in the car.

What are the 10 best baby-proofing products?

Protecting your little one is of the utmost importance. Here is a list of 10 essential and best baby-proofing products for every home:

Baby Gate: Safety gates are essential for blocking off staircases, doorways, and other areas that could be dangerous for your little one.
Outlet Covers: Covering outlets can prevent small children from sticking their fingers or objects into them. You don’t need to remove anything to use the electrical outlet – it automatically closes once the plug is removed.
Cabinet Locks: Keep your child out of cabinets that contain hazardous materials or items that could pose a choking hazard. Many easy installation options operate with a magnetic key.
Corner Protectors: Prevent injuries from sharp edges by installing corner protectors on tables and furniture.
Baby Monitor: A baby monitor can help you keep an eye on your baby while they sleep, ensuring their safety.
Car Seat: A properly installed car seat is essential for keeping your baby safe while in the car. be sure to change the car seat depending on your child’s age.
Baby Proofing Edge and Corner Guards: This baby-proofing product can protect your baby from sharp edges on tables and furniture.
Bike Helmet: A properly fitted bike helmet can protect your child’s head in case of a fall or accident.
Window Locks: Prevent falls from windows by installing window locks.
Swim Floaties: Help your child stay safe in the water with swim floaties.

How to start building a baby-proofing kit

If you’re a new parent, one of the most important tasks you’ll need to undertake is to make sure you baby-proof your home. While it can seem daunting at first, creating a baby-proofing kit is a great way to start. By gathering the best baby-proofing products, you’ll be able to create a safer environment for your growing baby or curious toddlers. Here are some must-have items found in baby-proofing kits:

First, consider investing in adhesive backing, which can be used to secure a variety of items around the home. This includes furniture anchors, which can prevent large furniture from tipping over and causing injury to your little ones. Drawer locks are also a great addition, as they can keep curious fingers away from sharp objects or potentially dangerous baby gear.

Next, make sure you have a baby gate that has easy installation and provides a secure fit. Look for a sleek design that won’t clash with your home décor, and consider a dual-action multi-use latch to make it easier for older kids to use. Magnetic locks and keys allow you to quickly and easily lock and unlock the gate without having to fuss with traditional locks.

Window protectors are a must-have, especially if you live in a multi-story home. Choose a flexible strap design that can be adjusted to fit various sizes of windows, and look for clear plastic that won’t obstruct your view.

Finally, corner cushions are also a great addition, as they can prevent small children from bumping their heads on sharp corners. And for the kitchen, look for easy to install oven knob covers and round knob covers to keep curious toddlers from turning on the stove.

Building a babyproofing kit doesn’t have to be expensive. Look for budget-friendly options that are made from high-quality materials and are flame-resistant. Most options come in a universal design which is great as they can be used for years as your baby grows and becomes more mobile.

With the right products and a little bit of planning, you can create a safer environment for your family and provide peace of mind.

Conclusion:

Welcoming a new baby into your home is a wonderful and occasionally anxiety-ridden experience! The truth is parents don’t always know what to do despite some parenting myths you may have heard! Baby-proofing your home is an important step in keeping your child safe. Consider your specific needs and use this guide as a starting point to ensure your home is properly babyproofed.

By using the right products and supplies, you can make every room in your home a safe environment for your baby. Remember to regularly check your baby proofing and stay up-to-date with the latest safety products to ensure your child’s safety.

FAQs:

It’s a good idea to start babyproofing your home before your baby starts crawling, which is usually around 6 to 10 months. However many parents like to ensure some aspects of their homes are baby proofed before their baby is born.

It’s important to regularly check and update your babyproofing measures as your child grows and new hazards emerge to keep your child safe. As your child reaches new milestones, for example learning to walk, reassess potential hazards.

Babyproofing kits can be a convenient option, but some may not include all the best baby-proofing products you need. It’s important to assess your specific needs room by room and purchase products accordingly.

There are many resources available to help you choose the best babyproofing products for your home. Consider talking to other parents, consulting with a babyproofing expert, or doing research online.

Final thoughts

As a paramedic I have seen plenty of accidental injuries in the home that could easily have been avoided. With a home meticulously outfitted with the best baby safety products on the market, you can have peace of mind that your family is safe. However, there’s no substitute for devoted parental watching! As your child explores their environment, be sure to keep close watch and accompany them as they develop in a secure atmosphere – all while relishing quality time together.

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