As a new parent myself, I can tell you unequivocally that when babies become mobile, the world becomes their playground. Coffee tables become climbing gyms, cabinets become treasure troves, and phone chargers become rope toys. Babyproofing your home isn’t about bubble-wrapping your life; it’s about thinking like a young mind and getting one step ahead of curiosity. We’re here to help: This guide will help you spot hidden dangers, make smart fixes, and provide a safe space for little ones to explore without hazards around every corner.
Need a childproofing professional to help with the job? The International Association for Child Safety has a database to find one close to you.
For recommendations on our favorite baby gear, check out our guides to the Best Strollers, Best Travel Strollers, Best Baby Monitors, Best Breast Pumps, and Best Baby Carriers.
Before Baby Is Born
Whether you’re expecting or your baby is still firmly in the potato stage, it’s best to start babyproofing sooner rather than later. Baby and toddler safety expert Holly Choi—whose business, Safe Beginnings, offers CPR courses, safety consultations, and more—warns that little ones often advance faster than you think. “Some kids can go from zero to 100 in a week,” she says. “They’re constantly practicing in their crib. Half the time we don’t even see it, and then suddenly, they’re in everything.” Think of babyproofing less as a weekend project and more as an ongoing lifestyle shift.
Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Test/Silence button on a household carbon monoxide alarm detector. Photograph: Kenneth Cheung/Getty Images
Both smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors should be installed on every floor of your home, especially in or near sleeping areas. Test them monthly by pressing the built-in test button (usually in the center or on the side), and replace the batteries once a year, or right away if you hear that low-battery chirp.
Rule Out Lead Paint
The US Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 87 percent of homes built before 1940 have some lead-based paint, which can be a serious risk to children and pregnant women. The safest way to rule out lead-based paint is to hire a licensed lead inspector with your municipality’s department of health.
... continue reading