"Babyproofing" Your Home / Safety Checklist
By Dr Brown
As your child gets a little older and gets mobile, it's time to start "babyproofing" your home to avoid dangers. This list is not exhaustive - please observe your child to see what dangers he or she may get into. It's probably a good idea to get down on your hands and knees and observe the world from your child's eye level.
Please have the phone number for poison control 800/222-1222 easily available. Enter the number into your phone, in case something happens while outside of your home.
It's also a good idea to take a CPR class and learn the "Heimlich Maneuver" in case your child ever chokes on an object. Google search to find available classes near you.
Having a playpen or secluded safe area is important to have nearby in case you're distracted with the telephone, front door, or need to take a shower.
You can also check our page on Accident/Injury Prevention (for older children)
Partial Checklist to Babyproof your Home
**** PLEASE ALSO BE AWARE OF PURSES, DIAPER BAGS, and other PORTABLE BAGS that may contain coins, medicines, cosmetics, etc. Put them in a safe place at home and when you may have visitors!!!
Always stay Vigilant - children are very curious!!
By Dr Brown
As your child gets a little older and gets mobile, it's time to start "babyproofing" your home to avoid dangers. This list is not exhaustive - please observe your child to see what dangers he or she may get into. It's probably a good idea to get down on your hands and knees and observe the world from your child's eye level.
Please have the phone number for poison control 800/222-1222 easily available. Enter the number into your phone, in case something happens while outside of your home.
It's also a good idea to take a CPR class and learn the "Heimlich Maneuver" in case your child ever chokes on an object. Google search to find available classes near you.
Having a playpen or secluded safe area is important to have nearby in case you're distracted with the telephone, front door, or need to take a shower.
You can also check our page on Accident/Injury Prevention (for older children)
Partial Checklist to Babyproof your Home
- install safety locks on cabinets (note that children can break these latches and sometimes learn how to open cabinets despite the safety feature)
- keep all cleaning chemicals out of child's reach and if possible, keep in a locked cabinet (note that children eventually climb to get to higher cabinets/objects)
- watch out for small objects including decorative items that may be ingested and cause choking
- keep toys with magnets away - ingested magnets can cause some severe problems
- install electrical outlet covers
- watch out for and minimize electrical cords that children can pull or bite on!
- install safety gates near stairs, exits, etc.
- lock windows / use window guards
- there is a chance for entrapment in window blinds - make a good assessment
- have "quick release" feature on blinds and other cords that may wrap around a child
- secure furniture and TV screens so that they will not tip over on your child
- remove poisonous houseplants like poinsettia, narcissus, daffodils, philodendron, etc
- make sure you have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
- have a fire extinguisher in your home
- cover or block access to radiators or space heaters
- to prevent scalds, turn your water heater down to 120 degrees
- install soft covers on bathtub knobs and spouts, etc.
- please do not leave water in the bathtub or buckets that a child may fall into
- either close the bathroom door or install toilet seat locks
- close and lock your dishwasher when not in use
- install oven/stove guards and knob covers
- try to cook on the rear burners of the stove; handles on pots and pans should be turned to the back
- store the garbage can in an inaccessible place
**** PLEASE ALSO BE AWARE OF PURSES, DIAPER BAGS, and other PORTABLE BAGS that may contain coins, medicines, cosmetics, etc. Put them in a safe place at home and when you may have visitors!!!
Always stay Vigilant - children are very curious!!