Childproofing your Home


A baby brings a sweet, new beginning to your life and home. Yet, before you know it, that cherubic newborn will be a toddler and actively exploring fresh new play spaces. We’ve rounded up some favorite childproofing tips to help you protect your tiny tots. Here are some suggestions to add safety features room by room.

1. Choose a crib that meets U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission standards.
2. Remove mobiles and hanging toys from a crib.
3. Do not add unnecessary blankets, bumpers or stuffed animals in a crib.
4. Don’t place furniture near windows.
5. Fasten bookcases and dressers to the wall to prevent injury from tipping over.
6. Use cord shorteners or safety tassels on window covering cords.

1. Keep cleaning supplies out of reach, locked away with a childproof lock or placed in a high cabinet.
2. Never transfer a potentially poisonous substance, like bleach, into a container that looks like it might contain something to eat or drink, such as a milk carton.
3. Lock stove knobs with protective appliance knob covers.
4. Cook on back burners whenever possible and keep pan and pot handles turned toward the back of the stove.
5. Use a safety cover on the garbage disposal.
6. Secure any drawers containing knives and sharp utensils.
7. Don’t use refrigerator magnets until kids are old enough to know not to place them in their mouths.
8. Lock up the liquor. Alcoholic beverages can be toxic if ingested by a small child.

1. Set your water heater at as low a temperature as possible (120° or less).
2. Always test bathwater before plunking your child in the tub.
3. Never leave a baby unattended in a bathtub, even if he is in a ring or bath seat.
4. Install a safety latch on your toilet lid.
5. Keep medicines, vitamins, cleaning items and cosmetics stored out of reach and locked away.
6. Make sure hair dryers and hair styling tools are unplugged and out of reach.

Laundry room
1. Colorful detergent pods, in particular, can be quite appealing, but toxic, to children. Don’t ever allow them to handle or play with the packets.
2. Stash your detergent where children can’t access it.

All rooms
1. Keep an eye out for choking hazards. Look for coins, paper clips or other small objects that might be lurking under furniture. If you have older children, make sure toys with tiny parts that can come loose aren’t within baby’s reach.
2. Use baby gates. Prevent access to areas that could contain potential hazards. At the top of stairs, gates that screw to the walls are more secure than pressure gates.
3. Cover all electrical outlets. Sliding covers are best, as the push-in ones can be pulled out.
4. Install corner and edge bumpers. Use these on coffee tables and hearths with sharp edges.
5. Use doorstops and door holders. These can help prevent tiny hands and fingers from being pinched or slammed.
6. Move plants off the floor. Or, do without houseplants temporarily. Some, like poinsettias, can be poisonous to children.

1. Make certain areas kid-free zones. Don’t allow little ones near the grill or in any structure that might contain tools or lawn mowers.
2. Childproof the pool. Install a safety fence with a gate that locks. Don’t let water accumulate on the top of a pool cover.

Be vigilant. The best prevention is always having a watchful eye on your little ones.

Looking for a new home that will grow with your family? One of our New Home Specialists would be happy to help.

Inland Empire 951-298-9675
San Diego 619-727-6105
Las Vegas 702-337-2753
Los Angeles/Ventura 661-713-1996


Disclaimer: Nothing herein constitutes medical, psychological, counseling, early childhood development, or any other type of professional advice, and is not to be acted on or relied upon as such. This information may not be current and is subject to change without notice. All materials have been prepared for general information purposes only. While our goal is to increase overall safety awareness, this information should not be used, acted on or relied upon in place of consultation with licensed professionals.