Room-by-Room Baby Proofing Checklist: Essential Tips

As a parent or caregiver of a young child, keeping them safe is always a top priority. Unfortunately, household injuries are one of the leading reasons why kids under three visit the emergency room each year. However, with the right knowledge and preparation, many of these accidents can be prevented. That’s why we’ve put together the complete baby proofing safety checklist, room by room, including tips from the experts.

By learning about the hidden risks for young children at home, such as potential hazards like sharp corners, toxic substances, and choking hazards like small objects or the cords of window blinds, and taking actions to address them, such as installing safety gates, securing heavy furniture to the wall, using outlet covers, and utilizing a baby sack for safe sleep, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and ensure a safer environment for your little one.

So, let’s get into the checklist and make your home a safer place for your child!

Table of Contents

• Why baby proofing?
• Safety essentials
• Baby proofing room by room

Why baby proofing?

Providing a safe space at home for babies and toddlers to explore and learn is crucial for their overall development and well-being. When young children feel secure and protected in their environment, they are more likely to feel comfortable and confident to explore their surroundings and learn through play. A safe and secure home also allows parents and caregivers to relax and focus on engaging with their children rather than constantly worrying about potential hazards. Moreover, by establishing safe habits and routines early on, children can develop a sense of responsibility and independence that will benefit them as they grow older.

A safe home environment is essential for fostering healthy physical, cognitive, and emotional development in babies and toddlers.

How people can baby-proof their home

Ensuring the safety of your home for your baby can be consuming, so start with the basics of baby-proofing. Begin by anchoring furniture and heavy items to prevent tipping, reducing the risk of accidents. Use cushioned corner guards on sharp edges, providing extra protection against potential injuries. Incorporate safety gates at stairs and doorways, a key recommendation is to restrict access to potentially hazardous areas and also really important, keep small objects out of your baby’s reach to minimize choking hazards. Use outlet covers and cord organizers to eliminate electrical risks, store cleaning products and medicines in locked cabinets, and implement childproof latches on drawers and cupboards to prevent accidental access. In case you have blinds or curtains at home, make sure you secure them with cordless options to mitigate the risk of strangulation.

Always maintain vigilant supervision of your baby and establish a safe play area with soft mats to foster exploration within a protected space. Finally, you need to keep on checking and updating safety measures as your baby grows and explores more areas of your home. This proactive approach ensures that your safety protocols evolve together with your baby’s developmental milestones. By incorporating these recommendations, you can create a home environment that prioritizes the safety and security of your precious little one.

Lizeth Zarazua from Kinedu

Baby care essentials for a newborn

Bringing home a newborn requires preparation and understanding of a baby’s basic needs. Ensuring you have the right items is vital to a smooth transition into parenthood.

• Feeding Essentials. For feeding, stock up on bottles, a high-quality breast pump if breastfeeding, and infant formula for supplementation or exclusive feeding. A comfortable nursing pillow and burp cloths are vital for baby and parent comfort during and after feedings.
• Diapering necessities. Diapering a newborn is a frequent task. Essential supplies include a steady stock of newborn-size diapers, gentle baby wipes, a changing mat, and diaper rash cream. A diaper bag for on-the-go changes is also highly recommended.
• Sleeping basics. A safe, comfortable sleeping environment is crucial. A sturdy crib or bassinet, fitted crib sheets, and lightweight blankets are essential. Swaddles or sleep sacks can provide extra comfort and security for the baby. For safety, ensure the sleeping area is free from loose items.
• Health and grooming. For health and grooming, have a baby thermometer, nasal aspirator, and a gentle baby wash on hand. A soft-bristled hairbrush, nail clippers, and unscented lotion are essential for maintaining your newborn’s hygiene and comfort.

Proper preparation ensures a nurturing and safe environment for your newborn.

Alicia Trautwein from  The Mom Kind 

What EMF is and its effects on babies

Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) are a type of radiofrequency energy. It is used to transmit signals carrying information through radio waves. Radio waves are broadcast using a transmitter. For example, when you talk on a cell phone, your cell phone acts as a transmitter, and your voice is carried on radio waves to the person you are calling.

Parents should exercise the highest level of caution regarding baby safety. A young child is more susceptible to the effects of wireless emissions.

There are scientific studies that have linked exposure to EMF with the development of cancer. Furthermore, scientific studies indicate a correlation between exposure to EMF and learning disabilities such as ADHD in children. That’s why many parents are taking proactive steps to protect their newborns from EMF exposure.

EMF is everywhere in our modern world and is not something that you can escape from. Nevertheless, there are things you can do to minimize EMF exposure for yourself and your baby. One of the best ways is to use a Bebcare ultra-low EMF emissions baby monitor, which reduces emissions and power levels by up to 95% in some cases.

Juliana from Bebcare 

Security measures for baby proofing a home

As your baby starts to grow and explore their surroundings, it’s important to take extra safety precautions around the house. Here are some tips to help you create a safe environment for your little one to explore!

First, install hardware-mounted gates at the top of your stairs, as these are the most secure gates to prevent falls and injuries. For the bottom of the stairs, you can opt for pressure-mounted or retractable gates.

To prevent your curious little one from accessing off-limits areas such as the fireplace, kitchen, or pet area, consider also installing gates in those areas. Additionally, anchoring tall or heavy furniture like bookshelves, dressers, and televisions is important to prevent them from tipping over.

Don’t forget about those electrical outlets! Use outlet covers such as caps, plugs, sliding plates, or box covers to prevent your baby from sticking their fingers or any other objects inside them. Finally, store all cleaning supplies, medications, sharp objects, and pesticides in locked cabinets out of your baby’s reach.

By taking these simple steps, you can create a safe and secure environment for your little one to explore and grow in!

Esli Omaña from Kinedu 

Less obvious tips for baby care

If I had to call out some of the top tips that I think are less obvious, it would be these:

• Change the temperature of the water heater in your home to the lowest recommended setting, which I believe is around 120-125 degrees F. Hot water can be dangerous for your little one and can burn them in seconds, so by opting for the lower setting, you’re giving yourself more time to react in case the water gets too hot.
• Unless a doctor says otherwise, you don’t need baby powder. A baby can accidentally breathe it, which can cause breathing troubles, and when you’re using it, it’s hard to keep it out of the air. 
• Stay away from honey if your child is under the age of 1. There’s a rare bacteria that can cause infant botulism, and if you look on the back of most honey jars at the store, you’ll notice a warning on the back stating it’s not for infants under 1.
• In addition to the regular choking hazards, watch out for button-cell batteries. They can be found in greeting cards, key fobs, hearing aids, watches, and other small electronic devices, but they’re dangerous.
• Water beads. A lot of sensory toys and toys for older kids have water beads in them, but if a little one swallows these, it not only poses a choking hazard but it can also cause intestinal blockage.
• Say no to weighted blankets. When the babies struggle to sleep, as new moms, we’re desperate to find anything that’ll help, but weighted blankets have been found to pose a risk because the extra weight can limit the baby’s movement underneath, and they can get trapped.
• Don’t use a baby walker. In some countries, they’ve already been banned because baby walkers have been involved in so many injuries to children. They can fall down the stairs and roll into hot stoves or pools, plus many people use them because they’re under the impression it will help their child learn to walk, but recent studies show it’s quite the opposite, and walkers instead delay independent walking.

These are some of my top less obvious tips, but there are many more such as car seat safety, safe sleep, choking hazards, having poison control information on hand, and many more.

Cathy Pedrayes from Cathy Pedrayes 

Safety essentials

What is and why do you recommend using a baby tracker?

Using a baby tracker can be incredibly beneficial for parents for a variety of reasons. First, a baby tracker provides parents with a convenient and efficient way to keep track of their baby’s daily activities, such as feeding schedule, milk/food intake, bowel movements, sleep patterns, and more. This information can be crucial in understanding and establishing a consistent routine for the baby, as well as identifying any potential irregularities in their daily habits. A consistent routine = happy baby = happy parents! 

Additionally, a tracker can help parents to monitor their baby’s growth and development. By recording the baby’s weight, height, and other developmental milestones, parents can ensure that they are meeting their growth targets. This is helpful for newborns and infants, particularly premature babies, as it allows parents to quickly identify any potential outliers in their baby’s development and seek appropriate medical advice if necessary.

Moreover, a baby tracker can facilitate coordination and streamline communication between parents and caregivers, such as grandparents, a nanny, and your pediatrician. The ability to share the information can help ensure that everyone involved in the baby’s care is on the same page.

Overall, the biggest benefit of using a baby tracker is providing peace of mind. Parenting is hard and full of questions. A tool that keeps track of crucial data and information in one centralized place helps reduce stress and allows parents to navigate the early stages of parenting more confidently and easily. 

Meng Li from Huhu

Is baby sleep developmental?

This can be a loaded question, and everyone can have different definitions and things they are asking with this one question. Let’s make it easier by breaking it down into two conclusions.

1. Sleep is developmental, meaning that various phases and changes happen with your baby’s sleep as they age and develop. Newborn sleep is a different beast from baby sleep, so something is obviously changing. Right around the four-month mark, your baby’s sleep cycles change from that of a newborn to look more like adult sleep cycles. Your child’s sleep needs will also ebb and flow as they age (think fewer naps and less overall sleep).
2. However, sleep is not a developmental milestone. Some will make this claim and usually mean that teaching your child to fall asleep without your help isn’t possible and that they will sleep on their own when they are “developmentally” ready. This needs to be corrected, though. With typical developmental milestones (think walking and talking), we see children meeting these milestones around the same age ranges. And if they don’t, we intervene and get them more support. With falling asleep independently some newborns can fall asleep completely on their own, and some six-year-olds can’t. That is because the habits we need to fall asleep are learned, not developmental milestones.

Carianna Gibb from All The Sleeps

Keep little fingers out of electric sockets

Electric sockets are like magnets for your kid’s tiny fingers because you barely look away, and they will zoom up to the sockets and poke their fingers in. It is frightening for us to think of the consequences that are to come. I used a socket cover guard to save my child from mishaps that could cause irreparable damage to his fingers/hands/body.

Vaishali from The Champa Tree

Being prepared for emergencies

It’s important to be prepared for emergencies that may occur despite our best efforts. Keeping first aid supplies on hand, such as bandages, antiseptics, or a first aid kit, can help you quickly respond to injuries and prevent them from getting worse. Learning basic first aid and CPR techniques can be lifesaving in the event of a serious emergency, such as choking, drowning, or cardiac arrest. Knowing how to respond quickly and effectively can minimize the damage and potentially save someone’s life. It’s important to note that learning these skills is not just useful for parents or caregivers of young children but for anyone who wants to be prepared to help in an emergency. 

What goes in a baby’s first aid kit?

If you are a parent, caregiver, or work with children, having a well-stocked first aid kit specifically for children is crucial. But what exactly should you include in it?

To ensure that you are prepared for any potential emergencies, your pediatric first aid kit should include the following essential items: a variety of adhesive bandages in different sizes, gauze pads, medical tape, scissors, tweezers, instant cold packs, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, disposable gloves, a thermometer, and a manual specifically for pediatric care.

It is also important to consider your child’s medical history or special needs when preparing your kit. You may need to include additional items, such as medication or an Epi-pen auto-injector.

Regularly check and replace any expired items in your first aid kit. Keeping your pediatric first aid kit well-stocked and up-to-date can provide peace of mind and ensure you are fully prepared to handle any unexpected medical situations involving children.

Remember, while having a well-stocked first aid kit can be incredibly helpful, it is not a substitute for professional medical care. If your child experiences a serious injury or illness, seek medical attention immediately.

Gabriel from Brisbane First Aid

Cleaning products first-time parents should be aware of for children’s safety

Ensuring your child’s safety can be challenging for first-time parents when considering all aspects of their environment. For example, did you know tons of poisonous chemicals and hazardous materials exist in many common household products? We recommend going through a detailed checklist in preparation for a new baby, and this is a great place to start. As a first step, you’ll want to conduct an inventory of your cleaning products, check the labels for warnings, and make sure all cleaning products are inaccessible to children. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) provides peer-reviewed resources for many topics related to children’s health and safety, including how to navigate the use of cleaning products around children. Here are some guidelines from the AAP:

• DO use eco-friendly, non-toxic products with the least hazardous warnings. Look for certifications like Green Seal, EcoLogo, or Safer Choice to ensure eco-friendliness.
• DO store cleaning products out of reach and sight of children, preferably in a locked cabinet.
• DON’T mix cleaning products, as this may create toxic fumes.
• DO use child-resistant packaging whenever possible.
• DON’T use scented cleaning products, as they may encourage children to ingest them.
• DO ensure proper ventilation while using cleaning products.

Some families prefer to use natural cleaning solutions such as vinegar and baking soda, which are readily available and inexpensive. Once you have confirmed that you are using safe, eco-friendly products in your home, consider involving your children in cleaning tasks (with age-appropriate, non-toxic products and constant oversight). This can be a fun and educational way to teach them about cleanliness and safety in a controlled environment! 

Danielle Sadler from Adventure Nannies

Prepare kids for the water at home

It’s important to restrict access to any pool, hot tub, or body of water near your house. Every pool should be equipped with the proper barriers to prevent drowning. These barriers, such as a fence or pool gate, must always be secure to stop kids from entering. A self-locking gate and working door alarm can prevent kids from entering and alert parents if the pool gate opens. Parents should keep all toys, tools, or other objects that could appeal to children away from the pool or body of water when not in use, as these can attract kids toward the water. Maintenance is also essential to ensure everything is working correctly.

Following additional swim safety best practices will increase awareness around the pool, including requiring kids to swim with a buddy, wearing a lifejacket, and organizing formal parent supervision.

The number one way to prevent drowning and other accidents in the pool is to teach your kids to swim. The skills learned in a qualified swim school create confident swimmers who are safer in and around water.

Chris DeJong from  Big Blue Swim School

What are some effective ways to babyproof a home to prevent hidden hazards, such as window covering safety, anchoring furniture and TVs, and creating a safe sleep space for a baby?

Babies spend most of their time sleeping, so your infant’s sleep environment should be the safest place in your home. The best place for a baby to sleep is on a firm, flat surface in a crib, bassinet, or play yard. Remember, Bare is Best! Always keep the baby’s sleep space bare (fitted sheet only) to prevent suffocation and place the baby on their back to sleep. Do not use pillows, padded crib bumpers, quilts, or comforters.

Unsecured TVs, furniture, and even appliances are hidden hazards, particularly for small children – and they lurk in every room of our homes. These incidents are preventable, so anchor your furniture, appliances, and TVs today!

Another hidden danger is window covering cords. CPSC advises consumers to buy and install cordless window coverings in all rooms where a child may be present. If consumers are unable to replace existing window coverings, CPSC recommends eliminating any dangling cords by making the pull cords as short as possible and keeping all window covering cords out of the reach of children.

Finally, always check to see if any of your baby’s nursery products have been recalled, including any second-hand products. Remember, your little bundle relies on you to keep them safe.

Nikki Fleming, Senior Communications Specialist, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)

Saloon door baby gates are a must-have

Saloon door baby gates, also known as swinging café doors or double action doors, have become increasingly popular among today’s parents. Saloon door baby gates will allow for a unique and beautiful design with safety in mind and ease of use. Here are the key features that make saloon door baby gates at most in today’s homes.:

• Style: Unlike traditional baby gates, which can be bulky and unattractive, saloon doors can be designed with many stylish features. The saloon door baby gates are custom-made for your exact opening size for a perfect fit. These gates/doors can have many design options, including western spindles, modern shaker panels, traditional raised panels, barn-style designs, or safety glass options. These stylish classic gates are perfect for today’s home to allow for a seamless with the décor of your home.
• Convenience: Saloon doors swing open in both directions, allowing parents to move freely through the doorway without having to stop and adjust the gate every time they pass through. Hardware will attach to the wall to allow for a secure attachment and is the perfect solution for baby gates.
• Safety and Easy Installation: The doors are also designed with sturdy frames and hinge to prevent children from pushing through or climbing over the gate. Saloon doors can be easily installed without special tools or hardware, making them a convenient and practical choice for busy parents.

Overall, saloon door baby gates offer a stylish, convenient, and safe solution for parents looking to keep their children secure while still maintaining the aesthetics of their home.

Amanda from  Swinging Cafe Doors

Must-haves for a baby gate pool fence

Swimming pool safety is a concern for every parent. A child can drown in as little as two inches of water, and the majority of pool-related deaths happen to children younger than five.

Pool fences help protect children from accidental drowning, but they must be installed correctly and regularly maintained to be effective. The most important feature of any pool safety fence is the pool gate. It should always be self-closing and self-latching, so parents don’t need to depend on their pool service company to close the gate; it will automatically close and latch behind them.

There are many pool safety products on the market, but none is as safe and effective as a pool fence with a baby gate. To reduce costs, some pool fence companies offer a pull-back gate style that creates a gap in the fence for pool access. This method should not be used when it comes to making pools safe for kids. Childproofing experts, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, recommend that all gates have a self-closing, self-latching device installed on them, such as a spring and magnetic latch that closes and secures the gate automatically when released by an adult or child.

Michael Corkery from  Pool Guard USA

How to prevent child injuries

Accidents and injuries happen, especially with young kids. No parent ever wants to see their child hurt or harmed. The most significant prevention you can do is control your child’s environment to the best of your ability. CPR, first aid, fire, and other safety courses are highly recommended. To further assist you, here is a list of tips for helping prevent common child injuries: 

• Burns
  • Lower your water heater temperature. 
  • Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children. 
  • Limit direct sun exposure, apply sunscreen, and use long-sleeved shirts or hats when necessary.
• Bicycle Accidents
  • Always have your child wear a helmet. 
• Drowning 
  • Use personal floatation devices around water.
  • Always ensure there is adult supervision. 
  • Get certified CPR training. 
  • Have a four-sided fence with a locked gate around your swimming pool.
• Falls
  • Put window guards on your upstairs windows.
  • Lock your windows.
  • Use stair gates.
• Fires
  • Maintain the smoke detectors in your home.
  • Have a fire escape plan.
• Gun Injuries
  • Remove firearms from your home if possible or unload, lock them up, and store ammunition separately.
• Motor Vehicle Crashes
  • Use car seats, booster seats, and seat belts when your child is riding in vehicles.
• Pedestrian Accidents
  • Teach your child about road safety. 
  • Supervise any outdoor activity that is around a trafficked area.
• Poisoning
  • Put childproof caps on medications and household poisons.
  • Keep any items that could cause harm out of reach.
• Suffocation
  • Make sure all sleeping environments meet safety guidelines.

Attorney Allen Tittle from Tittle & Perlmuter

Smart security systems

Smart security systems, including cameras, alarms, and locks, are an excellent way to baby proof and ensure the safety of young children. For example, smart cameras can allow you to monitor your child remotely, even when you’re not in the same room. Smart alarms, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors can alert you to potential dangers and/or prevent serious accidents. Smart locks add an extra layer of security, allowing you to remotely lock and unlock doors and even control who has access to your home. By integrating these smart security systems into your baby proofing strategy, you can create a safer and more secure environment for your family.

Why have a pool alarm for keeping kids safe, and how they work

A pool alarm is not something we typically recommend as there are better options for keeping the pool safe such as a pool fence with a self-latching gate. An alarm can malfunction and gives a false sense of security. It can be used as one layer of protection if a pool fence is already installed. 

Sarah Sebe from Sunsational Swim School

Use aluminum fencing for child safety

The biggest concern of most parents regarding their kids playing in their yard is child safety. Of course, when your children are young, you will likely be outside with them, close at hand in case they start to wander off. However, children can be quick and sneaky, and it’s not unheard of for them to run off the split second that a parent has to turn their back — especially when there is more than one child to keep track of! In those situations, having an extra barrier between your child and the street can be lifesaving, especially if you live on a relatively well-traveled street. Aluminum fencing is a great option for this as well as when a pool is involved. If you have children in the home, it is essential to have a fence around the pool area, preferably with a locking gate. This extra security measure can help prevent drowning, not only of children in your home but neighborhood children and pets as well. Adding an aluminum fence or pool fence can, in some situations, even improve your home insurance rates, as it shows you are taking steps to ensure safety on your property. It can also improve home resale value by increasing your home’s visual curb appeal and requiring less maintenance than other fencing types.

Mark from Aluminum Fences Direct

Adding a safety gate on the stairs for child security

A safety gate at the top or bottom of the stairs can help keep your toddler safer in a particular area of the house. Not only will this help prevent falls, but when a toddler can get out of bed and come out of their room, it presents an additional safety hazard. While we think our toddlers and preschoolers will come to our bedroom if they wake in the middle of the night, there’s always a chance they go to the toy room, climb on furniture, or go to the kitchen/etc. This can lead to unsafe conditions without any supervision for your child. Aside from safety, having a gate that keeps your child in one area of the house can make it easier to supervise them throughout the day, especially if you have other children. Knowing they can’t go up or down the stairs without your knowledge can free you from worry and allow you to focus on better things. Although some might equate a gate to “locking in” their child, this is no different than other ways we keep them safe such as outlet and doorknob covers. Once your child is mature enough, the gate will no longer be needed.

Nicole Johnson, Founder and lead sleep consultant of The Baby Sleep Site 

Advantages of a baby monitor with two cameras

Video baby monitors have two cameras, or more, allowing you the flexibility and mobility of monitoring your little loved one hassle-free. You can place the cameras in different locations. Usually, your little one stays or plays around, either wall-mounted, desktop, or clamped on the crib. With the split views on portable parent units or mobile Apps on smart devices, you can enjoy multi-view of live streaming from different cameras. Moreover, it comes with advanced value-added features from the mobile App, like SmartZone settings, motion or sound detection alerts, access controls, etc. It always gives you peace of mind to look after your baby. 

Alvin Chu from Chillax

What a baby monitor camera is

A baby monitor camera is a surveillance camera that helps watch over children when parents are not there. Also called a baby cam, it continues to evolve out of increasing mothers’ needs for remote care of their children. Now, many video cameras are advertised as baby cams in the market. Parents can determine if a product is functionally competent for this scenario with the following specs (my technical definition):

Clarity. You need at least 1080P pictures not to miss a single beautiful moment of your angel’s face.

Night vision. You need real night vision to monitor your angel in the dark without using motion/IR-triggered lights.

Battery life. You would like one month or longer battery life to minimize the time gap leaving your angel not watched.

Easy install. You don’t want to screw into your walls since a baby cam is typically used indoors. So a camera with an easier install method (like magnetic install) will make a difference.

Two-way communication. Nothing would be more effective than mothers’ subtle voices if your angel cries when you are away. Keep in mind that you will need to talk to your baby from time to time.

A qualified baby monitor camera means a wireless home security system that witnesses and accompanies your children’s growth.

Nick Zeng from Noorio

Baby proofing room by room

Childproofing a garage

Garage doors can be a hazard to kids and pets. Therefore, it is required to install electric openers with an automatic reverse mechanism that reverses the direction of the door if an object is detected in the photoelectric line of the system. Long-handed tools should not be left randomly in the garage as they could fall on children. Also, electronic equipment or sharp-edged tools should be locked in cabinets. Chemicals, cleaners, and paints should always be kept in their original containers, away from the reach of kids. The garage door controls should be kept outside the reach of small hands. Mothballs are often placed in the garage to get rid of pests. However, it could be poisonous to kids and pets. It is important to have a childproof barrier around a water heater or furnace in the garage. Secure locks of vehicle doors and trunks before leaving them in the garage. This makes it harder for kids to accidentally start a car within the garage or get their little hands caught in the car doors. Childproofing the garage is just as important as childproofing any other place in your house. So, pay attention to all the details.

Brad Dodson  from Delden Garage Doors

Child proof a rental property

Child proofing a rental comes with a few extra challenges, but with good communication, you can ensure a safe space for babies and toddlers. Most baby proofing items can be easily removed after they are no longer needed. Items like pressure-mounted baby gates, outlet covers, toilet locks, and cabinet locks can all be easily removed without damage to the rental.

If the rental needs updates requiring a hard installation, renters must coordinate with the landlord. Items like hardware-mounted baby gates and wall mounts for large furniture are good examples. Renters should be upfront about their child’s safety needs; this may mean installing mounted items in a rental that normally does not allow nails or screws in the walls. Keep in mind that renters may be responsible for filling those holes or repairing damage before moving.

Don’t forget to check for general safety items such as sturdy stair railings, window locks, and pool fencing. These are often legally required safety measures, and landlords may be responsible for their installation and maintenance. All ages will benefit from these safety measures, but children are especially vulnerable when these mandated precautions aren’t taken.

Brentnie Daggett from Rentec Direct

Nursery

The nursery is one of the most important rooms to baby proof in your home, as it’s where your baby will spend a lot of time sleeping, playing, and growing. It’s essential to create a safe and secure environment in the nursery to ensure your baby’s well-being. 

Best practices to ensure that a baby sleeps safely

Ensuring your little one’s safety during sleep is crucial, so let’s dive into some essential tips to create the perfect sleep environment:

• Back-sleeping: Always put your baby to sleep on their back to reduce the risk of sleep-related issues.
• Firm mattress: Use a firm and flat mattress, keeping pillows, blankets, and toys away to minimize suffocation risks.
• Steady breathing: Monitor your baby’s breathing to ensure their well-being.
• Ideal temperature: Maintain a comfortable room temperature, ideally between 68-72°F (20-22°C).
• Smoke-free environment: To promote healthy lung development, keep your baby’s room free of cigarette smoke.

Keeping track of all these factors can be challenging, but what if there was a handy solution? A Baby Monitor can help to monitor your baby’s breathing, sleeping position, and room temperature while sending real-time notifications to your phone if anything requires your attention.

With it, you can strike the perfect balance between ensuring your baby’s safety and enjoying well-deserved rest.

Tristan from Sense-U

Simplifying a baby’s bed

The simpler the sleep space, the safer it is! All your baby needs is a firm mattress with a fitted sheet. That’s it!

Pillows, bumpers, stuffed animals, blankets, and nests are both unnecessary and make your baby’s crib dangerous. They increase your baby’s risk of SIDS, suffocation, and entrapment.  

Don’t worry about your baby not being comfortable in the crib. Soft, cotton pajamas and a sleep sack will help them feel comfortable and warm all night. Even if your baby is rolling around easily on their own, there’s no need for a pillow until two years old.

Mobiles are nice for newborns because they can be entertained by the lights and music. But, as soon as your baby starts to sit up, it’s time to remove a mobile attached to the crib.

Sitting up often occurs between 4-6 months old, and at this age, your baby will be too distracted to sleep with lights and music playing. Plus, they may want to grab it!

Save the toys and stuffed animals for playtime. And remember that the safest sleep space for your baby is a crib with only a fitted sheet.

Jilly Blankenship, Pediatric Nurse, Lactation Consultant, and owner of Baby Sleep Made Simple

Childproofing Your baby’s room

When it comes to childproofing your home, the most important thing to do is get down on the child’s level and look for possible hazards through the eyes and mindset of your little one. Keep in mind that children love to put things in their mouths, insert objects where they don’t belong, grab anything loose and climb on everything. When it comes to the child’s bedroom, some particular safety precautions to take include:

• Keep cribs clear of all objects – this includes blankets, pillows, and bumper pads in order to practice safe infant sleep.
• Lower the crib mattress once the child can sit up.
• Keep any wires or cords far from the crib – pay attention to things like baby monitors, wipe warmers, sound machines, and window blind cords.
• Use outlet covers on all electrical outlets.
• Anchor furniture like dressers and bookshelves to the wall and keep drawers closed to prevent climbing.
• Move furniture away from windows and open windows from the top or use window guards or stops to prevent falls.
• Remove potential choking hazards from the bedroom – including things like piggy banks filled with coins, crayons, balloons, and toys.
• Use a safety gate in the child’s doorway or at the top of the stairs to prevent falls.

Jennifer Walker from University Hospitals

Window treatments for kids’ rooms

When it comes to choosing window treatments for a child’s room, safety should be a top priority. Children are naturally curious and can easily become entangled in cords or pull on blinds, which can lead to serious injury. As a result, we recommend plantation shutters as the ideal window treatment for kids’ rooms. They are built to be sturdy and are almost indestructible, making them a durable investment that can withstand the wear and tear of daily use. Moreover, plantation shutters have no cords, eliminating the risk of entanglement or choking hazards. They are also available in a variety of styles and colors, providing a versatile option that can complement any room decor.

John Barnes from Sunburst Shutters

Does inclines for cribs dangerous for babies?

As a mom who runs a daycare, I understand the importance of prioritizing the safety of the babies in my care and my own. Despite some manufacturers suggesting inclined cribs can help with reflux and breathing issues, I remain concerned about their safety. Numerous studies have shown that inclined cribs can increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and suffocation, especially for newborns who are unable to move their heads or rollover.

It is ultimately up to each parent to make informed decisions based on their instincts and research while also considering the culture and history surrounding parenting practices. As a daycare provider, I follow the American Academy of Pediatrics safe sleep guidelines to minimize risk. However, I respect the individual decisions made by parents and collaborate with them to meet their baby’s needs while prioritizing safety.

Ensuring the safety of children is a top priority for any caregiver or parent. By keeping up to date with research and guidelines and taking into account individual circumstances, we can help ensure a safe and healthy environment for our little ones.

Julie from All Things Childcare

Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the most hazardous rooms in your home for babies and toddlers, as it’s full of potential hazards such as sharp objects, hot surfaces, and electrical appliances. To keep your little one safe while in the kitchen, it’s important to be vigilant and take several baby proofing measures. 

Bathroom

Bathrooms can also be one of the most dangerous rooms in your home for young children, as they can be exposed to dangers like slippery surfaces, sharp edges, and exposure to harmful substances.

Babyproofing Your Bathroom: Essential Tips for a Safe Environment

As a parent or caregiver, ensuring the safety of your little one is of utmost importance. Among the many areas in your home that require babyproofing, the bathroom presents unique challenges. With its various hazards like slippery surfaces and access to potentially harmful substances, taking the necessary precautions is crucial. Here are some essential tips to help you create a safe and secure environment for your baby in the bathroom.

• Install cabinet locks: Use childproof locks or latches on all cabinets and drawers within your baby’s reach. This prevents them from accessing cleaning products, medications, or sharp objects.
• Secure toilet lid: Keep the toilet lid closed and consider using a toilet lock to prevent curious explorations or accidental falls.
• Use non-slip mats: Place non-slip mats both inside and outside the bathtub to minimize the risk of slips and falls. Additionally, use a spout cover to prevent injuries from bumping into the faucet.
• Adjust water temperature: Set your water heater to a maximum of 120°F (49°C) to avoid scalding accidents. Test the water temperature before bathing your baby to ensure it is comfortably warm.
• Cover electrical outlets: Use outlet covers or plug protectors to prevent your baby from inserting objects into the outlets.
• Store toiletries safely: Keep all personal care items, such as razors, curling irons, and lotions, out of reach or store them in a locked cabinet.

Following these simple yet effective measures, you can create a safe haven for your little one in the bathroom. Regularly assess and update your baby proofing strategies as your child grows and develops new abilities. Remember, constant supervision is vital, and never leave your baby unattended in the bathroom. With the right precautions, you can ensure a worry-free environment where your baby can explore and enjoy their time safely.

Craig from High Speed Daddy

Living room

Baby proof your living room to create a safe and comfortable environment for your child to play and explore. There are several baby proofing measures you can take to keep your little one safe in the living room. Covering electrical outlets with safety plugs and keeping cords out of reach can prevent electrocution and other electrical hazards. Securing furniture, such as bookcases and televisions, to the wall can prevent tipping and potential injuries. Placing safety gates at the top and bottom of staircases can prevent falls and injuries. Additionally, using fireplace gates or screens can prevent burns and other injuries. 

Laundry room

The laundry room is an often forgotten hazardous area for young children, as it’s full of potential hazards such as sharp objects, hot water, detergents, and other chemicals. To baby proof your laundry room, start by installing safety locks on all cabinets and drawers that contain hazardous materials, such as laundry detergent, bleach, and fabric softener.