Babyproof Checklist: How to Babyproof Your Home for Your New Arrival

Welcoming a new baby into your home is an exciting and joyful time, but it also comes with the responsibility of ensuring that your space is as safe as possible for your little one. As new parents, you might feel overwhelmed by the idea of babyproofing your home, but taking the time to do so will bring you peace of mind as you prepare for your baby’s arrival. 

September is Baby Safety Month, making it the perfect time to focus on creating a safer environment where your baby can explore and grow. Consider this your babyproof checklist – your guide to the essential steps for babyproofing your home from the nursery to the living room, so you can enjoy every moment with your new arrival without worry.

When it comes to babyproofing, it’s important to look at your home from your baby’s perspective, so go ahead and get down on their level. This might sound silly, but there’s no better way to spot potential hazards that could be easily overlooked from your usual, much taller, vantage point. Look for hazards like sharp corners, loose cords and unsecured furniture and decor. Soon your home will have a curious little one roaming around, so remove or secure anything that could be a little too interesting and turn into a risk.

Some rooms will require more babyproofing than others. The best way to tackle this project is to focus on the spaces where your baby will spend the most time – like  the nursery, living room and kitchen.

You and your little darling will be spending a lot of time in the nursery, so it’s best to babyproof here first. Take these precautions while setting up their safer sleeping space: 

The Crib:

• Place away from furniture, vents, windows, blinds and cords
• Do not hang anything above the crib
• Use a firm, breathable mattress 

The Changing Station

• Keep wipes, creams and other items out of reach
• Secure any nearby furniture
• Never leave the little one unattended

The nursery will most likely be your biggest babyproofing project, so once you’re done in here, pat yourself on the back! 

In the shared spaces of your home – like the living room – your baby will probably spend a lot of time playing, learning to crawl and eventually walking. Implement these safety measures while babyproofing:

• Pad sharp corners: Install corner protectors on tables and any furniture with sharp edges.
• Hide cords: Secure any electrical cords and keep them out of reach.
• Anchor TVs: Mount to the wall or secure them with safety straps
• Secure decor: Heavy objects should be removed from low shelves that Baby could reach.

The kitchen is full of potential hazards for little ones, so extra attention will be needed here. Take these precautions:

• Childproof cabinets and drawers: Keep cleaning products, sharp objects and other dangerous items in locked or latched cabinets.
• Appliance safety: Secure your stove with safety covers and knob protectors and consider installing a lock for your refrigerator.
• Avoid tablecloths: Babies can pull on tablecloths and bring down whatever’s on the table, so consider going without one for a while.

These three rooms will be the most important and most time-consuming. Once you’re done with these areas, you’ll only have smaller areas like hallways and bathrooms to take care of. Take the same precautions as you did with the other rooms, and you’ll have a fully babyproofed home before you know it. 

We know firsthand that babyproofing can feel overwhelming. Try focusing on the essentials to make the process easier on yourself. These key items should be at the top of your list:

• Baby gates: Crucial for blocking off staircases or rooms that aren’t fully babyproofed. Make sure to use gates at the top and bottom of stairs and ensure they're securely mounted.
• Window safety gear: Use cordless blinds or install window cord shorteners to prevent strangulation risks. Window guards are also a great idea to prevent accidents.
• Outlet covers: Electrical outlets should be covered with plug protectors to keep little fingers away from shocks and sparks.
  Once you have a collection of your essentials, you can start incorporating them across the house as you notice potential hazards. 

As you babyproof your home, there are a few other things to keep in mind.

Take extra care to protect Baby from toxins and chemicals. Even if cabinets are locked, it’s important to reduce your baby’s exposure to harmful chemicals. Opt for low-toxic, EWG VERIFIED® cleaning products and keep any hazardous substances out of reach.

Your baby will spend more time in their crib than they will in the rest of the house, so create a safe sleep environment. A firm crib mattress is key to a safer sleeping environment. Make sure to choose an EWG VERIFIED® crib mattress that offers breathability, proper support and waterproofing. Also, keep the crib free of pillows, blankets and toys to reduce the risk of suffocation.

Remember it’s an ongoing process. Your home will need to adapt as your child grows and becomes more mobile. But with a little preparation, you’ll be able to enjoy every moment of your baby’s development with peace of mind.

A lot goes into babyproofing your home and you might have to entirely change your routine, habits or typical shopping list. Knowing your home is as safe as can be for your little darling will be worth it though. 

Babyproofing your home is an important step in preparing for your new arrival, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. In fact, it can be really exciting! You can fantasize about what room they’ll take their first steps in, what food they’ll mash into their face in the kitchen and how their nursery will one day be their bedroom full of their own unique personality. 

They’ll be here before you know it so relish this special time while you prepare for them. We know you’ll create a safe environment for your baby to grow safely and happily.

Want a more in-depth guide on preparing Baby’s nursery? Check out our blog about creating a non-toxic nursery for your little one.