The Ultimate Room-by-Room Guide to Babyproofing Your Home

August 12, 2025

Emily Gaylor

Before your baby starts crawling, you look around and think, This is fine. Once they start moving, however, you may be surveying your home and nervously thinking, “Is it just me, or does this room have forty-three outlets?” Babies’ curiosity kicks in long before you’re ready for it, and their speed-to-trouble ratio only increases from there. Babyproofing isn’t about bubble-wrapping your life, necessarily. But it will help you relax a little, knowing your little explorer can roam free without you sprinting across the room every 2 seconds.

This guide walks you through each room of your house, with safety tips you can tackle in a weekend (or a few naptimes). While the idea of baby proofing your home may feel overwhelming, if you take it room-by-room, it’s a much easier—and less stress inducing—task.

Why Babyproofing Matters

Babies are thrill-seekers with zero concept of danger and 100% commitment to investigating everything. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), thousands of babies under one year old end up in emergency rooms each year due to accidents in the home—most of which are preventable. And while you can’t child-proof the laws of physics, you can make a few strategic changes to prevent the most common accidents. Babyproofing won’t make your home completely disaster-proof, but it will tip the odds in your favor.

When to Start Babyproofing

You can start babyproofing any time! Some parents knock it out before the baby shower, others wait until their little one starts rolling with purpose. The real deadline? Before your little one is mobile. And heads up! “Mobile” doesn’t just mean crawling or walking. A determined baby who’s figured out rolling, pivoting, or scooting can cover surprising ground.

When possible, it's smart to tackle the bulk of babyproofing well before your new bundle of joy arrives. Early prep lets you address hazards that affect you, too—like slippery rugs or wobbly furniture—because you’re going to spend a lot of time carrying your baby from room to room.

Babyproofing is a two-phase (and ongoing) process:

Phase 1: Before baby arrives, handle the big stuff (anchoring furniture, securing cords, installing gates if you know you’ll need them, etc.).
Phase 2: Once your baby’s on the move, do a second sweep. Reassess anything they can now grab, yank, climb, or taste (and they’ll try).

Every kid’s timeline is a little different, and personality matters, too. Some babies are happy to sit and observe. Yours may be born with a mission to test every boundary (and every safety latch) you put in place. Babyproofing isn’t a “set it and forget it” project. It's an evolving game of “How did you even get up there?”

Early Babyproofing Wins

Even before your baby can roll, crawl, or walk, there are a few quick safety upgrades that will make life easier down the road:

Anchor heavy furniture and TVs. You will never regret getting this done early.
Cover unused outlets. Simple, fast, and one less thing to worry about later.
Secure cords and blind pulls. Out of sight, out of mind (and out of tiny hands).
Check your floors. Pick up any loose change, batteries, or other choking hazards.
Set up safe zones. Playpens or gated areas buy you a few hands-free minutes.

Knocking these out before your baby arrives (or in those quieter newborn weeks) means you can focus on enjoying your little one and not an anxiety spiral.

On-the-Move Babyproofing Wins

Once your baby starts rolling, crawling, or toddling, it’s time to upgrade your safety game:

Recheck reachable hazards. That coffee table you thought was safe? Now well within arm’s reach.
Lock cabinets and drawers. Especially ones with cleaning products, sharp tools, or medicine.
Add stair gates. Top and bottom for maximum protection.
Lower crib mattress. Because pulling up happens faster than you think.
Secure trash cans. Babies are surprisingly resourceful dumpster divers.

This is babyproofing “phase two." More ground to cover, but also more peace of mind when your little explorer takes off.

Whole House

Install UL-listed smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on every level and in hallways outside bedrooms.
Check detector batteries at least once a year.
Keep a fire extinguisher where you can grab it quickly—and know how to use it.
Store a well-stocked first aid kit in an easy-to-find spot; make sure all caretakers know where it is.
Make sure your house number is visible from the street for emergency responders.

Have emergency contact info displayed, including numbers for your pediatrician and poison control.
If your home was built prior to 1978, get any flaking paint removed or sealed by a professional. Paint in older homes may contain lead, and is dangerous for babies or toddlers to ingest.
Secure firearms safely. Keep all guns unloaded, locked in a gun safe, and fitted with trigger locks.
Keep coins, batteries (especially button batteries), and other choking hazards off floors and low surfaces.
Don’t leave water sitting in open containers, buckets, or basins where a baby could reach.

Parent pro tip: Safety gear isn’t just for babies—it’s peace of mind for you, too. Smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and first aid kits are the kinds of things you hope you’ll never need, but will be very glad to have if you do.

Living Room / Family Room

Anchor bookshelves, TVs, and tall furniture to prevent tip-overs.
Add corner guards to coffee tables, hearths, and low shelves.
Cover outlets and hide lamp/electronic cords.
Use baby gates for stairs or to block off rooms.

Put grippy non-slip pads under your rugs.
Replace any blinds with long cords with cordless options.
Move tall or wobbly floor lamps behind heavier furniture to keep them from tipping.
Mount flat-screen TVs securely to the wall so they’re out of reach. For TVs you can’t mount, place them on sturdy furniture, anchor them with a strap, and push them as close to the wall or corner as possible.
Keep gaming consoles, streaming devices, cable boxes, and DVD players behind cabinet doors or drawers secured with childproof latches. (If you need remote access, consider a remote control extender.)

Keep remotes out of reach. If battery covers don’t screw in place, tape them down for extra safety.

Block off floor heaters and radiators with safety gates or fences.
Add colorful window clings to sliding glass doors and large windows to prevent collisions.
Install fireplace screens in front of all hearths—but remember, the screen itself can still get hot.
Store fireplace logs, matches, tools, and keys well out of reach.
Add window guards and stops to windows.

Parent pro tip: A playpen or gated play zone in your living room (or wherever you hang out most) gives your baby a safe spot to explore. So go head and tackle chores, sip your coffee in peace, or indulge in a little doomscrolling.

Kitchen

Install safety latches on cabinets and drawers with cleaning supplies or knives.
Use stove knob covers and keep pot and pan handles turned in.
Store plastic bags, foil, and small appliances out of reach.
Lock the garbage can if your little one is extra determined.
Cook on your stove’s back burners when possible.

Remove any tablecloths.
Latch or lock your oven.
Keep the edges of your countertops and tables clear so your baby can’t reach up and accidentally pull anything down on themselves.

Make sure your kitchen table is solid and stable, especially if you’ll be attaching a hook-on high chair.
Add safety latches to the fridge, freezer, and dishwasher doors.
Store dish towels somewhere high or behind a closed cabinet.
Move pet food and water bowls to a spot your baby can’t reach (or tip over).
Keep anything sharp or breakable well out of grab range.
Store cleaners, dish soap, and other chemicals in latched cabinets or far from curious hands.
Keep floors and low surfaces crumb- and clutter-free. Crawlers have a knack for finding the tiniest (and grossest) snacks.

Parent pro tip: If your crawling baby or new walker likes to “help” in the kitchen, dedicate one bottom cabinet just for them. Stock it with baby-safe items—toys, plastic containers, wooden spoons, or measuring cups—so they can play while you cook. Skip anything that’s a choking hazard (if it can fit inside a toilet paper tube, it’s too small).

Bathroom

Use an infant bathtub to help keep your baby secure and supported during bath time.
Add soft spout and knob covers to prevent bumps and burns.

Keep toilet lids closed and latched.
Store medications, cosmetics, and cleaners in a locked cabinet.
Use non-slip bath mats in and out of the tub.
Set your water heater to 120°F or lower to prevent burns.

Install an exterior door lock.
Keep electrical appliances, like curling irons, out of reach.
Move trash cans out of reach, or keep them in a locked cabinet.
Never leave your child unattended in the bath, even for a moment.

Parent pro tip: Bathrooms are full of hazards for curious little ones, so the easiest safety measure is keeping the door shut and secured when not in use (a latch or a doorknob cover both work).

Nursery

Keep cribs away from windows, cords, and shelves.
Remove any bedding (including pillows, bumpers, comforters, sheets, or blankets) and any toys from your baby’s sleep environment, whether that is a crib or bassinet. A bare crib is the safest crib.
Anchor dressers and bookshelves to the wall.
Use cordless window coverings or tie cords well out of reach.

Make sure your crib mattress is snug against the rails and walls of the crib, without any gaps.

If using a humidifier, opt for a cool-mist model to avoid burns, and clean it regularly per manufacturer instructions to prevent mold or bacteria buildup.
Never attach pacifiers or other objects to baby or the crib with cords, strings, or ribbons—and skip clothing drawstrings or necklaces altogether.

Store toys in open boxes so curious fingers can’t get pinched by lids.
Ensure mobiles are securely attached and placed beyond baby’s reach. Remove them (and anything else hanging above the crib) once baby can get onto hands and knees.
If you’re painting your nursery, try to finish your project at least two months before your due date so you don’t have to worry about exposing your newborn to potentially harmful fumes. Use a low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paint if possible.
Anchor rugs with non-slip pads so they stay put, especially when you’re carrying baby.

Keep diaper supplies within easy reach while you’re at the changing table, but out of baby’s grasp.
Store all plastic bags and packaging well away from baby.
Use a contoured changing pad with raised sides to help prevent rolling.
Avoid talcum powder, as inhaling particles can harm a baby’s lungs.
Wash hands thoroughly after every diaper change.

Parent pro tip: If you’re changing or dressing your baby on a raised surface, keep one hand on them at all times. Even a quick step away can lead to a fall, especially when sleep deprivation is in the mix.

Hallways & Stairs

Install sturdy, hardware-mounted baby gates at both the top and bottom of stairs.
Keep floors clear of shoes, bags, and tripping hazards.
Add non-slip treads to stair steps.
Secure rugs with non-slip pads.

Pro parent tip: In high-traffic areas with a big fall risk, keep pathways clear and supervise closely. Tumbles can happen fast when little ones are on the move.

Laundry Room

Keep all detergents, stain removers, and bleach stored high up or in latched cabinets. Detergent pods look like candy to curious toddlers.
Secure washer and dryer doors with appliance locks to prevent climbing or accidental entrapment.
Always keep laundry baskets out of baby’s reach. Small items like buttons and coins can become choking hazards.
Store ironing boards, irons, and steamers safely away so they can’t tip over or be pulled down.
Anchor shelving or storage units to the wall to prevent tipping.
Keep hampers with drawstrings, lids, or plastic bags well out of reach to avoid entanglement or suffocation hazards.
If your budget allows, consider switching to non-toxic cleaners.

Pro parent tip: If your laundry room is on baby’s regular route, consider a door knob cover or safety gate—it’s the easiest way to make the whole space off-limits.

Garage

Store cleaning supplies, paint, automotive fluids, and pesticides in locked cabinets or on high shelves.
Keep power tools, ladders, and sharp garden tools out of reach.
Make sure it has a working auto-reverse feature and keep remotes out of children’s hands.
Store heavy items low to the ground to avoid them falling if bumped.
Remove nails, screws, or other small items from the floor that could be choking hazards.

Pro parent tip: If the garage isn’t a space your kiddo needs to be in, install a childproof lock on the door from the house. It's the easiest way to keep little ones who are up to no good safe.

Backyard & Pools

Keep gates on decks, patios, and pool areas locked.
Check play equipment for loose bolts or splinters.
Store gardening tools, chemicals, and grills where little hands can’t reach.

Install secure fencing around pools with a self-latching, self-closing gate.
Use a pool alarm or safety cover when the pool isn’t in use.
Remove toys from the pool area after swimming so kids aren’t tempted to reach for them.
Keep rescue equipment (like a life hook or flotation device) easily accessible.
Store gardening tools, chemicals, and grill accessories out of reach or in locked cabinets.
Check play equipment regularly for loose parts or sharp edges.
Keep walkways clear to prevent trips and falls.

Pro parent tip: Outside play is great for burning energy, but curious kids move fast. Secure gates, check fences for gaps, and keep a close eye near driveways or water.

Babyproofing FAQs

Do I need to babyproof every room?
Not every space needs the full treatment. Focus first on high-traffic areas where your baby spends the most time, then move on to kitchens, bathrooms, and other hazard-heavy zones. Whole-house steps, like securing furniture and checking smoke detectors, are worth doing everywhere.

What’s the most important room to babyproof first?
For most families, it’s the living room or nursery. Kitchens and bathrooms are next on the list because they’re full of hidden dangers (cleaning supplies, sharp objects, and slippery floors).

Should I hire a professional babyproofing service?
Most babyproofing can be done DIY with basic child safety products. But hiring a pro can be worth it for tricky installations like stair gates, cabinet locks, or custom safety solutions.

How much does babyproofing cost?
Basic babyproofing essentials—like outlet covers, corner guards, and cabinet locks—can cost under $50. More extensive safety upgrades with gates, furniture anchors, and specialty items may run a few hundred dollars. Still, it’s cheaper than an ER visit.

Will babyproofing ruin my home décor?
Not these days. Many babyproofing products are designed to be low-profile or even style-adjacent, so you can keep your space looking good while keeping your little one safe. And most safety gear is temporary.

What’s the difference between babyproofing and childproofing?
Babyproofing focuses on keeping infants safe during their earliest, most vulnerable months (think outlet covers, furniture anchors, and safe sleep setups). Childproofing goes a step further for toddlers and older kiddos who can climb, open doors, and outsmart cabinet locks. Many safety products overlap, but childproofing often means upgrading as your little one’s skills (and mischief potential) grow.

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