How to Successfully Babyproof Your House: The Giddy Guncle’s Guide

When the twins started getting mobile, I realized quickly that Carter wasn’t the only one I needed to worry about keeping safe! Babies explore the world in the most fascinating—and sometimes terrifying—ways. If you’re a parent, guncle, nanny, or just a frequent babysitter, babyproofing is essential to keeping little ones safe and giving you some peace of mind. Here’s a handy guide to help babyproof your home, complete with some of the most commonly forgotten safety measures.

1. Start with the Basics: Securing Furniture and TVs

Babies and toddlers love to pull themselves up on anything that looks sturdy enough—and unfortunately, that includes dressers, bookshelves, and even TVs. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), unsecured furniture can pose a serious tipping hazard.

How to do it:

• Install furniture anchors on bookshelves, dressers, and large cabinets.

• Mount your flat-screen TV to the wall or secure it with anti-tip straps.

• Keep heavy items like lamps, photo frames, or electronics out of reach or on lower, secure surfaces.

2. Block Off Dangerous Areas

Sometimes, the best way to babyproof is simply to limit access. This is where baby gates and door locks become your best friends.

Commonly overlooked areas to secure:

• Kitchen: Install stove knob covers, oven locks, and babyproof cabinet locks. If your stove has front-facing controls, make sure they are locked when not in use.

• Bathrooms: Use door locks to prevent entry or install toilet locks (yep, kids love to explore the toilet!).

• Stairs: Place baby gates at both the top and bottom of staircases to prevent falls.

Make sure to choose gates that are hardware-mounted for stairways, as pressure-mounted gates are less secure and could give way under pressure.

3. Don’t Forget About the Windows

While we tend to focus on what’s on the floor, windows can pose a huge hazard. According to the National Safety Council, falls from windows are a common cause of injury for children.

How to babyproof windows:

• Install window guards or stops that prevent windows from opening more than 4 inches.

• Move any furniture away from windows to avoid little climbers having easy access.

• Make sure blind cords are safely tucked away or install cordless window coverings, as cords can be a strangulation hazard.

4. Out of Sight, Out of Mind: Electrical Safety

While socket covers are widely recommended, they’re not always enough, especially for older babies and toddlers who have figured out how to pull them off.

Additional tips for electrical safety:

• Consider using sliding outlet covers that automatically close when not in use.

• Tuck away all cords or secure them with cord organizers. For cords that can’t be hidden (like those from lamps or electronics), use cord covers to prevent chewing or pulling.

• Unplug appliances when not in use, especially in the kitchen and bathroom.

5. Be Wary of Choking Hazards

This might seem obvious, but small objects tend to accumulate everywhere. From toys to random household items, it’s important to regularly check for things that can be swallowed.

Here’s a tip I found in the book What to Expect the First Year: Anything that can fit through a standard toilet paper roll is small enough to be a choking hazard. Use that as a guide when you’re cleaning up spaces where babies might be crawling.

Some often-forgotten items that could be choking hazards:

• Pet food (Carter’s kibble is no exception!).

• Small parts from older kids’ toys (think Legos).

• Coins, buttons, and batteries (especially flat, button-style ones).

6. Babyproofing the Crib

As babies grow, they start to stand and pull themselves up, making the crib a potential danger zone if not set up properly.

How to babyproof the crib:

• Lower the crib mattress to its lowest setting once your baby can stand.

• Make sure there are no crib bumpers, stuffed animals, or blankets, as these can be suffocation hazards. (Crib bumpers are often one of the most debated products but are now recommended against by both the AAP and many sleep safety experts.)

• Ensure the slats on the crib are no more than 2 3/8 inches apart to prevent your baby’s head from getting stuck.

7. Bathroom Safety Goes Beyond Just the Locks

Water is a significant hazard when it comes to babies, so keep this space as inaccessible as possible. However, when it’s bath time, some specific safety precautions need to be in place.

Babyproofing tips for bath time:

• Use a spout cover on the faucet to prevent any head bumps.

• Always check the water temperature with your wrist or elbow. You can also install a faucet thermometer to ensure the water stays at a safe level.

• Never leave a baby unattended in the bath, even for a moment.

8. Be Mindful of Plants

Houseplants can brighten up a room, but not all of them are safe for babies. Some plants are toxic if ingested, so it’s important to do a little research on the plants you have at home. You can find lists of toxic plants on the ASPCA’s website.

Popular plants to watch out for:

• Pothos

• Philodendron

• Dieffenbachia

Consider moving these plants out of reach or swapping them for baby-safe alternatives like spider plants or Boston ferns.

9. Use Safety Latches for Drawers and Cabinets

Babies love to explore drawers and cabinets, and many of them house potentially dangerous items like cleaning supplies, sharp objects, and breakable dishes.

Here’s what you can do:

• Install magnetic or adhesive cabinet locks to keep drawers and cabinets closed.

• Keep cleaning products, medications, and sharp objects in higher cabinets if possible.

• Store plastic bags and trash cans securely out of reach.

Final Thoughts: Babyproofing Is Ongoing

Remember, babyproofing isn’t something you do once and then forget about. As babies grow and become more mobile, their ability to get into trouble grows with them. Regularly reevaluate your home’s safety, especially as they start crawling, walking, and climbing.

For more in-depth guidance, check out The Babyproofing Bible by Jennifer Bright Reich, which goes beyond the basics and offers practical tips for every room of the house.

Until next time, stay safe and babyproof wisely!