Childproofing Your Home

Anchor furniture and TVs first

The most serious hazard in many homes is furniture and televisions tipping over onto a climbing child. Anchor tall dressers, bookshelves, and TVs to the wall with anti-tip straps or brackets. This one step prevents some of the most severe injuries and takes only a few minutes per item.

Block, cover, and lock

Use safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs, cover unused outlets, and put locks or latches on cabinets that hold cleaning supplies, medicines, and sharp tools. Keep small objects, cords, and anything toxic up high and out of reach. Blind cords should be tied up or replaced with cordless ones to prevent strangulation.

Kitchen, bath, and water

The kitchen and bathroom hold extra risks. Turn pot handles inward on the stove, use stove knob covers, and never leave a child alone near water, since even a small amount is a drowning risk. Set your water heater no higher than 120 degrees to prevent scalding, and keep the toilet lid down with a latch for crawling toddlers.

Room-by-room basics

• Anchor dressers, shelves, and TVs to the wall
• Install safety gates at stairs
• Cover unused electrical outlets
• Latch cabinets with chemicals or medicines
• Tie up or replace blind cords
• Set the water heater to 120 degrees

Childproofing kit

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Common questions