Baby Safety Checklist – Protecting Your Little One at Home

Bringing a baby home is a joyful milestone—but it also comes with a responsibility to ensure your home is safe. Each room holds potential hazards for a curious infant or toddler. This comprehensive baby safety checklist will help you baby-proof every corner of your home, ensuring peace of mind for you and a secure environment for your child.

General Home Safety

• ✔️ Use childproof outlet covers on all sockets.
• ✔️ Install safety gates at both top and bottom of stairs.
• ✔️ Avoid baby walkers—use stationary activity centers instead.
• ✔️ Store all cleaning agents and chemicals far from children’s reach.
• ✔️ Tie up or shorten curtain and blind cords to prevent strangulation risks.
• ✔️ Install and maintain smoke detectors near bedrooms and common areas.
• ✔️ Keep small objects (including deflated balloons) away from children.
• ✔️ Use corner guards on furniture and fireplace edges.
• ✔️ Identify and label all indoor plants in case of accidental ingestion.
• ✔️ Properly vent heaters, fireplaces, and gas appliances.
• ✔️ Secure heavy furniture to walls to prevent tipping.
• ✔️ Lock away firearms and ammunition safely.
• ✔️ Test for lead paint and asbestos if your home was built before 1978.

Baby and Kids’ Room Safety

• ✔️ Ensure cribs meet modern safety standards—no drop-sides or gaps.
• ✔️ Use snug-fitting crib mattresses and sheets.
• ✔️ Keep stuffed toys, blankets, and pillows out of the crib.
• ✔️ Always supervise diaper changes—never leave baby unattended.
• ✔️ Remove mobiles and hanging toys once baby can reach them.
• ✔️ Place infants under 12 months on their backs to sleep on a firm mattress.
• ✔️ Keep night-lights at least 3 feet away from fabric and bedding.
• ✔️ Install window guards and door stops.
• ✔️ Choose toys appropriate for your child’s age—check safety labels.

Bathroom Safety

• ✔️ Lock medicine cabinets and keep products out of reach.
• ✔️ Set your water heater to 120°F (49°C) or lower to prevent burns.
• ✔️ Always test water temperature before bathing your baby.
• ✔️ Never leave your child alone near water or in the bathtub.
• ✔️ Use toilet lid locks and nonslip mats in the tub.
• ✔️ Install GFCI outlets near sinks and tubs for added protection.

Kitchen Safety

• ✔️ Keep knives, cleaners, and plastic bags out of reach.
• ✔️ Use stove knob covers to prevent accidental turning.
• ✔️ Never leave a baby unattended in a high chair—always use safety straps.
• ✔️ Replace worn cords and avoid trailing wires.
• ✔️ Keep chairs and stools away from stoves and counters.
• ✔️ Move household cleaners to high cabinets or use childproof locks.

Outdoor/Yard Safety

• ✔️ Store tools and chemicals in a locked shed or garage.
• ✔️ Avoid using lawnmowers when children are outside.
• ✔️ Wait 48 hours before letting children play on treated lawns.
• ✔️ Identify all trees and plants in your yard in case of ingestion.
• ✔️ If you have a pool, install a childproof gate and fence separating it from the house.

Taking the time to check each of these boxes can prevent injuries and give your baby a safe space to grow and explore. Baby-proofing might feel overwhelming at first, but a room-by-room approach can make the process simple and effective.

Prepared by: The Tiny Nest Team