Making a home safer for children is less about covering every surface in padding and more about identifying the hazards children can reach, climb, pull, open or put in their mouths. Safety needs change quickly as babies become crawlers, walkers and determined young explorers.
Start at their level
Get down low and look around each room. Electrical outlets, cords, blind cords, sharp corners, small objects, unstable furniture, accessible drawers and dangling tablecloths can look very different from two feet off the floor.
Anchor furniture, TVs and ranges
Dressers, bookcases, televisions and some appliances can tip if children climb or pull on them. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends anchoring furniture and TVs and using anti-tip protection for freestanding ranges. Follow the product and anchoring instructions for the specific item and wall type.
Lock up the things that should stay locked
Medicines, cleaning products, chemicals, alcohol, sharp tools and other hazardous items should be stored securely and out of children's reach. Use cabinet or drawer locks where appropriate, but do not let a child-resistant latch replace safe storage.
Stairs, doors and windows
Use properly installed safety gates where appropriate for a child's age and the location. Pay particular attention to the top of stairs. Window screens are not fall-prevention devices; use appropriate window safety devices while preserving an emergency escape route where required.
Kitchen safety
Keep knives, matches, lighters and hazardous cleaners secured. Turn pan handles away from the edge while cooking and keep hot drinks away from reachable edges. Consider stove-knob protection or appliance locks where appropriate.
Bathroom and water safety
Young children require close supervision around water. Secure medicines and cleaners, reduce access to toilets when appropriate, and consider non-slip bath surfaces and anti-scald precautions.
Fire and carbon monoxide safety
Maintain working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in the appropriate locations, test them regularly and have a family escape plan. Children should know what an alarm means and where the family meets outside.
Garage, workshop and yard
Garages can contain tools, fuels, automotive fluids, fertilizers, pesticides and equipment. Secure hazardous materials and tools. Outside, review gates, pools and water features, grills, fire pits, play equipment and sheds from a child's perspective.
Keep emergency contacts easy to find
Maintain a simple printed list of parents or guardians, trusted nearby adults, relatives, caregivers, the child's home address and other important contacts. Do not rely entirely on a locked phone during an emergency.
Build a family emergency contact plan →
A useful kid-safety kit
- Furniture anchors
- Outlet covers
- Cabinet and drawer latches
- Appropriate safety gates
- Door and window safety devices
- Cord-management products
- Corner protection where needed
- Non-slip bath products
- Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
- First-aid supplies
No home can remove every risk. The goal is to address serious hazards, supervise appropriately and update the house as the child develops new abilities — usually about three days before the adults expected them to.
Safety source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Childproofing Your Home and Anchor It!. Product-specific instructions and local requirements still apply.