Safe and Sound: A Childproofing Checklist

Let’s talk about household safety. I want you to think of child proofing and household safety as ongoing. There are some things you can do during pregnancy to get your house ready for your baby, and there are others that can wait until your child becomes more mobile. I do recommend doing the more time-intensive tasks in advance, because life gets busy when you have a baby. 

✔️ Smoke Alarms

Make sure you have smoke alarms installed on every level of your home. You’ll want one in each sleeping area, as well as outside sleeping areas. If smoke alarms are already installed, check to make sure none of them are older than ten years. If they are, you’ll need to replace them. Some smoke alarms now contain sealed batteries that last ten years. Otherwise, it’s a good practice to replace the batteries twice a year when it’s time to change the clocks. If you think it’s been awhile, don’t wait to replace the batteries. It’s also recommended to test smoke alarms once a month. Check out the link below for more information:

🔗 Smoke Alarms – Why, Where, and Which | CPSC

✔️ Carbon Monoxide Detectors

You’ll also want to make sure you have carbon monoxide detectors installed in your home. Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that can cause serious illness and death. Carbon monoxide is a product of combustion, so you can be exposed if a car is left idling in a garage, by improper use of a generator, and if fuel-burning appliances are improperly installed or maintained. You can read more at the link below:

🔗 What about carbon monoxide detectors? | EPA

You can purchase stand-alone carbon monoxide detectors, as well as in combination with a smoke alarm. The article below can help you understand and weigh the pros and cons:

🔗 Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector Buying Guide | Consumer Reports

✔️ Guns

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises that the safest home for a child is one without guns.

However, gun ownership is widespread. If there will be firearms in your house, you can make sure they are stored properly and that safe and responsible gun ownership is a priority. Read more on this at this link:

🔗 Be SMART

✔️ Window Treatments

Dangling cords from curtains and blinds present a serious strangulation risk to young children. If possible, replace these types of window treatments with cordless options. The link below contains more information on what to look for and what to do if replacement isn’t an option for you:

🔗 Window Covering Cords | CPSC

✔️ Lead-Based Paint

Lead can be very damaging to the brain and nervous system. Developing fetuses, infants, and children are more sensitive and susceptible to the effects of this toxic element.

If your home was built prior to 1978, it’s possible it contains lead-based paint. If you aren’t sure whether or not it does, you can hire a professional to check. If your home does contain lead-based paint, they can tell you what steps to take to address this hazard.

🔗 How can I tell if my home contains lead-based paint? | EPA

✔️ Water Temperature

Infants and young children are at higher risk of tap water scalds. Adjust your water heater to a temperature of 120 degrees to reduce the risk. You can read more about this at the link below:

🔗 Avoiding Tap Water Scalds | CPSC Safety Alert

✔️ Furniture Safety

Furniture and TVs that aren’t properly anchored can tip over and cause injury or death to infants and children. Make sure to anchor existing and new furniture that pose a risk. Even if you think a piece of furniture is sturdy, kids can pull out drawers or use shelves for climbing. Read more on this topic at the link below:

🔗 Anchor It!

✔️ Plants

Household plants can be toxic or present a choking hazard. If you have plants in your home, make sure you know what they are and consider removing any that are a hazard. It’s also helpful to know what you have planted outside your home, as well. Learn more at this link:

🔗 Poisonous and Non-Poisonous Plants: An Illustrated List | Poison Control

✔️ Pets

If you have a cat or dog, you can help prepare them in advance for your baby’s arrival for a smoother transition. Here are a few resources:

🔗 Dogs and Babies | ASPCA

🔗 Cats and Babies | ASPCA

Small children are more susceptible to illness caused by exposure to certain pets and other animals. Check out the resource below to find out more about specific types of pets:

🔗 Pets and Other Animals | CDC

✔️ Safe Sleeping Area

You’ll want a safe sleeping area ready for your baby. It’s widely recommended to have your baby sleep alone, on their back, and in a crib. You don’t want anything in the crib with your baby, like blankets, stuffed animals, bumpers, etc. The risk with unsafe sleeping arrangements is Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID). Besides safe sleep, breastfeeding or chest feeding, not smoking, and sleeping in the same room as your baby for at least six months are additional ways to reduce this risk. It’s also important to understand which products are not recommended for sleep (even under supervision) and why. Read more at the link below:

🔗 Safe Sleep | AAP

Bed sharing is a controversial topic and goes against current recommendations. However, many people bed share at some point, either intentionally or accidentally, so it can be helpful to educate yourself on this topic. It’s important to know how to reduce risks if you are considering bed sharing (and if you are a good candidate), so that you can make an informed decision. Intentional bed sharing is a very individualized decision, which involves a variety of factors. And, even if it’s not what you have planned, having a newborn is exhausting and people do accidentally fall asleep feeding their babies. Preparing your sleeping surface for this possibility can help reduce risks. To learn more, check out the resource below:

🔗 The Safe Sleep Seven | La Leche League International

✔️ And More!

Here are more things to implement now or as they become necessary:

• Cleaning supplies and hazardous chemicals locked up or placed out of reach
• Medications locked up or placed out of reach
• Covers on electrical outlets/ install tamper-resistant receptacles
• Sharp corners and edges protected
• Baby gates for stairs, fireplace, and other necessary areas
• Appliances unplugged and cords out of reach
• Fire extinguishers accessible to you but not to your child
• Lock on toilet seats
• Knob covers on stove
• Knob covers on doors
• Knives locked up or placed out of reach
• Pet food and water bowls out of reach
• Trash cans out of reach
• Avoid bath toys with holes (can’t clean properly)
• Take proper precautions if you have a swimming pool or hot tub
• Purchase or create a first aid kit
• Poison Control number accessible

This list isn’t all-inclusive but can get you started and get you thinking about what else you might need to do to protect your child’s safety.