Baby Safety Childproofing Checklist

Here is a great little baby safety childproofing checklist for you to get a jump started in creating a safer place for your children. Although no product is meant to replace your watchful eye, you can breathe a little easier knowing that you have taken steps to keep your baby out of harm's way.

Please print this page and walk around your house...you just may be surprised at all of the possible child dangers you find!

Bathroom
	Fill tub just enough to cover baby's legs (2 to 3 inches of water). Use warm, not hot, water (do wrist test or use thermometer to make sure water is 96 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit). Use soft spout covers to help protect children
	Children are particularly curious about water. Always keep toilet seat locks on all toilets.
	Safety Tap Guards are a great way to keep children from burning themselves by turning on the hot water
	Put non slip mats in bathtub and on the floor next to the tub.
Must Haves:
	Toddler Tub for those who are not ready for a full size tub.
	Vanity door locks to keep curious fingers out.
Kitchen
	Kitchens are one of, the most dangerous rooms in the house. We recommend, if possible, blocking off the kitchen with a *baby safety gate*, especially during cooking or baking. While leaving the kitchen blocked off constantly is not feasible for most of us, here are some great products and suggestions of things we CAN do:
	Don't carry hot food or drinks and your baby at the same time.
	Keep hot food and drinks away from edges of tables and counters.
	Always cook on back burners of stove when possible.
	Don't hold baby while cooking at stove.
	Turn pot handles toward back of stove.
	Keep knives and other sharp instruments in childproof drawers.
Must Haves:
	Stove knob covers to prevent access from burners!
	Oven Locks to keep curious kids out!
	Refrigerator Locks to keep doors closed!
	Childproof locks on all cabinet doors and drawers!
Changing table
	Use safety strap and don't leave baby unattended.
	Keep toiletries out of baby's reach but within yours.
Crib
	Avoid using soft, fluffy bedding such as pillows, comforters, or sheepskins under sleeping or napping baby.
	When baby gets up on hands and knees, remove mobiles and hanging toys.
	When baby pulls up, remove bumper pads and put mattress in lowest position.
	Don't leave toys in crib when baby is sleeping.
	Keep drop side of crib up and locked when you're not in the room.
Doors
	Use doorstops and door holders to protect baby's fingers from being pinched.
	Keep emergency door keys on hand to unlock a interior door
Electrical outlets, cords, and appliances
	Put safety plugs or outlet covers over unused outlets
	Hide electrical cords behind furniture or use *hide-a-cord device.*
	Keep blow dryers, toasters, and other appliances unplugged and out of reach.
Windows
	Use window guards, and window stops.
	Cut looped window-blind cords; use safety tassels and cord stops or winders.
Fireplace
	Install a fireplace grill and keep it in place when a fire is burning.
	Move gas fireplace keys out of reach.
	Stow logs, matches, and fireplace tools out of reach.
	Install a *hearth pad* to prevent major head injury from falling
Fire prevention
	Check batteries in smoke detectors monthly.
	Check batteries in carbon monoxide detector at least twice a year.
	Review your fire escape route.
	Keep fire escape ladders in every bedroom above first floor
Furniture
	Attach corner and edge guards to all sharp pointed furniture.
	Secure furniture that can topple (bookcases, chests of drawers) to the walls with furniture straps.
	Keep televisions and other heavy items on low, sturdy furniture, pushed back as far as possible.
	Secure tall, unstable lamps behind furniture.
Poison-proofing
	Survey your house and move cleaning agents, medicines, vitamins, toiletries, mothballs, and other potentially toxic items out of reach or lock them up!
	Remember that your purse or a visitor's purse can hold medicines, toiletries, and other toxic substances — move handbags out of reach.
	Get rid of toxic houseplants such as philodendron or move them out of reach.
	Post the number for the American Association of Poison Control Centers' national emergency hotline, (800) 222-1222, near phones.
Swimming Pools
	Don't leave baby unattended even for a moment in or near a pool or other water.
	If you have a pool, erect fencing at least 4 feet high with a self-closing, self-latching gate.
	Empty wading pools and store upright after each use.
	Install swimming pool alarm
Deck / Balcony
	Install child safety netting or shields over railings
Driveways
	Put updriveway net to keep balls and toys from going into the street
	Placesigns at foot of driveway to warn traffic that kids are playing
Childproof My Home created this checklist for informational purposes only. Childproofing and baby safety products are only meant to be a deterrent; nothing replaces proper adult supervision. This checklist is simply a reference tool to get you started. It may or may not cover all of the safety issues in your home.