Childproofing Your Home

Childproofing—Making Sure Your Home Is Safe

• Cover all electrical outlets. 
• Keep all cords, sharp knives, and scissors out of reach.
• Put safety latches or locks on all cabinets and drawers with dangerous things, such as cleaning products, alcohol and drugs, medicines and vitamins, and make-up.
• Make sure your home is lead-free.
• Put gates on all stairways.
• Keep doors to the bathroom, other stairs, and outside closed tightly.
• Make sure the hot water temperature in your home is under 120°F.
• Make sure there is nothing that she can pull down, such as tablecloths, pots, electrical cords.
• Bolt bookcases, dressers, and cabinets to the wall.
• Keep all rubber balloons, small and sharp toys, and plastic bags away from your baby. 
• If you own a gun, keep it unloaded and locked up. Lock up bullets in a separate place.
• Install window guards at all windows above the first floor.
• Install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
• Put emergency numbers next to your phone, including the Poison Control Center, 1-800-222-1222. 
• Keep first aid supplies on hand. When you take your child to other places, they may not be childproof.

You will need to watch her extra carefully. To keep your child safe:

• Make sure your child is in a safe space.
• Make sure a trusted adult is always with your child.