Before you bring your little one home, you’ll want to make sure that you’ve protected against any potential hazards in your living space.
Before you bring your little one home, you’ll want to make sure that you’ve protected against any potential hazards in your living space. Our infant home safety checklist provides you with all the necessary tasks and tips to create a safe environment for your baby.
Things around your home that you may not have considered as dangerous could pose a risk to your newborn. Even unassuming objects, such as cords or loose furniture, can become a hazard.
You should carry out a thorough assessment of your home before your baby arrives, and then regularly check for any new potential dangers.
Use our checklist below and tick off the different items as you complete them to ensure your home is a safe haven for your little one.
Baby-proofing is the process of making a home or environment safe for infants and young children by identifying potential hazards and taking steps to mitigate or eliminate those risks.
This often includes securing furniture to prevent tipping, covering electrical outlets, installing safety gates, and removing small objects that could be choking hazards.
The goal of baby-proofing is to create a secure space where babies can explore and develop without being exposed to dangerous items or situations.
This proactive approach helps to prevent accidents and injuries, providing peace of mind for parents and caregivers.
Ideally, baby-proofing should begin before your baby becomes mobile.
Many experts recommend starting the process when your baby is around three months old, as this gives you ample time to identify potential hazards and address them before your little one starts to crawl.
However, it's never too late to baby-proof your home; even if your baby is already on the move, it's crucial to make it as safe as possible.
It is also important to regularly reevaluate your space as your child grows and acquires new skills, as new risks can emerge with each developmental milestone.
Note: You can also begin baby-proofing your home before your little one arrives. This can help make your pregnancy feel more real for your partner and allow you to adjust to your new normal before the baby comes.
To help make baby-proofing your home less stressful, especially as a first-time parent, we've broken the process down room by room to make sure you don't miss anything.
Our checklist is general to most homes in the UK. If you have specific rooms or furniture that you think may pose a hazard to your infant, add it to the list as you see fit or consult your antenatal team for expert advice.
Your bedroom and the bedrooms of any older children or other residents aren't places where your infant is likely to be spending time unsupervised, but it doesn't hurt to take basic baby-proofing measures anyway, especially in your own bedroom.
Here's a checklist you can use when baby-proofing your bedrooms:
| Area | Baby-Proofing Measures |
|---|---|
| Floors | ● Use rugs with non-slip backings ● Keep the floor free of small choking hazards ● Clean with baby-friendly, non-toxic products |
| Windows | ● Install window guards or stops ● Keep blind cords out of reach ● Secure windows when not in use |
| Doors | ● Use door stoppers or pinch guards ● Install childproof door knob covers in certain rooms ● Install door locks high up, out of reach |
| Furniture | ● Secure heavy furniture to the wall ● Choose a crib with slats no more than 2 3/8 inches apart ● Use corner guards on sharp furniture edges ● Keep small objects off surfaces & out of reach |
| Sockets & Electrics | ● Use outlet covers or plates ● Keep cords and cables out of reach ● Keep nightlights & plug-in devices out of reach |
When your baby is old enough to be sleeping in their own room, you'll need to do some childproofing in that room, too.
We've focused this checklist on nursery-specific items, but sockets and anchoring large furniture still apply.
| Area | Baby-Proofing Measures |
|---|---|
| Cot | ● Meets current cot safety standards ● Positioned away from windows, blinds & cords ● Firm, well-fitting mattress ● No pillows, bumper pads, or soft toys ● Adjustable mattress height |
| Changing Table | ● Secured to the wall ● Use a safety strap ● Necessary items within reach (but out of baby's reach) ● Clean with non-toxic products ● Safety rail (optional) |
| General Safety | ● Baby monitor ● Nightlight with a soft glow ● Smoke detector with working batteries ● Comfortable room temperature |
Read More: A Guide To Safely Swaddling Your Baby
Your living room is a space where you're likely to spend a lot of time playing with your infant. In fact, it's likely where they'll take their first steps, which indicates it's time for more extensive babyproofing.
Here are the main babyproofing steps you should take for your living room space.
| Area | Baby-Proofing Measures |
|---|---|
| Floors | ● Rugs with non-slip backings ● Clear of small choking hazards ● Clean with baby-friendly products |
| Windows | ● Window guards or stoppers ● Blind/curtain cords out of reach ● Windows securely locked |
| Doors | ● Door stoppers or pinch guards ● Childproof door knob covers ● Door locks installed high up |
| Furniture | ● Heavy furniture anchored to walls ● Rounded edges or corner guards ● Small items & decorations out of reach ● Securely mounted or stable TV stand |
| Sockets & Electrics | ● Outlet covers or plates ● Electrical cords organised & out of reach ● Nightlights & electronics out of reach |
The kitchen is a room where many first-time parents don't think their baby will spend time unsupervised or free to roam, but once they start crawling and toddling around, they're fast, and it's better to be safe than sorry.
Here's a helpful checklist for babyproofing your kitchen:
| Area | Baby-Proofing Measures |
|---|---|
| Floors | ● Non-slip mats or rugs ● Clutter-free floor ● Baby-friendly cleaning products |
| Doors | ● Door stoppers or pinch guards ● Childproof door knob covers ● Door locks installed high up |
| Sockets & Electrics | ● Outlet covers or plates ● Electrical cords organised & out of reach ● Appliances and devices out of reach |
| Cupboards | ● Childproof latches/locks on lower cupboards/drawers ● Hazardous items in high cupboards ● Magnetic locks (optional) |
| Appliances | ● Stove knob covers ● Microwave & small appliances out of reach or secured ● Dishwasher & oven childproof locks ● Avoid opening dishwasher/oven near children |
The bathroom presents a surprising amount of hazards for an infant that's still exploring with their mouth and is possibly unsteady on their feet.
Take care to make sure you're keeping your bathroom safe for your little one.
| Area | Baby-Proofing Measures |
|---|---|
| Floors | ● Non-slip mats inside and outside the tub ● Keep the floor dry ● Baby-friendly cleaning products |
| Toilets | ● Toilet lock ● Toilet seat always down |
| Bathtubs & Sinks | ● Soft faucet cover ● Water heater below 49°C ● Soaps & toiletries out of reach |
| Cabinets & Drawers | ● Childproof latches on lower cabinets/drawers ● Medications, cleaners, & sharp objects in high cabinets |
| Electrical Outlets & Appliances | ● Outlet covers or plates ● Unplug & store appliances when not in use ● Electrical cords out of reach |
| General Tips | ● Never leave the child unattended ● Check bathwater temperature with a thermometer ● Keep the bathroom door closed or use a safety gate |
Staircases present perhaps the most obvious safety hazard for your infant once they're mobile, both crawling and walking.
While baby gates are an obvious way to keep stairs safe for your little one, there are other things you can do to make stairways safe and allow you to teach them how to navigate them safely.
| Area | Baby-Proofing Measures |
|---|---|
| General Safety | ● Install highly rated safety gates (top & bottom) on all stairs ● Regularly check & tighten safety gate screws/fittings ● Use hardware-mounted gates for the top of stairs |
| Steps | ● Apply non-slip treads to each step ● Keep stairs free of clutter & toys ● Mark the edges of each stair for a clear distinction |
| Railings & Banisters | ● Attach safety netting or bannister guards ● Ensure railings & bannisters are sturdy & secure ● Cover large gaps between bannister rails |
| Lighting | ● Attach safety netting or bannister guards ● Ensure railings & bannisters are sturdy & secure ● Cover large gaps between bannister rails |
Your home should be a safe place for your baby to grow and learn as they navigate the world. The baby-proofing above can help create the safe haven they need to thrive.
However, baby-proofing your home isn't the only thing you can do to keep your baby as safe as possible at home.
Here are some other things to consider when preparing for the arrival of your little one:
Exercising water safety with an infant involves constant supervision during bath time, ensuring the water temperature is below 49°C to prevent scalding, and using a non-slip mat in the tub.
Never leave your baby unattended, even for a moment, and keep all electrical appliances away from water sources and store them safely after use.
We recommend that you consider taking an infant CPR course to be prepared in case of emergencies.
Store all cleaning products, medications, and hazardous materials in high, locked cabinets to keep your infant safe from household poisons.
Use childproof locks on accessible cabinets and drawers. Clearly label all chemicals and medicines, and never leave them unattended.
Keep the number for Poison Control easily accessible, and install carbon monoxide detectors in your home to detect any harmful gas leaks.
To safeguard your infant from falls, never leave them unattended on elevated surfaces such as beds or changing tables.
Install safety gates at the top and bottom of staircases, and use non-slip mats on floors and in bathtubs.
Always secure your baby in a high chair or stroller with a harness.
Regularly inspect and maintain all baby-proofing equipment to ensure they remain effective and secure.
To avoid choking, always cut food into small, manageable pieces and avoid giving your baby hard or small foods like nuts, grapes, and popcorn.
Supervise them during meals and playtime, and keep small objects out of reach.
Familiarise yourself with infant-specific choking first aid techniques.
Creating a safe home environment for your infant and young children is crucial to prevent accidents and injuries. It allows them to explore and develop in a secure space, giving you peace of mind.
Proper baby-proofing minimises risks like choking, falls, and exposure to hazardous substances. It ensures your child's well-being and aids in their healthy growth and development while letting you relax a little more as parents.
Find out more about how to prepare for your little one with The Little Green Sheep Journal.
The Little Green Sheep team are not baby safety experts or paediatricians. This checklist is intended as a guide, and we encourage parents to seek professional advice if they have any questions or concerns about baby-proofing their home.
To keep a baby safe at home, thoroughly baby-proof by installing safety gates, securing furniture, using outlet covers, and keeping hazardous items out of reach. Constant supervision and regularly reassessing hazards are essential to prevent accidents and ensure a secure environment for your little one.
Using a log burner with a baby can be safe if you install a sturdy fireguard to prevent access, maintain constant supervision, and ensure the room is well-ventilated to minimise smoke and fumes. Regularly check the fireguard and surrounding area for potential hazards.
Avoid letting your baby crawl on concrete. The harsh surface can cause scrapes, bruises, and discomfort. Opt for softer, safer surfaces like carpets, mats, or grass to ensure a safer crawling experience.
Yes, it's crucial to baby-proof before your baby is mobile. Starting around three months allows time to identify and address hazards, ensuring a safe environment as your little one begins to explore and move around. Safety preparation is key to preventing accidents and injuries.
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