Checklist: Childproofing Your Home and Yard

Making the switch from a household composed solely of adults to a kid-friendly house is a big job, especially for first-time parents. An environment that's perfectly safe for adults might pose a threat to those of smaller stature (and, of course, the exceptionally curious); though accidents happen, taking the steps to create a more childproof home is one way to reduce risks for your little ones. Coupled with your own awareness and vigilance, these procedures may help your children get through childhood without any emergency room visits. The specialized hardware described can be purchased at building supply dealers or children's specialty stores.

Indoor Childproofing
A childproof home is a place where kids can have all the fun of being kids. To a youngster's eyes, just about anything can become a toy, and any area can become a great place to play. By taking certain precautions, you can make a huge difference in keeping these "toys" and "play areas" safe.

Lock up all poisons and dangerous objects, including tools.

Eliminate clutter and store prized possessions in inaccessible areas.

Turn down the temperature on your water heater to a maximum of 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

Put sleeves on doorknobs to keep toddlers from dangerous areas.

Use door and window locks, but be sure older children can open them in an emergency.

Discuss emergency escape routes and procedures with all family members.

Put emergency numbers next to the phone, where family members and babysitters can find them.

Install a smoke detector on each floor of your house, adjacent to bedrooms, in any stairwell and in the living/dining area.

Cover unused outlets with small plastic outlet plugs that protect children from accidental shock.

Measure crib bar spacing. It should be no greater than 2 3/8".

Put childproof latches on cabinet doors and drawers--particularly those containing dangerous or fragile objects.

Secure curtain cords to tie-down or cleat high on the wall.

Cut any blind cords that are too long and cut apart blind cords that form a loop.

Move all cleaning products, chemicals, and medicines to cabinets children can't reach.

Install baby gates at the top and bottom of stairways and anywhere else you want to prevent children from entering.

Pad sharp furniture or counter edges with foam tape. Put corner protectors on sharp edges.

Eliminate or tape down loose rugs or electrical cords that might trip children.

Keep escape ladders near second-story emergency exits.

Childproofing Outside Areas
Creating a childproof home is not just an indoor matter. As parents are becoming more and more aware of the importance of outdoor play for their children, childproofing is a necessity in your yard as well as the inside of your house.

Enclose open deck railings.

Put acrylic sheets on interior railings.

Fence-in swimming pools and other dangerous areas. When enclosing a pool, fence height should be at least 4 feet high, but 5 feet is better.

Be sure to provide a self-closing, self-latching gate around the pool.

Cut off protruding bolts, tighten loose nuts, put non-slip coating on slippery steps, and replace hard swing seats with soft material.

Provide soft ground cover around play equipment and anchor the equipment support legs.

Other Childproof Home Considerations
It is important to note that no list can contain all the items parents need to address when creating a more childproof home. Look around your house and try to identify problem areas not on this list that are specific to your property. If you want more help childproofing your home, you can hire a home safety expert who can provide consultation.