Image of fathers with their baby - playing in the kitchen.

Baby Proofing Your House 101: The Ultimate Checklist

Updated October 2, 2024 . AmFam Team

It’s never too early to prepare your home for a child. In fact, the sooner you can ensure all those hazards are handled the better. We’ll walk you through how to baby proof your house so that your adventurous little one can explore fearlessly. Keep this safe, baby-proofing checklist handy to make sure your home is ready to welcome your bundle of joy.

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The garage can be one of the more dangerous parts of the home for a baby or curious toddler but, with helpful tips, you can reduce safety risks at home. Following this baby proofing house checklist should be a great start on your baby safety journey.

Install a lock on the door leading to the house

The surest way to keep a curious child from the garage is by locking the door. Consider installing a lock on the garage door from the house.

Secure all tools in a locked container

Lock tools, equipment and other hazards away or place them on shelves well beyond reach.

Secure and cover garbage and recycling bins

Ensure disposal bins are covered and out of the way of a roaming toddler.

Hide those chemicals high up

All chemicals should be kept locked away or well out of reach.

Keep washing and drying machine doors fastened and locked

Always keep doors fastened and locked.

Start Baby Proofing and Ensure Safety in Your Home

Take an afternoon to put these safety checks for baby proofing your house in place — it’ll make you feel more ready for baby! Then, start to integrate these habits into your day-to-day life so that when your baby comes home with you it will be second nature.

For more safety tips, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Child Safety Network.

If you’re making large investments to baby proof your home, ensure that your homeowners insurance covers any new furniture or supplies. Get in touch with your American Family Insurance agent today.

This article is for informational purposes only and based on information that is widely available. We believe this information is accurate but do not make any guarantees or promise any results based on this information.

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