Improve Home Safety
with this Baby Safety Checklist

Before your baby starts crawling, use this baby safety checklist to make your home safer for your child.

Below is a room by room guide to help make your home safer. Implementation of all safety recommendations listed in this baby safety checklist will not replace constant supervision of your child.


Baby's Room

• Do not put the crib next to a window that has blinds and cords in reach of the baby or toddler.
• Do not place the crib near items like lamps or plants that can be reached by the baby.
• Make sure that the mattress fits snugly.
• Set the mattress low enough, so that the baby cannot climb out of the crib.
• The crib bumper must be securely attached on all crib sides.
• Do not keep pillows or large stuffed animals in the crib. The baby or toddler could use them to climb out of the crib.
• Use protective guards to keep windows closed. These guards should prevent children from opening the windows.
• A smoke detector should be installed.
• Always put the baby to sleep on her back on a firm mattress.
• The crib should meet all current safety standards.
• Do not store toys in chests with lids that can fall down and hurt a child. Chests should have hinges that will hold the lid open in any position. The chest should also have ventilation holes.
• Do not place the crib under shelves that can be reached by children or have items on the shelves that can fall down.
• The baby's sleepwear should be fire retardent and should fit properly.

Bathroom

• Keep the bathroom doors securely closed. Use a plastic door knob cover that prevents opening the door.
• Never leave the baby alone when bathing her.
• Attach rubber strips to the bath tub bottom or put a mat on the bottom to prevent slipping.
• Secure the toilet lid, so that the child cannot open the lid.
• Put a safety lock on the medicine cabinet.
• Always test the water first, before putting your child in the bath tub.

• Move dangerous items out of reach of children. Such items include cleaners, plastic trash bags, knives and other sharp objects.
• Use cabinet latches for the cabinets and drawers. These latches keep the doors from opening more than 2-3 inches.
• Have a workable fire extinguisher.
• Do not use a tablecloth to cover a table. Children can easily pull the tablecloth down.
• Use plastic covers on all electrical outlets to prevent children from sticking items in there.

Remember, even if you put all measures from this baby safety checklist in place, a parent's supervision is still necessary.