Once your baby starts to crawl or scoot around, you’ll notice a big change. They want to touch, grab and explore everything. This curiosity is how babies learn, but it also means they can get into things that aren’t safe. From open cabinets to hanging cords and cleaning products under the sink, everyday items can become hazards.

See Your Home the Way Your Baby Does

Get down on the floor and look around. What’s easy to reach? What might be fun to pull or put in the mouth? Look for anything that could tip over, spill or cause harm. That’s the best place to start when making your home safer. We have a Home Safety Checklist to help you out!

Easy Ways to Make Your Home Safer

You don’t need a perfect home to keep your baby safe. A few simple changes can make a big difference. Think of babyproofing as a way to give your child a safe space to grow and learn with confidence.

Start with the Basics

• Secure furniture that could fall over. Use wall straps for bookcases, dressers and TVs.
• Add cabinet latches and outlet covers where needed
• Keep small objects off the floor. Items like coins or batteries can be choking hazards.

Bathroom Safety

• Always stay with your baby during bath time.
• Use toilet lid locks and keep the bathroom door closed.
• Add a doorknob cover so toddlers cannot lock themselves inside.
• Keep razors, medicine, makeup and cleaning products up high or locked away.
• Unplug curling irons and hair dryers after use and store them safely.
• Test bath water using the inside of your wrist. It should feel warm but not hot.
• Read more about keeping your bathroom safe for your child.

Kitchen Safety

• Do not cook while holding your baby or let them play near the stove.
• Use back burners when cooking and turn pot handles away from the edge.
• Keep hot foods and drinks away from the edges of counters and tables.
• Use high chair straps every time and never leave your baby alone in it.
• Keep small appliances unplugged and out of reach when not in use.
• Keep knives, forks, scissors and other sharp kitchen tools in a drawer with a latch or out of reach. 
• Give your baby a low drawer with safe items like plastic cups and wooden spoons to explore.

Hazards You Might Not Expect

Some everyday products around your home can be dangerous if they’re used the wrong way. Babies are curious, so it’s easy for them to get into things by touching, tasting or breathing in something harmful. That’s why safe storage and quick action really matter.

Dangerous Products and Chemicals

• Lock up cleaning sprays, bleach and bug spray. You can also move them to a high shelf.
• Keep all products in their original containers with labels.
• Store medicine out of reach and in childproof bottles. Avoid keeping them in purses or on counters.
• Be extra careful with coin batteries. These are common in toys and remotes and are very harmful if swallowed.
• Learn which plants in your home or yard are toxic and move or remove them.

What to Know About Lead

Lead is harmful to eat or breathe in, especially for babies and young children. Houses built before 1978 can have lead paint. Make sure that old paint is painted over and does not chip. Some folk remedies and clay pots and dishware from other countries may also contain lead. For more information about preventing lead poisoning, visit the EPA’s webpage about lead or call the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-5323.

If You Think Your Baby Has Been Exposed

If you think your baby has gotten into something that might hurt them, act quickly but don’t panic. Here is what to do:

• Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 right away. Call even if you just have a question.
• You can also ask for poison advice online.
• If your baby is not breathing, having a seizure or is unconscious, call 911 right away.
• If possible, save the container or item your baby got into.
• If your baby puts medicine or poison in their mouth, try to get it out. 
• If poison gets on their skin or in their eyes, rinse it with water. 
• Do not make your child vomit unless Poison Control says it is safe to do so.

More Ways to Find Help

EPA Lead webpage — Information about lead in the environment. 

Safe Kids Worldwide — Information about preventing childhood injuries.