GrowthKit app iconGrowthKit
Download

Childproofing Checklist by Baby's Age

A developmental-stage childproofing checklist that shows exactly what to babyproof and when — from pregnancy through preschool. Filter by age stage and prioritize by critical, important, and helpful tasks.

Your inputs never leave your device. All calculations happen locally.

GrowthKit app icon

GrowthKit

Track your child's growth over time

Free on the App Store

Download Free

Why Childproofing by Developmental Stage Works Better Than by Age

Generic childproofing advice often lists everything at once, leaving parents overwhelmed. The most effective approach is to address hazards just before your baby reaches the developmental stage that creates them. A baby who isn't sitting yet doesn't need stair gates. But by the time they're crawling, it's too late to order furniture anchors — they need to already be in place.

This tool gives you a staged, prioritized approach — showing you what to do now and what to prepare for next.

The Top Preventable Hazards by Age

0–6 months

Suffocation & SIDS

Unsafe sleep surface, soft bedding, unsupervised sleep. Accounts for ~3,400 deaths/year in the US.

6–12 months

Falls & burns

Rolling off surfaces, hot liquids, and furniture edges. This age has the highest ER fall visit rate.

12–24 months

Poisoning & drowning

Toddlers open cabinets and reach counters. Drowning risk peaks. Tip-over injuries spike during this window.

2–3 years

Window falls & outdoor hazards

Climbers reach windows and pool gates. Motor vehicle and street safety become critical.

3–5 years

Drowning & traffic

Drowning remains the #1 injury death through age 4. Swimming lessons reduce risk by 88%.

All ages

Firearms

Unsecured guns are a danger from birth through teen years. Locked storage with separate ammunition is essential.

Sources: CDC Injury Prevention & Control, AAP Policy Statements, Safe Kids Worldwide.

Childproofing on a Budget: What's Worth Spending On

Worth spending more on:

  • •Hardware-mounted stair gates (safety critical)
  • •Anti-tip furniture straps (not all are equal)
  • •Smoke & CO detectors (test monthly)
  • •Pool fence + gate latch hardware

Generic / budget options are fine for:

  • •Outlet covers (any ASTM-compliant covers)
  • •Cabinet magnetic locks (most work well)
  • •Corner guards (foam pads)
  • •Door knob covers
  • •Toilet locks

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I start childproofing?

Start before your baby is mobile — ideally before birth or in the first few weeks home. Hazards like outlet covers, stair gates hardware installation, and furniture anchoring take time to complete. It's much easier to do these before your baby is rolling, crawling, and getting into everything. A good rule: childproof about 1 developmental stage ahead of where your baby currently is.

What are the most critical childproofing steps?

Across all ages, the highest-priority hazards are: (1) unsecured heavy furniture or TVs that can tip, (2) dangling window blind cords, (3) unlocked cleaning products and medications, (4) pools or bodies of water without a 4-sided fence, (5) unsecured or loaded firearms, and (6) missing smoke and CO detectors. These are responsible for the greatest number of serious child injuries.

Are pressure-mounted baby gates safe at the top of stairs?

No. Only hardware-mounted gates — which bolt directly into the wall studs — are safe at the top of stairs. Pressure-mounted gates can be pushed out by a child falling against them. Use hardware-mounted gates at the top, and pressure-mounted gates are acceptable at the bottom of stairs or in doorways.

Should I hire a professional childproofer or do it myself?

Most childproofing tasks are DIY-friendly. However, professional childproofers are worth considering for complex furniture anchoring (into plaster walls or tile), pool barrier installations, and comprehensive room-by-room assessments. Look for professionals certified by the International Association for Child Safety (IAFCS).

How do I childproof a rented home or apartment?

Many landlords allow temporary childproofing with freestanding furniture anchoring systems, outlet covers, and non-permanent cabinet locks. For stair gates, hardware installation usually requires drilling, which most leases allow with patch-and-repair on move-out. If unsure, talk to your landlord — most are supportive when child safety is the reason.

At what age can I remove most childproofing?

Children understand safety rules and hazards at different times. Most physical childproofing (cabinet locks, outlet covers, stair gates) can be reassessed at age 3–4 as children develop self-control. However, pool fencing, window locks, and firearm storage remain important until children are teens. Supervision is always the best safety tool, regardless of devices.

I'm visiting grandparents or relatives — how do I handle safety there?

Before visits, ask about medications (often left on countertops), pool access, firearms, and pet hazards. Bring a travel gate if visiting a multi-story home. Never assume grandparent homes are childproofed — older homes often have outdated hardware, lead paint, and none of the safety devices that modern parents install. Grandparents often appreciate a safety walkthrough when they expect regular visits.

From the Blog