Childproofing checklist: Before your baby arrives

Whether it's finding a class in infant CPR or choosing a car seat, there's a lot to think about even before your child is born. Where to begin? Use this checklist to make sure you're prepared to welcome a newborn into your home.

For more about child safety, see the complete guide to all our safety articles, FAQs, and other features, including two other safety checklists: Before Your Baby Crawls and Toddlers and Beyond.

Around the House

Carbon monoxide

• Install carbon monoxide (CO) detectors if you use gas or oil heat or have an attached garage, and check the batteries twice a year.

Fire prevention

• Install and maintain working smoke detectors; check monthly.
• Keep a fire extinguisher on hand.
• Plan a fire escape route.
• Keep nightlights away from curtains and bedding; use cool nightlights that don't get hot.

First aid

• Assemble a first-aid kit for babies.
• Post emergency numbers next to your telephone.

Poison control

• Put childproof locks on all cabinets containing poisons, medicines, and cleaning supplies.

Lead paint

• If paint is flaking or peeling, have a certified Lead-Safe professional remove or seal it.

Furniture

• Cover sharp furniture edges with padding or bumpers.

Rugs

• Put nonslip pads under area rugs that don't have nonslip backs.

Water safety

• To guard against accidental burns, set your water heater no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit (48 degrees Celsius).
• Use an infant bathtub with contours or other features that make it slip-resistant.

Nursery

Below are some things to look for and do when you set up your baby's nursery.

Bassinet

• Has sturdy bottom and wide, stable base.
• Surfaces are smooth; no sharp protrusions.
• Legs lock securely.
• Mattress is firm.
• Mattress fits snugly.
• Avoid soft, fluffy bedding such as pillows, comforters, or sheepskins.

Changing table

• Has a safety strap.
• Table is sturdy, with a 2-inch guardrail around all four sides.
• Top of table is concave, so that the middle is slightly lower than the sides.
• There's a place to keep baby wipes and other supplies within your reach but out of your baby's.
• Has a carpet or rug below in case of a fall.

Crib

• Slats are no more than 2 3/8 inches apart.
• Corner posts are 1/16 inch or shorter (or 16 inches or higher if there is a canopy).
• Has no decorative cutouts that can entrap baby's head.
• Mattress is firm.
• Mattress fits snugly (less than two fingers' width between mattress and side).
• Avoid soft, fluffy bedding such as pillows, comforters, or sheepskins.
• Is positioned away from windows, heaters, lamps, wall decorations, cords, and climbable furniture.
• All hardware, including nuts, bolts, screws, plastic parts, and so on, is included with crib (don't substitute original parts with hardware store items).
• Meets Consumer Product Safety Commission standards issued in June 2011.

Windows

• Install window guards or window stops.
• Cut looped window blind cords; use safety tassels and inner cord stops.

Outlets

• Install plates that slide closed over outlets.

Away from Home

Car

• Purchase a car seat intended for infants.
• Install it properly, in rear-facing position in middle of back seat.
• Keep small towels or cloth diapers in the car, and roll up and use on either side to position baby as needed.
• Practice removing and reinstalling car seat correctly.

Nice to have:

• Window shades to block the sun.

General Safety

First aid

• Take an infant CPR class in your home.
• See our illustrated guide to choking and CPR.

Watch the video: 10 THINGS I WISH ID KNOWN BEFORE HAVING A BABY. EMILY NORRIS (July 2022).