The Top 13 Baby-Proofing Must-Haves for New Parents

One of the most important things to consider before bringing a baby home is ensuring the house is safe and secure enough for your little one. That’s where baby-proofing comes in. 

However, with so many baby-proofing products on the market today, it can be hard to know where to start. To help you out, we decided to create this guide going over 13 of the best baby-proofing must-haves for new parents.

Here is our list….

1. Outlet Covers

One of the first things to consider when baby-proofing your home is making sure that all of your outlets are covered. Babies are naturally curious and once they become mobile, uncovered electrical outlets are accidents waiting to happen. 

The good news is that outlet covers are inexpensive and easy to install, and they provide peace of mind knowing that your little one won't be able to access any dangerous outlets.

2. Cabinet and Drawer Locks

Cabinet and drawer locks will keep your little one out of areas of your home that contain potentially dangerous items such as cleaning supplies, knives, and medications. 

There are several different types of cabinet and drawer locks available for you to choose from, including magnetic, adhesive, and traditional key locks. Be sure to choose the option that works best for the type of cabinets and drawers you have in your home.

3. Corner and Edge Guards

Sharp corners and edges on furniture can be dangerous for babies who are just learning to stand or starting to crawl and walk. Corner and edge guards are an easy solution to this problem. 

These guards can be placed on the corners of tables, desks, and other furniture to provide a soft cushion for your little one to bump into instead of a sharp edge.

4. Baby Gates

Baby gates are a must-have for parents of young children. They can be placed at the top or bottom of staircases, in doorways, or in other areas of your home to keep your little one safe and contained. 

There are many different types of baby gates available; including traditional wooden gates, expandable gates that can fit various openings, and pressure-mounted gates that can be easily removed when not in use.

5. Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are an important part of any baby-proofing plan. In fact, you could argue that every home should have them regardless of whether or not there is a baby in the picture. 

These detectors will alert you to the presence of smoke or carbon monoxide, which can be dangerous for your little one. Be sure to install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in every room of your home and test them regularly to ensure they are working properly.

6. Window Locks

Windows can be a potential hazard for babies who are learning to crawl and walk. Window locks will keep your little one from being able to open the windows, preventing falls and other accidents. 

There are several different types of window locks that you can buy, including keyed locks, sash locks, and sliding window locks.

7. Furniture Anchors

Some furniture items can tip over easily, especially when a baby starts to pull themselves up on them. Furniture anchors can be used to secure these items to the wall, preventing accidents. These anchors are easy to install and can be used on dressers, bookcases, and other types of furniture.

8. Door Knob Covers

Door knob covers are an easy way to keep your little one from being able to open doors. These covers can be placed over door knobs to prevent babies from turning them and potentially getting into areas of your home that are not safe for them.

9. Cord Covers

Cords from blinds, curtains, and other household items can be choking hazards for babies. Cord covers can be placed over these cords to keep them out of reach and prevent accidents. Typically, these covers are available in different sizes and can be used on cords of various lengths.

10. Stove Knob Covers

Stove knob covers can be placed over the knobs on your stove to prevent your little one from turning them and potentially starting a fire. These covers are easy to install and simple to remove when you need to use your stove.

11. Toilet Locks

For most babies, a toilet is a curious object that is super attractive to them. They want to experiment with it and see what it can do. If you are not careful, your baby can easily fall into the toilet and become trapped, or drink the toilet water and get sick. 

You can install toilet locks to keep your little one out of the bathroom and prevent such accidents. These locks can be easily installed and removed when needed.

12. Finger Pinch Guards

Doors can be dangerous for babies because they can easily get their fingers caught in the hinge. You can place finger pinch guards on your doors to protect your little one's fingers from getting hurt.

13. Safety Latches for Appliances

Babies are curious and always eager to explore their environment. While on their adventures, they may try to open appliances like the refrigerator or the dishwasher, which can be dangerous. Safety latches can be installed on such appliances to keep your little one out and prevent accidents.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, baby-proofing your home is an important step to take before bringing your little one home. The items listed here are some of the top baby-proofing must-haves that every new parent should invest in. With them, you will get the peace of mind that comes with knowing your little one is in a safe and secure space. Don’t forget to always supervise your baby as she plays, and to regularly check and update your baby-proofing measures as your child grows and develops. Happy baby-proofing!