Baby Proofing Checklist for a Toddler Going Mobile

It’s an exciting milestone when your baby takes his or her first steps, but you may start seeing sharp edges and safety hazards everywhere you look. Even if you baby proofed your home before your little one’s arrival, it’s important to ensure your house is ready for a toddler on-the-go.

Consider this your go-to Baby Proofing Checklist - Toddler Edition:

Baby Proofing for Your Crawling Toddler

Pad Sharp Edges

The best way to protect your baby from household hazards is to get on his or her level—literally. Get down on your hands and knees, looking for any sharp objects or things that could easily be broken if your baby were to get his or her hands on it. Move any delicate objects out of reach and use corner guards to pad sharp edges of furniture.

Cover Outlets with Plugs

Covering outlets should be one of the action items on your baby proofing checklist since most outlets are near the floor. There are a variety of outlet plugs available to ensure your baby can’t stick her or her fingers in the holes, risking electrocution. Consider replacing any power strips with alternatives that have a shorter cord, as long cords can be a tripping hazard when baby starts walking.

Follow the Toilet Paper Roll Rule

Those kitchen cabinets can be great for storing pots, pans and even cleaning supplies. But when you have a baby on the move, those cabinet doors are just another thing for your baby to get his or her hands on. Those dish detergent pods could easily be mistaken as candy by your little one! Install child-guard latches on all cabinets and drawers in your house, and consider moving all chemical cleaning supplies to a higher storage place.

Install Baby Proofing Latches

Those kitchen cabinets can be great for storing pots, pans and even cleaning supplies. But when you have a baby on the move, those cabinet doors are just another thing for your baby to get his or her hands on. Those dish detergent pods could easily be mistaken as candy by your little one! Install child-guard latches on all cabinets and drawers in your house, and consider moving all chemical cleaning supplies to a higher storage place.

Baby Proofing for Your Walking Toddler

Move All Valuables To A High Surface

If you don’t remove any objects within baby’s reach, he or she will probably do it for you! A best practice is to move anything from bookshelves, tables, desks and counters and put those items somewhere above chest level.

Shorten Electrical Cords

The cords hanging from your window blinds can be a major safety hazard for your baby, who can get wrapped up in them and choke. Wind them up and tape them securely to a wall, well out of reach of your toddler. Make sure all cords from electronics like your TV and computer don’t pose a tripping hazard for your toddler by tucking them behind your entertainment center or other big pieces of furniture.

Remove the Mobile from the Crib

Once your toddler is able to push him or herself up on hands and knees, the mobile above the crib should be removed, as it can cause strangulation. For more crib safety tips read our guide here!

Lock, Lock, Lock

When your little one is on-the-move, you should be extra careful about locking the windows, toilet and oven. When cooking, use the back burners so that your toddler isn’t at risk for burns if he or she tries to reach for the stove.

Secure All Furniture to Walls

We’ve all read too many news stories about IKEA furniture falling over and injuring children. Televisions, floor lamps, bookshelves, and dressers should be attached to the wall with brackets so that your little one isn’t able to pull these pieces of furniture down on him or herself.

Put Up Baby Gates

If you have stairs in your house, a baby-gate is a must! Place a baby gate at the top and bottom of all staircases. These gates can also be used to block off certain rooms of the house where more hazards may be lurking.

At Delta Children, Safety is Our Priority

Our products are made with the health and wellbeing of your child in mind. All our furniture, whether it’s crafted for newborns, crawling toddlers or first-time workers has only the best materials and exceeds all federal and state requirements. To learn more about our safety recommendations for your little one’s visit our Toddler Safety Tips page!