Every childproofing guide gives you a firehose of information. This one gives you a checklist. Go room by room, check things off, and know that you've covered the basics. Print this out, grab a pen, and walk through your house.
Kitchen
] [Cabinet locks on all lower cabinets
Extra-secure locks on cabinets with cleaning supplies
Stove knob covers installed
Oven lock or oven door guard in place
Refrigerator lock (if your child can open it)
Dishwasher lock
Trash can secured or in locked cabinet
Small appliances unplugged and pushed back from counter edges
Knife block moved to high shelf or locked drawer
Heavy items (mixer, blender) secured so they can't be pulled down
No tablecloths (kids pull them and everything on top comes down)
High chair has working straps
Living Room
] [Furniture anchored to walls (bookshelves, TV stand, dressers)
TV wall-mounted or strapped to stand
Corner and edge guards on coffee table and sharp furniture
Outlet covers on all accessible outlets
Cords hidden or covered (lamp cords, TV cords, phone chargers)
Blind cords secured or replaced with cordless
Small objects removed from low surfaces
Toxic plants removed or placed out of reach
Fireplace screen secured and hearth padded
Floor clear of small items and tripping hazards
Remote controls stored out of reach (battery compartments)
Nursery/Baby's Room
Crib meets current safety standards
Crib mattress firm and fits snugly (no gaps)
Nothing in the crib except a fitted sheet
Crib placed away from windows, blinds, and cords
Changing table has safety straps
Dresser anchored to wall
Monitor cords out of reach
Night light secured (not a tip-over risk)
Diaper pail has a locking lid
Small items (diaper cream tubes, thermometers) stored up high
Bathroom
Toilet lock on every toilet
Cabinet locks on all bathroom cabinets
Medications moved to high, locked cabinet
Razors, scissors, tweezers stored out of reach
Non-slip mat inside bathtub
Non-slip mat on floor beside tub
Water heater set to 120°F or lower
Bath thermometer available
Electrical appliances (hair dryer, curling iron) unplugged and stored
Cleaning supplies locked away
Door lock installed (high, exterior side)
Bedrooms
Dressers anchored to walls
Nightstands secured
Blind cords secured or cordless
Outlet covers installed
Small objects (jewelry, coins, buttons) stored in closed containers
Medications and supplements locked up
Floor lamps secured or replaced with wall/ceiling lights
Closet doors have child-safe latches if accessible
Stairs and Hallways
] [Hardware-mounted gate at top of stairs
Pressure-mounted gate at bottom of stairs
Handrails secure and not wobbly
Stair carpet or treads in good condition (no loose edges)
Hallway outlets covered
No small rugs or runners that could slide
Adequate lighting (night lights for nighttime navigation)
Garage and Laundry Room
Door from house to garage has a lock (high, child-proof)
Chemicals, paints, and solvents in locked cabinet
Tools stored out of reach or in locked toolbox
Laundry pods stored in locked cabinet (they look like candy)
Car always locked (kids can get trapped inside)
Outdoor Areas
Yard fenced if possible
Pool fenced with self-closing, self-latching gate
Garden chemicals and tools locked in shed
No toxic plants within reach
Outdoor furniture stable (can't tip if climbed)
Don't try to do this all in one day. Pick two rooms per weekend. In a couple weeks, your whole house will be covered. And don't forget the basics that apply everywhere: smoke detectors on every floor, CO detectors, a stocked first aid kit, and the Poison Control number (1-800-222-1222) on your fridge. Re-check everything monthly since kids grow fast and what was out of reach last month might not be next month.