Babies. They’re squishy, they smell good and they’re hellbent on destroying everything you own from practically the time you unload them from their brand new car seat into their brand new crib after bringing them home from the hospital. The good news is that it eventually gets better … but it’s going to get a whole lot worse first — from the terrible twos to the trying threes (which make the “twos” look like a piece of cake).
You need to childproof everything — and I do mean everything — a lot sooner than you even realize because once he or she starts crawling, it’s all over but the crying … and most of the tears will be yours. Outlets and cords are a given but what about your stove knobs, slippery bathtubs, and blinds? (And, yes, they’ll figure out a way to get into the things you’d least expect.) This list is all about making your home safer. Whether you have a newborn or a toddler who’s two going on 22, keep them safe — and yourself sane — with these handy buys.
A Cabinet Appointment
The first thing — the very first thing — a growing toddler will attempt once they’re walking around is opening and closing every cabinet drawer they encounter. Stop them in their tiny tracks with this set of magnetic cabinet and drawer locks. These attach out of sight so there are no eyesores and while they’re difficult for toddlers to open, they’re still easy enough for adults.
It’s Time To Eat
You can’t tell a toddler who’s just started feeding themselves nothin’ — and that includes the notion that they might gag themselves or choke on something they’re putting in their mouths. This self-feeding set has short, ergonomically shaped handles for small hands and choke-preventing shields to keep them from inserting the set too far into their mouths. These are U.S.-made and dishwasher-safe.
Measure Twice, Cut Once
Speaking of feeding time, you’re going to want to be extra careful with baby-sized bites because little ones can choke on even the smallest pieces. These food scissors help make every bite baby-sized whether you’re serving up fruits, vegetables, or meats. These come with safety holders to keep your scissors clean and safe, even if you take them with you in your diaper bag.
Let Me Give You A Tip
If you’ve ever seen one of those videos where a television or piece of furniture tips over on a child, you’ll be scarred forever. Prevent that from happening in your own home with these anti-tip straps that work well for securing everything from cabinets to bookshelves to televisions from falling over on your kiddo. Each strap in this eight-pack set can be adjusted up to 21 inches in length; use two for secure items and three for extra tall or heavy pieces.
Pushed To The Edge
Have you ever cracked your shin or toe on the corner of a piece of furniture? Yowchhhh, right? Now imagine hitting your head, which is what vertically-challenged little ones might do. This babyproofing edge and corner guard protector set provided 20 feet of edge protection and eight foam corners that build a bumper-like barrier where toddlers are likely to venture. This high-density foam can be fitted and secure in minutes.
Perfect Potty Protection
Your toddler is probably fascinated with the toilet in every regard except actually learning how to use it. Protect their wandering fingers with these extra-large potty seat covers that are individually wrapped so you can also throw them in your bag before heading out of the house. They feature a plastic liner for extra waterproof protection and have optional adhesive strips to ensure it stays in place.
Locked And Loaded
Continuing our potty talk, ahem, this toilet safety lock is for the kiddos who aren’t quite ready to think about potty training but are still fascinated by the toilet — particularly when it comes to putting their hands in it or dropping toys into the bowl. This lock uses 3M adhesive for easy installation, has one-handed operation for the adults, and can be completely deactivated as needed such as when you have company.
All Plugged Up
The very first thing I think of when I think about babyproofing a house is the plethora of outlets that need to be covered to protect nosy toddlers. This set of plug covers includes enough to handle nearly 40 outlets with easy “plug it in” style protection. These have a handy ring-pull handle design so it’s easier for mom and dad to remove them as needed.
Around The Corner
Remember that tongue twister that included the phrase “rubber baby buggy bumpers?” Well, these corner protectors have two of those four terms covered since they’re rubber-like bumpers that protect small children from sharp furniture edges. Made of premium PVC, these protect, absorb shock and resist biting while being clear and discreet to blend in with your decor. With a one-minute installation, does it get much simpler?
Can’t Take The Heat
The kitchen is a veritable war zone of safety issues for little ones, from pinching fingers in cabinets to potentially opening the oven door with catastrophic results. This heat-resistant oven door lock will keep them away from the heat with a double-button design they can’t manipulate while not becoming a roadblock to your own dinner prep. Install it simply with 3M adhesive.
Keep Those Knives Tucked Away
Just because knives are useful, and often really pretty, doesn’t mean they should be left out on the counter. It’s often safer if they’re not. This knife block allows you to keep them all tucked away in a drawer for safety and cleaner counters.
You’ve Got The Power
Power strips must look like a play area … for kids who’ve yet to discover the play area inside of McDonald’s. (Just keep that one to yourself as long as you can, Mom and Dad.) This power strip cover conceals the power strips entirely, keeping little fingers away from both plugs and outlets. This provides full strip coverage including for the on/off switch so they can’t disable the TV in the midst of your favorite show.
Be Out The Door
This looks like some kind of weird plastic flying creature but it’s actually designed to keep curious kiddos from opening sliding doors and windows. With a simple slide-and-release motion to activate the lock’s “wings,” you’ve got the perfect solution for keeping things closed that should stay closed. This purchase includes one but costs less than $4 per piece, which is a small investment for your peace of mind.
Cover It Up
Stove knobs look like a lot of fun, don’t they? All that turning and twisting — how could you resist? These stove knob covers feature a large universal design to fit more stove knobs than not and a clear design that blends into any kitchen decor. These have a strong, hinged lid for easy adult access while remaining completely toddler-proof.
Make Your Home Pet Allergy-Free
My kid is allergic to cat dander but she really wants a pet so I got this Allerpet cat dander remover to spray around the house, and it actually works! Now we can adopt a cat to complete our small, happy family. Allerpet also has dander remover for people who are allergic to dogs. And don’t worry, it’s 100% non-toxic, so it’s safe for everyone!
An Open And Shut Case
How many news stories a year do you read where a toddler is found wandering down a sidewalk unattended? Don’t let it be your kiddo with this childproof door lever lock that prevents toddlers from opening doors and running amuck. You can still open this lock yourself with just two fingers in case you’re carrying said child or groceries or have your hands full with something else.
Behind Closed Doors
This four-pack of door knob covers is the traditional style that’s been around for ages but the old standby doesn’t mean it works any less effectively than their newfangled counterparts. Spherical in shape, these are compatible with standard door knobs and have an unobtrusive design that you’ll hardly notice after a while. It comes with a lifetime warranty covering defects, straight from the manufacturer.
Cut The Cords
Why would you eat your vegetables if you had a delicious power cord to chew on? This ultra-thin outlet cover locks everything down from the outlets themselves to the cords running to those outlets. This protective measure combines dual functionality while still giving you full use of the outlets being covered. You might find these to be safer than outlet plugs, which a savvy set of fingers can dislodge.
Nothing But Net
I’m 44 years old and my mom still tells the story about how I ran my head through rails at Wendy’s when I was a toddler and then screamed bloody murder. These banister nets guard against that (at home, not at Wendy’s) to the tune of 20 feet of protection. This set comes with 45 zip ties. Oversized railing? Connect two. Don’t need this much coverage? Just roll it back. It’s completely customizable for your unique situation.
Just A Pinch
If I had a dollar for every time I’ve seen a toddler’s fingers get pinched in a door, I’d have a lot of dollars … and probably some explaining to do. This finger pinch guard acts like a door stopper but in the shape of an adorable penguin that keeps tiny fingers from being hurt. The stopper is easy to install by simply sticking it to the side of the door.
On Lockdown
The last time I pinched my hand in a bifold door was not all that long ago. (I hate those things.) This door lock is specifically designed for these types of doors, frequently found on closets, cabinets, and pantries, and can be easily installed by simply sliding the lock to the center. This is also a great solution for crafty pets who’ve figured out how to go everywhere you don’t want them to be.
Box Of Tricks
We’re all different, with different wants and needs, which is why I’ve given you multiple options for concealing the power outlets in your home. This cover box is another choice that works indoors or out and also rotates so your cords can be arranged in any way desired. When you need to access an outlet, simply pop open the cover — no weird locking mechanisms or keys to keep up with.
From The Top Drawer
With all of these safety devices, your house is about to look more like a crash dummy test site than a home. That’s why I’m presenting at least one option that has safety top of mind while also being invisible to most eyes. These drawer locks are installed inside of the drawer itself keeping little hands out while still making them accessible to you.
A Whale’s Tail
By the time your little one graduates from sink baths to the regular bathtub, you’ll have a whole new set of things to worry about — namely the sharp edges of your faucet. This spout cover in a fun whale design fits snugly on most tub spouts and has a tail that doubles as a hook for easy draining and drying.
Go For The Fences
Don’t you sometimes wish you had a cage to put your toddler in? Don’t worry, I’m not about to have you on the evening news. This superyard, as it’s dubbed, creates a safe play space anywhere you can think to put it and can be modified to include up to six panels to increase or diminish the size. This is great for toddlers up to 24 months old.
Sound The Alarm
If you have a little Houdini on your hands, an alarm might be the only solution. This alarm is great for alerting you to open windows or doors or even a garage or pool — literally, anywhere you don’t want your little ones to be. These have two adjustable settings and a low-battery indicator, too. You’ll get three alarms for less than $20 here.
Host A Pool Party
Speaking of pools, they are the culprit of a lot of home safety tragedies where kids are involved. This pool fencing is a do-it-yourself kit that includes 12 feet of fencing and five poles designed to be inserted into the ground. The gate is a separate purchase but all of it adds up to just a few hundred dollars you’ll never regret spending.
Behind The Gate
All hail the basic baby gate; there’s a reason it’s been so effective for so long — it just works. This version is retractable and extra-wide, made of mesh, and features one-handed operation for when you have your hands full. When your little ones aren’t so little anymore, it also works well for pets you want to keep out of certain areas of your house.
You’re All Set
Are you overwhelmed by all of these safety choices? This safety essentials kit from the babyproofing experts at Safety 1st is a good starting point for securing your home, with included door knob covers, outlet plug protectors, and latches for cabinets and drawers. This also makes a great gift for expectant parents that won’t completely paralyze them with fear — yet.
Be Plugged In
Sometimes the only way you can safeguard a situation is to put it under lock and key. This electrical power cord plug lock is great for everything from preventing injury to limiting screen time. This lock fits on any two-pronged or three-pronged power plug to prevent serious injuries (or worse). What I love most about this option is its lifetime of uses — lock that internet down for your teenagers? Consider it done.
All Choked Up
This is one gadget I hope you never have to use but if you need it, I hope you have it. This choking rescue home kit works for children and adults, offering a non-invasive suction rescue device that can save a life in the case of an air obstruction emergency. You can even use it on yourself if you live alone. Just replace the masks every two to three years to ensure effectiveness.
Off The Rails
All bed rails are not created equal and this version is the only toddler rail that won gold in the Mom’s Choice Awards. Compatible with most bed types and sizes, this is made of mesh fabric for breathability and metal rods for protection. Fold it down when you’re getting them in or out of bed or need to change the bed sheets.
Slippery When Wet
Bathtubs can be tricky because you can’t keep your toddlers out of them entirely but they can be super slippery, leading to accidents. This extra-large, non-slip bathtub mat has drain holes to help it dry and suction cups (200 of them!) to keep it in place. Grab this is more than a dozen colors to coordinate with your existing bathroom decor.
Mommy’s Little Helper
Little ones love to help in the kitchen but can be more liability than the sous chef. This toddler step stool tower has a 200-pound weight capacity and a “fenced-in” design that keeps kids right where you want them. Adjust it to three different heights as your kiddo grows. This is equipped with vertical safety rails and anti-slip grippers on the bottom.
Cast A Wide Net
This driveway safety net helps keeps kiddos safe while they’re playing outside but it’s not a babysitter, O.K.? Do not put your kids outside with this net and go take a nap. This unique, versatile design can be installed straight across or in a V shape that funnels things like balls or toys to the center. This can be customized to fit most driveways up to 25 feet wide.
Pull Out All The Stops
The biggest problem with a lot of safety gadgets is that they not only prevent kids from getting in or out of things but they prevent it for adults, too. This magnetic gate latch and lock works on any gate and has a vertical pull that adults can easily manipulate. It features magnetic latching technology and a security lock that can match any other locks in your home.