Safety First: How to Baby Proof Your Home in 9 Easy Steps

Installing a safety gate is a great way to keep young ones out of dangerous areas like staircases and doorways. It's a key step in how to baby proof your home. Check manufactures installation instructions to ensure the gate is installed correctly, and give it a good shake test to determine if it will hold.

Make sure your home is equipped with working smoke alarms, carbon-monoxide detectors and a functioning fire extinguisher. Check batteries in all alarms, and make sure everyone in the home knows safety procedures in case of an emergency. Check out these smoke alarm tips.

Just a few seconds under water that's too hot can burn a child's skin. Check your water heater and make sure the temperature gauge is set at 120 degrees F or lower. Use this guide to learn how to adjust your water heater.

You may want to re-organize your kitchen storage, putting dangerous items like cutlery, glass, heavy pots and pans, and chemical cleaners up high and out of reach. If this isn't an option, consider inexpensive drawer and cabinet safety locks. Don't overlook oven doors and range knobs.

Little ones love exploring by putting anything they find in their mouth. Make sure all dangerous items are off limits, locked up, or stored out of reach. This includes small chocking hazards like papers clips and rubber bands, chemical cleaning supplies like laundry detergent and household cleaners and first aid supplies and medications. Photo: Teresa Odland

Another step in how to baby proof your home successfully is to cover all unused outlets with baby-safe plugs, and check for appliances that you're not using that can be unplugged until you need to use them.

A window screen can easily pop out under pressure, so make sure any windows you open are up and out of baby's reach. This includes ones near furniture that might put them within reach. Also, check blinds and drapes for low hanging cords, and install safety tassels or cord stops. Photo: Teresa Odland

Low furniture with sharp edges should be covered with a soft bumper or guard. Inventory your home for heavy furniture that could be climbed or pulled over by a toddler. Dressers and bookcases are great examples, so consider using wall anchor mounts to secure them safely to the wall. Try these tips for choosing the right wall anchor. Photo: Teresa Odland

The yard is an extension of the home, so check for safety hazards outdoors, too. Look for all poisonous plants, and dangerous yard tools. Keep an eye on areas near traffic, as well as areas of open water, like pools and ponds.

Despite all these useful tips, accidents can happen and the very best way to keep young ones out of danger is to keep a close eye on them. Never leave the room with a child unsupervised. For a fun, hands-on way to keep kids busy, introduce them to DIY!