Toddlers are constantly on the move. It’s just a fact! You may not be able to control all the bumps and bruises of your little one, but making sure your home is fit for your child can make life easier for everyone in the household.
There are so many options to help make your home more toddler friendly, but here are seven of my favorite baby proof must-haves:
Top Baby Proofing Items for Your Home
1. Table Bumper Guards
(Best value — $$)
Why it’s great: This durable rubber table guard changes those sharp edges and corners of a piece of furniture and will soften the impact of a slip or a fall. The company emphasizes the importance of density to their product which helps absorb the impact of a tumble. This will protect your little one even more.
The bumper guard comes in three different colors. It can be used for other areas in the home such as a fireplace, kitchen, or nursery. Another great feature is that the company uses safe and non-toxic materials. This industrial-strength, easy-to-apply bumper guard covers over 20 feet of surface area. You are sure to get your money’s worth with this safety product!
Keep in mind: This product could remove weak finishes off of furniture or other household items. It is best used with wood, brick, stone, or glass.
Good for: Toddlers who are learning how to balance and walk.
Why it’s great: A trash can may be the last item you’d think of as a baby proofing product. Once your toddler starts to get curious in the kitchen, chances are they will go straight for the trash can lid. This 40 gallon trash can has a secure lock lid that will keep your child out of the garbage. It comes in four different colors.
The lid closes slowly and softly due to the patented lid Shox technology controls. The lid is also made to stay open if desired. It is perfect for longer meal prep or kitchen chores. This product makes for a great diaper pale, too!
Keep in mind: The trash can has wheels and may slide when it does not have much in it. Be sure to use the entire foot (not just your toes) to step down on the pedal.
Why it’s great: These straps used to hold furniture or a flat-screen TV in place are made of high quality metal. They do not slide or slip because of the sturdy jaw grips. It comes with a detailed PDF installation guide and access to video instructions to ensure it is installed correctly.
Even though these straps are triple stitched for extra strength, they are still easily detachable if you ever want to move your furniture around. This product comes with a large assortment of screws, so you will be able to find the best fit for your piece of furniture. It is easy to install and will give you peace of mind for your toddler’s safety around large furniture items.
Keep in mind: This item comes in a two-pack, so you will need to purchase more than one if you want to mount several pieces of furniture.
Good for: Creating safety with larger pieces of furniture in the home and regions prone to earthquakes.
Why it’s great: Keep your toddler protected from cleaning products under your sink or away from your pots and pans using these easy install magnetic cabinet locks. These locks will not be seen because the locks are installed inside the cabinets and drawers. The design won’t influence your toddler to tamper with them either!
It comes with 12 locks and requires zero tools to baby-proof your kitchen. These draw locks are also a great addition to cabinets in the bathroom. The 3M adhesive tape will keep your cabinets securely in place even with the strongest tug from your little one.
Keep in mind: Make sure you keep the magnetic key in a place you will remember. This product comes with two magnetic keys in case one happens to get misplaced.
Good for: Keeping your curious toddler safe from harmful cleaning supplies or pinching their fingers in a cabinet.
Why it’s great: This product is easy to install and works on any surface. These simple to use locks will keep your toddler from getting into closets, shower doors, or the pantry. Staying in a hotel or Airbnb? Take these with you to keep your toddler safe while traveling.
These non-toxic and BPA-free locks work great on windows that open vertical and horizontal. It is easy for adults to lock and unlock with the pull of a finger. Be sure to install them high enough to where your toddler can’t reach them. These locks are small, sturdy, and very effective!
Keep in mind: When removing the locks, it is recommended to use something such as dental floss to wiggle it loose
Good for: Keeping your active toddler out of your organized closets.
On An Important Side Note… Asher and I (pictured) feel it’s necessary to highlight the value of life insurance for parents with young kids. After extensive research, we discovered that parents can get insured for as little as $10 per month. We use Ladder Life who offers coverage up to $3M per parent (without a medical exam, just a few health questions) and you can apply 100% online.
Why it’s great: This baby proofing product isn’t just any outlet cover, but one that takes the cake! These outlet covers come with a hidden pull handle that removes the frustration of your toddler figuring out how to pull them out of the electrical socket. They fit all kinds of 3 prong outlets and power strips.
These outlet covers are made with Eco-friendly insulation and orderless ABS materials. Forty-five covers come in a pack. They won’t get worn down with removal from the outlet and are reusable!
Keep in mind: These outlet protectors can be used outdoors but are not waterproof.
Good for: Keeping crawling babies and curious walking toddlers safe from power hazards.
Why it’s great: These stove knob protectors are a great addition for extra protection when your toddler joins you while making meals. The universal design fits most stoves. Once your knobs are covered, you do not need to remove them every time you need to use your stove.
This product requires a hassle-free install and is easy to remove for cleaning! It is designed with a hinged lid for convenient adult access. One package comes with a set of 5 knobs. The knobs are transparent, so you will be able to tell when your oven is on or off.
Keep in mind: These knob protectors withstand high heat while the oven is in use. It is advised against leaving the oven door cracked open as it could cause the protectors to melt.
Good for: Keeping curious and reaching hands from turning on the stove creating a fire hazard or burns to little hands.
The Table Bumper Guards is our overall top recommendation. It's the highest quality product we have found with the most affordable price making it the best value on our list..
Baby proofing is creating a safer home environment for your crawling or walking toddler. You may choose to modify one or all areas of your home. Baby proofing is being proactive to future accidents as much as possible to avoid trips to the emergency room!
2. Do I have to change the way my home looks when incorporating baby-proofing products?
Not at all! There are so many new and improved products on the market today that blend in with the home design. Baby proofing doesn’t require changing the home’s entire ambiance. If you choose more complex baby proofing items, it may require some furniture maneuvering or redecorating.
3. Is baby proofing expensive?
It all depends on how much you want to baby-proof your home. There are different price points with all different types of products. DIY will cost you a lot less than any professional baby proofing service. There are pros and cons to both options, so make sure to do some research!
4. I’m a stay-at-home parent and constantly around my child. Is baby proofing necessary?
Even though you watch your child like a hawk, accidents can still happen. It is better to expect accidents to happen and try to prevent them than to assume nothing will ever happen to your child. Safe is better than sorry!
5. There are so many things to consider when it comes to baby-proofing my home. What is the best option?
There are a lot of options and products to choose from that you may feel a little overwhelmed. It is better to be prepared than not at all. If you find that you are unsure where to start, stick with the basics! This might include outlet coverings and coffee table bumpers, for example. If you put yourself in the eyes of your baby or toddler, you may have a better idea of what might grab their attention in your home. It will give you ideas on how to keep them safe.
Conclusion
Baby proofing is essential if you want to keep your child as safe as possible. Accidents do happen. The more prepared you are for when your baby starts crawling and walking, the bumps and bruises will likely be at a minimum. Baby-proofing will give your child the ability to explore their surroundings without the added stress of them getting seriously hurt.
There are a lot of different options on the market when it comes to babyproofing. Don’t let this overwhelm you and make you think you need every single item out there. Choose what is best for you and your family. Take a look around your home and think like a toddler! Baby-proofing will put your mind at ease.