Childproofing Checklist

• first things first get all the poisonous substances(detergent, bathroom cleaners...) and put on higher ground (so children can not reach)
• make sure the sharp edges of the tables and corners are protected by edge bumpers
• door stops and door holders are essential
• do not put the cribs close to the blinds with the strings hanging, babies can get strangulated on these cords
• smoke detectors (make sure you have one at each level of the house)
• all swimming pools at home should be gated accordingly adhering to the federal standards
• safety latches and locks (especially for the kitchen and the bathroom cabinets and drawers)
• safety gates (preferably the ones that screws on the walls)
• window guards(bars in guard should not be more than 4 inches apart)-make sure you have a window that can be used as a fire escape
• outlet covers (make sure you get the ones that the child can not remove)
• carbon monoxide detectors
• when you visit someone or when you have visitors, make sure all the purses are out of reach (they can have a different kinds of medications in their purse that you do not want your child to get into)

Once everything is in place the last thing you need to do is get down on your knees and crawl all over the house to see what else your child might be interested in to get to it and do something to make your house safe. Try to do the childproofing of your house as early as 4-6 months of age and re-evaluate every few months to see if it is still effective protection according to your child's developmental stage. Remember children can outgrow the way you childproof your house. Re-evaluate from time to time.