Babyproofing Checklist for Expectant Parents

Bringing a baby home is one of the most exciting moments of your life - and also one of the most overwhelming. Between cribs, bottles, and tiny socks, it’s easy to forget one important thing:
Your home needs to be baby-ready, too.
Babies don’t stay tiny for long. Before you know it, they’re rolling, crawling, grabbing, and pulling themselves up on anything within reach. That’s why smart parents start babyproofing before baby arrives.
Here’s a simple, safety-first babyproofing checklist - with many of these tasks easily handled by a professional handyman in just one visit.
Why babyproofing early matters
Most household accidents happen in familiar places - and many are preventable with a few small upgrades. Proper babyproofing helps:
- Prevent furniture tip-overs
- Reduce choking, pinching, and electrical hazards
- Protect curious little hands and heads
- Give parents peace of mind
The goal isn’t perfection - it’s creating a safer, calmer space for your growing family.
The essential babyproofing checklist
- Anchor furniture & TVs: Secure dressers, bookshelves, and TVs to the wall to prevent dangerous tip-overs when babies start pulling themselves up.
- Install baby gates: Add safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs and in doorways to keep little explorers out of unsafe areas.
- Lock cabinets & drawers: Install childproof locks on cabinets and drawers in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms to keep cleaning products, medications, and sharp tools out of reach.
- Cover sharp corners: Use cushioned corner and edge protectors on coffee tables, counters, and furniture with sharp edges.
- Protect electrical outlets: Install outlet covers or sliding outlet protectors in every room, especially near the floor.
- Secure window cords: Use cord cleats or wraps to shorten blind and curtain cords, eliminating strangulation risks.
- Adjust crib & changing table placement: Move furniture away from windows, cords, heaters, or anything baby could reach or pull on.
- Add door pinch guards: Install soft-close hardware or pinch guards to protect little fingers from slammed doors.
- Lock toilet seats: Install toilet seat locks to prevent drowning risks and curious splashing.
- Check smoke detectors: Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries if needed - this is especially important before bringing baby home.
- Install blackout shades: Blackout shades in the nursery and nap areas help babies sleep better - and help parents keep a consistent schedule.
How a handyman can help
Many of these projects are quick - but they’re much safer when done correctly. A professional handyman can:
- Secure heavy furniture into studs
- Install gates, locks, and hardware
- Mount cord wraps and blackout shades
- Ensure everything is level, stable, and properly anchored
That means less stress for you - and fewer trips to the hardware store while nine months pregnant or sleep-deprived.
Getting your home ready for baby isn’t about checking every box - it’s about creating a space that feels safe, calm, and ready for this next chapter. Book a free walk-thru today and review our babyproof list together!