Childproofing and baby-proofing

When to start

Most parents start just before a baby begins crawling, often around six months, and add more once the child is pulling up and walking. Doing it in one visit saves a lot of weekends and leaves no half-installed gate at the top of the stairs.

Furniture and TVs

Tip-overs are the hazard parents underestimate most. Dressers, bookcases and TVs can fall on a child who climbs them. We anchor furniture into studs with straps or brackets and secure flat-screen TVs to the wall or the stand.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission runs Anchor It! to explain the risk. In earthquake country, the same anchors keep furniture in place during a quake. Wall-mounted TVs are covered on our TV mounting page.

Cabinets and drawers

Cleaning products, medicine, knives and small items all live at child height. Magnetic locks hide inside the cabinet and open with a magnet key. Adhesive and screw-in latches are cheaper and work on most doors. We put locks on the cabinets you choose, usually under the kitchen and bath sinks, and on drawers with sharp tools.

Gates

Gates at the top of stairs must be hardware-mounted, screwed into the wall or banister, not pressure-mounted, because a pressure gate can push out under a child’s weight. Pressure gates work in doorways and at the bottom of stairs. On banisters, we use banister kits so no holes go into the newel post when possible.

Outlets, cords and windows

Outlet covers or self-closing plates keep fingers and objects out. Tamper-resistant outlets do the same and can be swapped in on existing boxes; see outlets and GFCI. Window blind cords get cleats high on the wall. Window stops keep windows from opening more than a few inches, which helps on upper floors.

Doors and the pool

Door knob covers or high latches keep toddlers out of garages, laundry rooms and the back yard. If there is a pool, self-closing, self-latching gates are critical; see gate repair.

Walk-through

We start with a short walk-through, room by room, at a toddler’s eye level. We list what we see and agree on what to install.

Kitchens

Stove knob covers, an oven lock, and a fridge latch keep curious toddlers out of trouble. Dishwasher locks keep little hands off knives in the basket. We install the ones that suit your appliances.

Bathrooms

Toilet locks keep the lid down. A cover on the tub spout softens bumps. Medicine goes in a high, locked cabinet. We can also turn the water heater down in temperature on request to reduce scald risk, following the maker’s instructions on the tank.

Fireplaces and hearths

Hearth edges are at toddler head height. Corner guards and hearth padding soften the edges. Gates around fireplaces keep kids away from heat.

Grandparents’ homes

Grandparents often ask for a lighter version of childproofing for visits: a few cabinet locks, outlet covers, a gate at the stairs, and anchored dressers. We can do a short visit for that.

Rentals

Most childproofing products install with small screws or adhesive. If you rent, ask your landlord about anchors into walls; most agree because it protects children, and we patch the holes when you move out.

Walls and windows

Windows that open more than a few inches on upper floors are a fall risk. Window stops or guards limit the opening while still letting air in. Screens do not hold a child’s weight, so stops matter even with screens in place. On ground floors, stops also add a little security.

Tall lamps and decor

Floor lamps and tall plants tip easily when a toddler grabs them. Moving them behind furniture or anchoring them reduces the risk. We point these out during the walk-through.

Checking it later

Adhesive latches loosen over time. A quick check every few months, and again when a child learns to climb, keeps everything working.

Scheduled around you

Small jobs like this are booked at a time that suits you. Text photos and we reply with a quote.

Outdoor play areas

Swing sets and play structures should be anchored per the maker. We check anchors and tighten bolts.

Bathroom doors

Privacy locks on bathroom doors can trap a toddler inside. Every privacy lever has an emergency release on the outside; we show you where it is and leave the release tool on the door frame. A door-top latch keeps kids out of bathrooms altogether.

Choosing products

Product packaging often promises more than the product delivers. We bring products that we have found reliable, explain each one, and let you choose. If you already bought products, we install those and tell you if any look weak for the spot.

Laundry and garage

Detergent pods, pool chemicals, garden products and tools live in laundry rooms and garages. A high shelf and a lock on the door keep them out of reach. We install high latches on those doors.

Pets and kids together

Gates with a small pet door let cats through while stopping toddlers. We can install those where needed.