Baby Proofing 101

Setting Up a Nice Safe Zone from the Get Go

A more-informative, step-by-step way for parents looking to keep peace of mind without padding the entire house.

Let's get one thing straight real quick: baby proofing isn't all outlet covers and toilet locks when your little one starts to crawl — fast. (Actually, it starts much, much earlier — like, newborn phase early.) Your baby might not be physically moving around (yet), but they're still engaging with their environment in small ways that make a difference. And although no one's expecting you to put up stair gates on day three after labour, there are some key changes that you can make to your home today that could help prevent accidents down the line.

The reality is, the initial newborn stage is the best time to lay the foundation for a safe, functional home. You're already rearranging your routines, adapting to sleep deprivation and trying to understand baby gear — you might as well baby-proof the essentials while everything is in flux. It's kind of like getting your environment ready to expand with your baby. The good news? You don't have to baby-proof your entire house in the same day. All you need is a good plan — and a few smart adjustments to keep your home safer from now on.

🏡 Why Start Baby Proofing So Early?

Because babies just have a sixth sense of tracking down the one thing you didn't remember to relocate.

And honestly? It's easier to baby-proof before your baby starts moving.

Here's what most new parents fail to grasp: babies may not be crawling yet, but they're rolling, grabbing and wiggling into hazards faster than you can imagine. That bottle of Tylenol at the bedside? A future target. That nice glass knickknack on your coffee table? Not so adorable when baby begins doing tummy time beside it, though.

And once your baby's on the move (believe us, it happens quickly), you won't have as much time and energy to do a complete safety check. Cleaning up your space nowadays gives you peace of mind later on — as well as saving you from "oh no" moments down the road.

🛠️ The Newborn Stage Safety Setup: What You Should Focus on

Time to break this down into five Chloe-style stakes:

Fall & Tip Hazards

• Anchor any furniture that can tip over: bookshelves, dressers, TV stands and floor mirrors.
• Never place baby gear like bassinets, swings or bouncers on tables or counters—even if you're "just watching." One wrong step and it's a fall risk.
• If you have rugs on the floor, make sure that you secure these rugs with non-slip pads or carpet tape to prevent tripping when you are carrying your baby.

Choking Hazards

• Do a "small object sweep" of all surfaces baby may one day reach—from coffee tables to nightstands.
• "The toilet paper roll test: if it fits through, it's not safe," he said.
• Scan for hazards: loose buttons, pens with the caps still attached, batteries, coins, earrings; definitely small toy parts from older siblings.

Electrical Safety

• Make sure you have outlet covers in every room where the baby will be, especially the nursery and living areas.
• Keep cords organized with bread ties or fasten them to the wall so your pet can't accidentally tug or chew on them.
• Don't use power strips in baby safety zones, unless they're fully covered or out of reach.

Toxic & Sharp Items

• Put cleaning products, meds, cosmetics and even diaper creams out of reach on high shelves or in locked cabinets.
• Establish a "no sharp stuff" zone — scissors, nail clippers, kitchen utensils, etc.
• Be certain that you have non-toxic houseplants (we're looking at you, pothos and peace lilies 🌿).

Sleep Safety

• Follow safe sleep practices: firm mattress, fitted sheet only, no bumpers or blankets or stuffed animals in the crib.
• Ensure that the crib is placed away from cords, curtains or furniture; this is so baby doesn't later use these to climb out.

🧹 Chloe's Baby-Proofing Mini Checklist (Newborn Edition)

Use this for a weekend prep session or pass it off to your partner next time their task list comes up:

• Anchor furniture and secure TVs
• Install outlet covers
• Choking hazard sweep (floor + surfaces)
• Bundle and hide cords
• Keep all toxic products locked or removed
• Clear crib for safe sleep
• Take away the tablecloths (babies pull them down—I learned this the hard way)
• Relocate pet toys, bowls and litter boxes
• Avoid contact with other children and vulnerable adults
• Secure rugs down with tape, or buy anti-slip mats
• Patrol baby gear: No more "just for a second" on the table

🛒 Registry Regret Moment: The Prepackaged "Safety Kits" 😐

I signed up for one of those 30-piece baby proofing kits believing I was ahead of the game. Turns out? Half the pieces didn't fit any of my things, and the cabinet locks made me curse every time I reached for a granola bar.

Instead, buy à la carte:

• Outlet covers (bulk pack)
• 1–2 adjustable furniture structural connectors
• Cord organizers
• Cabinet locks (just 1 baby-proofing item)

You'll save money and extra clutter in your already overflowing junk drawer.

🏡 Add "Zones" to Baby Proofing

Don't attempt to redo your entire home in the course of one weekend. Prioritize:

• Nursery and your bedroom (if baby's sleeping there)
• Living room or wherever you chill during the day
• Access points kitchen + bathroom

Maintain "safe zones" for baby and gradually enlarge as they mature.

🧠 Final Thought: Favor Long Game Baby Proofing—Smarty Start

One piece of advice we always give clients is to think of newborn baby proofing as building your foundation. You're not bubble-wrapping the world (not yet), you're simply preparing your family to feel safe, confident and a step ahead of the chaos.

And when you're rocking your LO to sleep and you can trust the room is safe, or you're stepping away for a bathroom break without a panic? That peace of mind is everything.

You've got this, mama. Safety doesn't need to be stressful — it can be smart, simple and one drawer at a time.