baby proofing your home
start baby proofing before your baby starts crawling (around 6–9 months). get down on your hands and knees and look at every room from their level — you'll be surprised what you find. this room by room checklist covers the essentials.
when to baby proof
4–6 months
before rolling and crawling starts. cover the basics: power points, anchoring furniture, stair gates.
6–9 months
crawling and pulling to stand. lock cupboards, move hazards higher, check every room at floor level.
12–18 months
walking and climbing. re-check everything from a higher vantage point. they can reach more than you think.
2–3 years
climbing furniture, opening doors, turning taps. update locks, check window safety, reinforce outdoor rules.
kitchen
- •install stove guards and use back burners when possible
- •turn pot handles inward, away from the edge
- •lock cupboards containing cleaning products, chemicals, and sharp objects
- •keep knives, scissors, and small appliances out of reach
- •use a dishwasher lock if accessible
- •keep plastic bags, cling wrap, and bin bags out of reach
- •never hold your baby while cooking or carrying hot liquids
- •keep the kettle cord out of reach — use a short or curly cord
bathroom
- •never leave a baby or toddler alone in the bath — not even for a second
- •set hot water thermostat to 50°C maximum (prevents scalding)
- •use a non-slip bath mat
- •lock medicine cabinets and keep all medications out of reach
- •keep razors, scissors, and toiletries out of reach
- •empty the bath immediately after use
- •install a toilet lock if your child can reach
- •keep bathroom door closed or install a door handle cover
living room
- •anchor furniture to the wall (bookshelves, TVs, dressers) — tip-over is a leading cause of injury
- •cover power points with outlet covers
- •use corner protectors on sharp furniture edges
- •keep blind cords out of reach (strangulation risk) — replace with cordless blinds where possible
- •secure TV on a wall mount, not a stand
- •move breakable items to higher shelves
- •use safety gates at stairs (top and bottom)
- •check for small objects on the floor — coins, batteries, magnets are choking/ingestion hazards
bedroom & nursery
- •follow safe sleep guidelines — firm, flat mattress with no pillows, toys, or loose bedding
- •ensure cot meets Australian Standards (AS/NZS 2172)
- •cot slats should be 50–95mm apart
- •no bumpers, wedges, or sleep positioners in the cot
- •keep cords (blinds, monitors, lamps) out of reach
- •anchor all furniture including change tables and dressers
- •never leave a baby unattended on a change table
- •keep nappy bags, creams, and small items out of reach
laundry
- •lock cupboards containing detergent pods, cleaning products, and chemicals
- •laundry pods are a serious poisoning risk — store up high in a locked cupboard
- •keep the laundry door closed
- •don't leave buckets of water unattended (drowning risk)
- •keep the iron and cord out of reach
outdoor & garage
- •fence pools and spas to Australian Standard (AS 1926.1) — see our pool fencing guide
- •lock garden sheds and garages
- •store tools, chemicals, and fertilisers out of reach
- •check for poisonous plants in the garden
- •ensure outdoor play equipment is on soft surfaces (bark, rubber)
- •supervise near driveways — always check behind the car before reversing
- •empty paddling pools after every use
- •secure trampoline with a net and lock when not in use
poisoning emergency
if you suspect your child has swallowed something harmful:
- •call the Poisons Information Centre: 13 11 26 (24/7, Australia-wide)
- •if your child is unconscious, not breathing, or having a seizure: call 000
- •do not make your child vomit unless told to by a health professional
related guides
this checklist covers common hazards but isn't exhaustive. every home is different. products mentioned should meet Australian Standards where applicable.