10 Common Childproofing Mistakes Parents Make (And How to Fix Them)

Ensuring your home is safe for your child is a top priority, but even the most careful parents can overlook key hazards. Childproofing is about more than just covering outlets and installing baby gates. Here are the ten most common childproofing mistakes parents make and how you can fix them to keep your little one safe.

1. Ignoring Furniture Tip-Over Risks

Many parents assume heavy furniture like dressers, bookshelves, and TVs are stable. However, these can tip over if a child climbs on them.

Fix It: Secure heavy furniture to the wall using anti-tip straps and always place TVs on sturdy, low stands.

2. Not Locking Cabinets and Drawers

Children are naturally curious and will explore cabinets, often finding dangerous items like cleaning supplies, medications, or sharp objects.

Fix It: Use safety latches or magnetic locks on all cabinets and drawers, especially in the kitchen and bathroom.

3. Overlooking Small Choking Hazards

Tiny objects like coins, buttons, batteries, and small toys pose serious choking risks.

Fix It: Regularly inspect floors, under furniture, and toy bins for small items. Use a choking hazard tester (a toilet paper roll works well) to determine if an object is too small.

4. Relying on Outlet Covers Alone

Outlet covers are a popular childproofing tool, but many kids can remove them easily.

Fix It: Use sliding outlet covers or install tamper-resistant outlets that prevent children from inserting objects.

5. Not Installing Stair Gates Correctly

Improperly installed or flimsy stair gates can create more danger than protection.

Fix It: Choose hardware-mounted gates for stair tops and pressure-mounted gates for doorways. Always follow the manufacturer's installation guidelines.

6. Underestimating Window Dangers

Windows pose a fall risk, especially in multi-story homes.

Fix It: Install window guards or stops to prevent windows from opening more than four inches. Keep furniture away from windows to prevent climbing.

7. Forgetting About Cord Safety

Blind cords and other hanging cords can be a strangulation hazard.

Fix It: Use cordless blinds or install cord wraps to keep cords out of reach. Never place cribs near windows with cords.

8. Assuming Pets Are Safe Around Babies

Even the friendliest pets can react unpredictably around small children.

Fix It: Always supervise interactions, teach gentle touch, and create safe spaces for pets and children to retreat when needed.

9. Not Securing Heavy Appliances

Large appliances like ovens, refrigerators, and washing machines can tip or be pulled open by curious toddlers.

Fix It: Use anti-tip brackets for stoves and secure appliance doors with childproof locks.

10. Delaying Childproofing Until Baby is Mobile

Many parents wait until their baby starts crawling to childproof, but accidents can happen earlier.

Fix It: Start childproofing during pregnancy so your home is ready before your baby becomes mobile.

Need Expert Childproofing Help in the Bay Area?

If you're feeling overwhelmed by childproofing your home, let SafetyNook help! We offer expert childproofing services throughout San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland, and surrounding Bay Area cities. Our specialists provide in-home safety evaluations and professional installations tailored to your family's needs.

Visit www.safetynook.net today to schedule a consultation and ensure your home is as safe as possible for your little one.

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