Home safety checklist before crawling

Do this once in the early months, then re-walk the house when rolling becomes crawling. The goal is fewer serious hazards, not a plastic-wrapped home. Product standards and recalls change — check CPSC.gov and manufacturer notices for gear you own. This is practical home prep, not medical advice.

Checklist

Sleep space and falls

• Firm, flat sleep surface with fitted sheet only — no loose blankets, pillows, or soft toys in the sleep area (follow current pediatric guidance you use with your clinician)
• Clear crib/bassinet of hanging mobiles within reach
• Remove cords (monitor, blinds, chargers) from reach of the sleep space
• Anchor dressers, bookshelves, and TVs that can tip — especially in baby's room
• Plan stair-gate locations before crawling; install per instructions (top-of-stairs usually needs hardware-mounted gates)
• Secure window locks or guards; replace or secure corded blinds where feasible
• Lower crib mattress to the correct height setting as baby grows (check manufacturer)

Water, poisons, and small objects

• Set water heater to a safe max per common safety guidance (often discussed around 120°F / 49°C — confirm what fits your household)
• Empty buckets, dog bowls, and coolers when not in use
• Pool / hot tub barriers and rules in place (if applicable)
• Move all meds (including vitamins and iron) into child-resistant containers, high or locked
• Move cleaning products and laundry packets up or latched — under-sink fails once mobile
• Lock cannabis / THC / nicotine products like meds (if applicable)
• Inventory button batteries and magnets (remotes, cards, toys); store spares locked
• Save Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
• Identify toxic plants; move or remove them

Kitchen, heat, and electricity

• Build the habit: turn pot handles in; use back burners (knob covers if needed)
• Keep hot liquids off table edges; do not hold baby while drinking hot coffee
• Store knives and glass on high racks
• Install outlet covers or confirm tamper-resistant outlets in rooms baby will use
• Test smoke detectors on each floor monthly; add CO detectors if you have fuel appliances or an attached garage
• Know fire extinguisher location; discuss escape plan with adults

Gear checks and re-walk triggers

• Car seat: confirm correct mode/install for current weight/height; check recalls
• Soft carriers: follow manufacturer age/weight and airway guidelines
• Swings / bouncers: use straps and time limits; never as sleep substitutes if not designed for sleep
• Search owned gear model numbers for recalls once
• When belly-commando starts: install planned gates and latches that same week
• When pulling to stand approaches: re-check furniture anchoring and crib mattress height