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

• Firm, flat sleep surface; fitted sheet only — no loose blankets, pillows, or soft toys in the sleep area (follow current pediatric guidance you use with your clinician)
• Crib/bassinet clear of hanging mobiles within reach
• No cords (monitor, blinds, chargers) within reach of the sleep space
• Room temperature comfortable; follow your clinician's guidance on overheating
• Mesh or approved bassinet sides per manufacturer; no DIY soft padding

Falls and furniture

• Anchor dressers, bookshelves, and TVs that can tip — especially in baby's room
• Crib mattress at the correct height setting as baby grows (check manufacturer)
• No placing seats / bouncers on counters or tables
• Stairs: plan gate locations before crawling; install per instructions (top of stairs needs hardware-mounted gates in most setups)
• Windows: locks or guards as appropriate; corded blinds secured or replaced with cordless where feasible
• Balcony / deck doors: working latch; supervision plan

Water

• Water heater temperature set to a safe max per common safety guidance (often discussed around 120°F / 49°C — confirm what is appropriate for your household)
• Never leave baby in bath with a sibling "in charge"
• Toilet lids closed; consider latches if toddling siblings visit
• Buckets, dog bowls, and coolers emptied when not in use
• Pool / hot tub: barriers and rules if applicable; no exceptions for "just a second"

Poisons and medications

• All meds (including vitamins and iron) in child-resistant containers, high or locked
• Cleaning products moved up or latched — under-sink is not safe storage once mobile
• Laundry packets stored sealed and high
• Cannabis / THC / nicotine products locked like meds
• Button batteries and magnets: inventory remotes, cards, toys; store spares locked
• Poison Control number saved: 1-800-222-1222 (US)
• Plants: identify toxic ones; move or remove

Choking, cords, and small objects

• Coin, battery, and magnet sweep at floor level monthly
• Magnets and small hair accessories kept off low tables
• Blind / shade cords secured high
• Charging cords managed so they cannot loop or pull heavy devices
• Plastic bags and dry-cleaning bags out of reach and tied

Kitchen and heat

• Stove knob covers or habit: turn pot handles in; use back burners
• Hot liquids: no cups at table edge; no holding baby while drinking hot coffee
• Oven door: supervision when open; consider guards if needed later
• Knives and glass on high racks
• Fridge magnets that are large enough not to be choking hazards — or remove

Electricity and fire

• Outlet covers or tamper-resistant outlets in rooms baby will use
• Working smoke detectors on each floor; test monthly
• Carbon monoxide detectors if you have fuel appliances / garage attachment
• Fire extinguisher location known; escape plan discussed with adults
• Space heaters: stable, clear of fabrics, off when leaving the room

Gear checks

• Car seat: correct mode/install for current weight/height; check recalls
• Soft carriers: follow age/weight and airway guidelines from manufacturer
• Swings / bouncers: straps used; time limits; never as sleep substitutes if not designed/approved for sleep
• Recalled gear: search model numbers once; unsubscribe from impulse used-gear buys without checks

Re-walk trigger

• When baby rolls consistently: re-check floor clutter and cords
• 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