How to Toddler Proof Your Home and What Actually Needs to Change
- Amanda
- 22 hours ago
- 2 min read
Baby proofing for a baby that has just become curious and mobile is one thing. Toddler proofing is a completely different project. I now have two tiny tornados, that are running around and getting into all kinds of mischief. One can turn on the fireplace now because we have a switch, the other opens and slams the freezer door. The older can also now get through the baby gate! Why did no one warn me about this? I thought once we baby-proofed that would be enough but turns out toddlers find whole new modes of mischief!
They test absolutely everything. If you’re wondering what you’d need to toddle proof your house, here is what I would focus on. This is all 100% based on personal experience.
Upgrade Your Cabinet Locks
The adhesive strip ones in baby starter kits are fine for babies but toddlers pop them off. Magnetic cabinet locks are the real upgrade. They require a magnet key to open and toddlers cannot figure them out.
Switch to Tamper Resistant Outlet Cover
The little plastic plug covers are a choking hazard once toddlers figure out they can pull them out. Tamper resistant outlet plates replace the whole cover and have a spring mechanism that requires two simultaneous prongs to open. Toddlers cannot do it.
Door Handle Covers
Once they figure out door handles they are everywhere. Door handle covers make it so they cannot grip the handle to turn it. They look a little funny but they work.
Hardware Mounted Stair Gates
Gates at both top and bottom. Hardware mounted at the top of stairs specifically because pressure mounted gates can get pushed out by a toddler falling into them. Worth the extra screws. This is the one we use, it closes well behind me and no one will pinch their little finger in it.
Do your walls a favor and get this wall nanny to protect the walls.
Anchor Your Furniture
Tip overs are one of the leading causes of toddler injuries at home. According to the CPSC, 17,800 people are injured annually in furniture tip-over incidents and children represent 71 percent of fatalities. Any tall or heavy furniture needs to be anchored to the wall. Anti-tip furniture straps are cheap and easy.
Corner and Edge Guards
Coffee tables and fireplace hearths are the main ones. Toddlers fall and they fall hard. Corner guards on sharp furniture edges make a real difference.
Sources
CPSC 2024 Tip-Over Report — cpsc.gov
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