Baby Proofing - Chesterfield,MO

We only baby proofed dangerous things and taught our sons to stay out of things that weren't theirs for the rest. Definitely get the covers for the outlets. Make sure knives are out of reach. Move any type of toxic cleaning product to a high place--or better yet, just use non-toxic things like vinegar, baking soda, etc. Oh, and make sure they can't reach permanent markers!!! Other than that we taught our kids how to respect things in the house. It worked fine for us. And when we go to friend's houses they know how to respect their homes as well.
J.

Make sure that any freestanding furniture is anchored to the wall, like bookshelves (they love to empty them and climb on the shelves), large TVs, dressers, cabinets, etc. Cover outlets you're not using, and wrap up cords so they are out of reach and away from temptation. Rearrange your shelves so that books and knick knacks are out of reach. Lock up or clear out kitchen and bathroom cabinets that have dangerous items (cleaners, tools). They will try to open every drawer or cabinet in the house, so don't forget about the end tables in the living room or the TV cabinets. We ended up just emptying out our end tables and one holds his puzzles and the other has his books. Gate off any rooms that he shouldn't be in alone, and keep the bathroom doors closed. Teach everyone in your family to close the lid on the toilet after using it. Keep anything sharp or pointy well out of reach. There is so much, and just when you think you've gotten everything, there will be something else! Do not underestimate the determination of a toddler!! LOL!

A lot of things are a matter of whether or not your child is extremely curious. We could not predict a lot of what we've had to do. For example, we have a gate blocking off our stairs since we live in a duplex--upstairs is only sleeping and a bath. Now our gate is also covered in cardboard with duct tape since the kids were able to break out rungs and reach beyond to get into things they are not allowed to get into.

Our DVD tower doors have strap latches on them like the one on our fridge and microwave (exploding Hot Wheels? NO thank you!). Crawling can lead to pulling up on things, so make sure your tall furniture (or even not-so-tall) is anchored. I just use regular drywall screws through the backs of our bookshelves since they have the heavy cardboard backs. Our DVD tower is anchored at the top to our stair railing so the kids can't pull it over, all of our door knobs have knob covers (highly recommend!!), and we have the latches on our drawers and cupboards that have a hook inside so you have to press down inside the edge to open them. If you have exterior knobs there are other other latches that don't have to be installed.

We used cheap pressure gates for the kids' doorway and base of our stairs until they were old enough to climb them or knock them down. Depending on your child's ingenuity, you might consider something that will keep your windows from opening more than 4 inches or so, or opening them from the top. Our oldest pushed our cat out through a screen and found a large toy and climbed out the window after him (18 months old). We also bought knob covers for our stove, but the kids just pulled them off with the knobs inside and used them for rattles, so I would wait and see if you need such a thing. We just took the knobs off and pull them out if we have to use the stove.

You may find yourself getting creative. For a while we stored our dining chairs in our bathroom since the kids were always using them to get onto things, then we started just tying the legs to the table legs. That worked until the kids got strong enough to drag the table, too. Cover the basics like a pressure gate or two, outlet covers, drawers and cupboards, and doorknob covers. The rest you may or may not need but will figure out as your child becomes more mobile. =)

Corner covers!!!!!!!!!!! Our house was built in the 60's-70's and so everything is s 90 degree angle and also shorter than modern homes, so all cabinets are right at my son's head height! Get down on your hands and knee's and look around at her view of your house. You'd be surprised what you find down there!

The only things I did as far as babyproofing were to put outlet covers on the plugs, and I put a cabinet lock on the cupboard with cleaning supplies. Everything else I just keep a close eye on her, and tell her no touching.

If you really want cabinet locks that work and keep children out, invest in the time to put in magnetic Tot Locs. You can get them at Babies R Us. My hubby says they are a PITA to install, but I do home childcare and they are the only one acceptable my my states licensing requirements. Without then, I can not keep ANY cleaners, baggies/foil, toiletries, trash cans, etc in any cabinets. No pizza cutters, potato peelers and of course knives and scissors and such.

I simply got tired of not being able to put my toothpaste in my own bathroom drawer, then discovered these. We can now actually "live" in our own home. I just go thru and in about 2 minutes, I "flick" all the locking mechanisms to stay in the locked position on all these locks in my bathrooms and my kitchen and other places I have them on drawers and cabinets thru my home for my 11 hours of daycare M-F. Then I can open them up at night. I love them and they are my favorite thing!

He'll tell you what you need to babyproof - rather than going all out. Every kid is different in terms of what they'll get into. It's easiest (and cheapest) to just wait and see.

Ex: I never had to use outlet covers. DS could care less, and so far, DD isn't interested either. Cabinet handle locks, however, an absolute necessity! It depends on your handles. I use these and love them:
http://www.amazon.com/Safety-1st-48386-Grip-Cabinet/dp/B0...

For furniture doors, we wound up installing basic sliding locks diretly onto the furniture. Nothing else worked.

So wait and see, is my best suggestion.