Baby Safety Equipment:
The Must-Have's

Here are the recommendations and suggestions for the safety equipment that are "must-have's" in your home.

{Photo by Phil Wood}

The only piece of equipment not listed here in detail are baby safety gates. This is such an important topic, I've given it its own webpage.

For example, you will need electrical outlet covers in all the rooms of the house, and childproof locks in the bathroom as well as the kitchen. Read through the whole list, or better yet consult the safety checklist, to get the whole picture.

It costs a bit more than the cheaper version, but is definitely worth the extra money. If you have to re-wind everywhere you wish to put down the blinds, you may choose not to do it at all, which is at best a waste of money and at worst, hazardous to your baby. Spend the extra money to make sure the cord is always wound.

For Appliances... TVs are really heavy items. The last thing you want to happen is have your infant spy that tempting remote control on top and start climbing his way to grab it. Secure your TV with these anti-slip appliance straps to keep your television firmly in place. They are easy to install and are definitely a smart purchase.

For a few more dollars, you could get the Expandable Bumper by Safety 1st. The bumper is stretched to fit tables 100" - 152", so you don't need to cut, but you will need to measure. They will even fit around round tables. If it doesn't fit tightly, it may sag in the middle. If you purchase it and it doesn't seem to fit, don't send it back. Just cut it and sew it smaller.

If you don't want to cover all the edges and are only concerned with the corners, KidKushion makes little corner covers that hold up well. You can even order them in white, black or brown.

{Photo by Christina Welsh}

Kidkushion's fireplace bumper pad is attractive, easy to clean, and stays in place well. If you have a fireplace that sticks out in your living room, it is probably a good investment for the years ahead.

A hearthgate is also a wise purchase for fireplaces. See reviews of the best gates here.

This fire extinguisher by First Alert isn't clunky and is easily hidden near the fireplace for emergencies.

These spring-loaded covers by KidCo are another smart buy. The outlet is constantly covered until you slide over the cover to plug something in. I love the 100% hassle-free protection. I never have to worry the holes are exposed.

Last, but not least, you can cheaply buy covers that are simply inserted into the holes, like caps. (Take these from Kid Co, for example.) I like to keep a handful in a drawer in case an outlet is exposed by unplugging or moving furniture. These can be difficult to remove once in, and they are easy to lose, so I would only use these for those outlets that won't get a lot of use.

Childproof Locks

If your freezer is at the bottom of your fridge and pulls out like a drawer, you'll need a lock to secure it from unwanted exploration. The same can be said for low microwaves or dishwashers.

The Multi-Purpose Appliance Latch by Safety First is a good choice. You could use it for your fridge as well, but it is harder to open than the Parental Units version above. I would use this model for those appliances you may not be using as often.

The oven lock is another important part of childproofing your home. If your toddling infant decides to pull on the handle and open it, he could seriously burn himself, or even tip the oven over when he attempted to crawl up on the door. An oven lock like this one by Safety First is heat resistant and will make opening easy for you, and impossible for him.

Drawer latches are also a must-have for childproofing your home.

Lower cabinets should always have childproof latches on them. perfervid, you want childproof latches that won't allow your little one to get even a hand inside. These adhesive locks are extremely simple to install not a pain at all to use. You don't even have to drill into your cabinets to install them.

Spring-opening cabinets that don't have handles or knobs can also be protected by using childproof latches that are attached with an adhesive that is strong enough to hold, but able to be wiped away without damaging furniture. These child safety straps can be attached horizontally or vertically for single doors.

If your door doesn't have a round handle, or if you'd rather not mess with the covers, install a simple hook and eye at the top of the doorframe.

This product would also work for outdoor deck railings, though you may have to purchase more than one. It comes in a 16 foot roll.

If the guard is just too expensive, try using a window stopper that attaches to the glass and keeps the window (or door) from opening to wide and allowing your child to slip through.

{Photo by Inferis}

A curious child may open the lid and peer inside, leaning so far forward that he falls in and cannot right himself. It is a severe tragedy.

Some parents complain that it is difficult to find a good lock because toilets come in such a wide range of designs. However, most people seem to like the toilet lock by KidCo, so I would start there.

• A bathtub thermometer to gauge the water temperature. (Like this digital one by MOBI.)
• A bathtub safety rail to help your little one get in and out of the tub safely.
• A faucet cover that will protect her little head from nasty bumps. (This cute elephant even dispenses bubbles!)

These are the most important baby safety equipment items out there. Consider them as an important investment you will make in the years of growth and exploration still ahead of you.

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