Once your baby starts moving, your home transforms from comfortable living space into an obstacle course of hidden hazards. Having a solid babyproofing supplies checklist before that happens means you're protecting your child instead of scrambling to catch up. Here's exactly what you need, room by room.
Why a Checklist Matters Before You Shop
Buying random safety products without a plan wastes money and leaves real gaps. A structured checklist helps you prioritize by risk level, estimate costs accurately (most families spend $100–$400 on babyproofing basics), and avoid duplicating items you don't need.
The Core Babyproofing Supplies Checklist
Outlet and Electrical Safety
Electrical outlets sit at perfect baby-eye level and draw curious fingers. Cover every accessible outlet, not just the obvious ones.
- Sliding outlet covers – More secure than plug-in caps, which babies can pull out. Budget around $15–$25 for a multipack.
- Power strip covers – Don't overlook the strip behind the TV stand.
- Cord shorteners or cord clips – Loose cords are strangulation hazards; keep them bundled and wall-mounted.
Cabinet and Drawer Locks
Cabinets under the kitchen sink, bathroom vanity, and any drawer with sharp tools are top priorities.
- Magnetic cabinet locks – Invisible from outside, opened with a magnetic key. Expect $25–$40 for a 12-piece kit.
- Spring-latch locks – More affordable at $10–$20 per pack, though they require adult finger strength to open.
- Drawer stops – Simple plastic clips that prevent drawers from opening more than an inch or two.
Gates and Barriers
Gates are non-negotiable once your baby crawls or pulls to stand.
- Pressure-mounted gates – Fine for room separations, but never use them at the top of stairs.
- Hardware-mounted gates – Required at stairway tops and bottoms; look for ASTM-certified models. These run $60–$150.
- Hearth gates or fireplace barriers – A padded, freestanding fence around the fireplace protects against sharp edges and heat.
Furniture Anchoring
Tip-over accidents send tens of thousands of children to emergency rooms every year. Dressers, bookshelves, and TVs are the main culprits.
- Anti-tip furniture straps – Anchor bookshelves and dressers directly to wall studs. Most kits cost $10–$20 and include hardware.
- TV straps or TV wall mounts – Flat-screens mounted to the wall are far safer than furniture-top placement.
- Non-slip furniture pads – Place under rugs and chair legs to prevent sliding.
Corner and Edge Guards
Coffee tables, fireplace hearths, and kitchen island corners are sharp hazards at toddler head height.
- Foam corner guards – Adhesive-backed and inexpensive ($8–$15 per pack). Replace them when adhesive weakens.
- Edge bumper strips – Long foam or rubber strips that run along table edges. Look for non-toxic materials.
Door and Window Safety
- Door pinch guards – Soft foam sleeves that slip over door hinges to prevent finger-crushing. Around $8–$12 for a two-pack.
- Door knob covers – Prevent toddlers from opening doors to stairways, garages, or outdoor spaces.
- Window stops or window guards – Limit how far windows open (no more than 4 inches). Required safety item, especially above the ground floor.
- Sliding door locks – A simple bar or pin lock prevents toddlers from opening patio doors.
Bathroom-Specific Supplies
- Toilet locks – Toddlers can fall into toilets headfirst; a latch lock costs around $10–$15.
- Non-slip bath mat – Suction-cup mats inside the tub prevent falls.
- Faucet cover – A soft rubber cover over the tub spout protects against head bumps.
- Water temperature check – Set your water heater to 120°F or lower to prevent scalds.
How to Prioritize Your Shopping
Start with the highest-risk hazards before your baby hits the six-month mark:
- Stair gates and furniture anchors first
- Cabinet locks on chemical and sharp-item storage
- Outlet covers throughout the home
- Window and door safety
- Bathroom locks and tub safety
Most of these items require minimal installation, but furniture anchoring should be done carefully into wall studs — use a stud finder and follow manufacturer weight ratings.
Comparing Products and Suppliers
Not all babyproofing products are built equally, and prices vary significantly between brands and retailers. Mercoly makes it easy to compare trusted Babyproofing & Safety Supplies providers in one place, so you can find vetted products and local installers without hunting across a dozen websites.
One Last Thing
Test every product you install — locks, gates, and straps all need a firm adult-force check before you trust them to protect your child.
Start comparing babyproofing supplies and providers on Mercoly today.