Walls & Floors Are walls in good condition, with no peeling or cracking paint (which could contain lead in older homes)? Are there any nails in the walls that should be removed? Are mirrors and frames hung securely? Are rugs secured to floors or fitted with anti-slip pads underneath? Are the floors free of clutter? Do your kids wear slippers when on a wooden or slippery floor? Doors & Windows Have you installed a finger-pinch guard on doors? Have you removed the rubber tips from all door stops or installed one-piece door stops? Have you placed doorknob covers on doors so that your toddler won't be able to leave the house? Do all glass doors in the house contain decorative markers so they won't be mistaken for open doors? Do all sliding doors have childproof locks? Is all furniture placed away from windows? Are there safety bars or window guards installed on upper-story windows? Are there window stops to keep the windows from closing all the way? Are window blind cords tied with clothespins or specially designed cord clips? Furniture Are bookshelves and other furniture secured to the wall or floor so they can't be tipped over? Is there protective padding on corners of coffee tables, furniture, and countertops that have sharp edges? Do toy chests and other chests have safety hinges to prevent them from closing? Have you checked that all used or hand-me-down baby equipment hasn't been recalled? Are flatscreen TVs mounted securely on the wall? Are older, heavy TVs on a low, stable piece of furniture? Are there stops on all removable drawers to prevent them from falling out? Are there safety locks on drawers and cabinets? Are beds and cribs away from windows? Stairways Are there hardware-mounted safety gates at the top and bottom of every stairway? Do the gates meet current safety standards? Are stairways clear of tripping hazards, such as loose carpeting or toys? Have you placed a guard on banisters and railings if your child can fit through the rails? Are the railings and banisters secure? Is the door to the basement steps kept locked? Is there enough light in the stairway? Back to Articles Related Articles First Aid: Falls Although most result in mild bumps and bruises, some falls can cause serious injuries that need medical attention. Read More Household Safety Checklists Young kids love to explore their homes, but are unaware of the potential dangers. Learn how to protect them with our handy household safety checklists. Read More Household Safety: Preventing Injuries From Falling, Climbing, and Grabbing Here's how to help protect kids from a dangerous fall or a tumble into a sharp edge in your home. Read More Choosing Safe Baby Products Choosing baby products can be confusing, but one consideration must never be compromised: your little one's safety. Read More Lead Poisoning Long-term exposure to lead can cause serious health problems, particularly in young kids, so it's important to find out whether your child might be at risk for lead exposure. Read More Childproofing and Preventing Household Accidents You might think of babies and toddlers when you hear the words "babyproofing" or "childproofing," but unintentional injury is the leading cause of death in kids 14 and under. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.