Guides · Safety · 0–12 months · 3 min read

Babyproofing, Stage by Stage

Babyproof one developmental stage ahead — what to secure before rolling, crawling, and cruising begin.

The golden rule of babyproofing: prepare for the skill your baby *hasn't shown you yet*. Babies roll, grab, crawl, and climb for the first time without warning — so stay one stage ahead.

From day one (0–4 months)

• Safe sleep is babyproofing priority #1: bare crib, firm flat mattress, back-sleeping, no cords or blind pulls within reach of the crib.
• Never leave baby unattended on a changing table, bed, or sofa — even pre-rollers can flip unexpectedly. Keep one hand on baby.
• Set your water heater to 120°F (49°C) max, install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and never carry hot drinks while holding baby.

Rolling and grabbing (4–6 months)

• Everything within arm's reach goes in the mouth: sweep floors for coins, batteries, and siblings' small toys. A ruthless rule of thumb — if it fits through a toilet-paper tube, it's a choking hazard.
• Button batteries and water-absorbing beads are emergencies if swallowed — lock them away completely.
• Move crib mattress down before baby can push up.

Crawling (6–10 months)

• Get on your hands and knees and tour each room at baby height — you'll spot hazards instantly.
• Cover outlets, latch low cupboards (especially cleaning products and medicines — store them high and locked), pad sharp corners, and secure trailing cords.
• Install hardware-mounted gates at the top and bottom of stairs.

Pulling up and cruising (9–12 months)

• **Anchor furniture and TVs to the wall** — tip-overs are a leading cause of serious injury.
• Keep chairs away from counters and windows; fit window guards or stops.
• Use back burners with pot handles turned inward.

Babyproofing reduces risk — supervision does the rest.

*Always consult your pediatrician for advice specific to your baby.*