Which child-safety accessories are most important for babyproofing a home?

The most important child safety accessories for babyproofing are outlet covers, cabinet and drawer locks, corner and edge guards, door knob covers, safety gates and anti-tip furniture straps. Start with areas where children crawl, play and sleep, then add window locks and appliance latches as they become more mobile.

How do I choose the right safety gate for stairs and doorways?

To choose the right safety gate, measure the opening width, decide between pressure-mounted for doorways or hardware-mounted for stairs, check the height so a toddler can’t climb over, and look for a gate with a secure latch that adults can open one-handed but children cannot.

What should I look for in outlet covers and plug protectors for child safety?

For outlet covers and plug protectors, look for tamper-resistant designs that fully block access to live slots, fit snugly so small hands can’t pull them out, match the outlet type, and use sliding or self-closing mechanisms for frequently used outlets to avoid constant removal and reinsertion.

How can child-safety accessories help prevent furniture tip-overs?

Child safety accessories like anti-tip straps and wall anchors help prevent tip-overs by securing dressers, bookcases and TVs directly to wall studs. Install them at the top of the furniture, keep heavy items in lower drawers and avoid letting children climb or pull on shelves and doors.