If you have small children, toddlers and below, then this post should be helpful in your attempt to babyproof your home.

Rather than write a lengthy article, I am going to opt for a list format.

• Get a top of the stairs gate. Evenflo seems to make a good one that we have used. By the way I assume no liability for your decision to purchase any of these items. It’s sad that our society has come to that point but that’s my disclaimer.
• Get a plastic type adjustable gate for the bottom of the stairs. Forgot about that part didn’t you. Yes once they start crawling they will try to head up the steps as well as down.
• Get a baby gate with an extension to block off any large cased openings. Again Evenflo is the one we have used.
• Use a dog gate, baby gate or plastic expandable gate to block regular size doorways.
• Buy lots of plug covers. When you take them out to plug something in make sure you put the plug covers in a place away from the children but close enough to remember to replace them. The plug covers themselves can present a whole new choking hazard. If you choose you can buy large boxes which enclose the entire outlet. We use both options in our home.
• Buy door knob covers. This will keep little hands from opening important doors like the door to the garage or basement. They learn to lock and unlock very early in life.
• Quick hide the cords. This means the lamps have to go too if you want to ever relax that is. If not leave them and you can clean up broken light bulbs weekly. Also try to position furniture so it will hide cords.
• Keep every liquid, tool, and hazardous material out of their reach. That goes without saying.
• Remember to switch babies from small cribs to larger ones and then to toddler beds. For toddlers we like to keep the beds closer to the ground in case they do roll out.
• Babies and Toddlers like phones, remote controls, cords, computers and basically everything they are not supposed to like.
• Watch sitting drinks or liquids next to electronic equipment. It’s bad enough to have accidents which involve bumps, bruises and cleaning carpets. When the iphone goes down with the spill, then it starts to cost you money.
• Find a way to block off your deck or patio using a large plastic play yard type gate. This has worked well for us on many occasions.
• I almost forgot about the cabinets. They make little plastic hinges that will restrict your bathroom or kitchen cabinets from opening all the way. These still work for our oldest two children at 4 and 2 1/2.

Again this is not very polished but since we have 3 small children we get these questions a lot and we have found our lives much most relaxing employing these little tricks.