To prevent your curious kiddo from touching what they shouldn’t, keep in mind your home layout and think ahead for sealing off certain areas or rooms. Before stocking up on babyproofing products, be sure to find products that are easy to use for adults while still being effective in protecting your busy tots. We carefully considered purpose, design, material, value, ease of assembly, and ease of use when reviewing products. Here are the best baby-proofing products that can help your baby safely explore your space. Price at time of publication: $16 Made of lightweight, high-quality aluminum, this gate is virtually rustproof and has a powder-coated finish that’s durable and easy to clean. It’s adjustable and can block openings from 27 to 42.5 inches, with optional extenders sold separately. Price at time of publication: $100 Price at time of publication: $10 Price at time of publication: $7 Each package comes with six cable covers, providing 150 inches of cord concealment, while simultaneously improving the look of tangled cords. The slim and sleek design blends with any décor and can even be painted to match your walls. Price at time of publication: $20 Sturdy and easy to install, this versatile gate can also be used at the bottom of stairs, to block off a room, or as a freestanding play area. The classic wrought iron look will complement any décor. Price at time of publication: $250 Made of durable, clear polycarbonate, they’re super affordable and ready to use right out of the box. However, it’s important to note that as of 2018 window coverings can no longer be sold with blind cords as they pose a strangulation hazard. Price at time of publication: $10 They’re also easy for adults to use by placing your thumb and index finger through the holes in the cover, gripping the knob, and turning to open the door. Kids’ little fingers won’t be able to grip the knob to open the door, so the cover will spin freely around the knob. Price at time of publication: $10 Price at time of publication: $10 Price at time of publication: $15 With no key required to open them, you don’t have to worry about losing a key. Easy and cost-effective, these locks can also be used on drawers, so you can use them in your entire kitchen or bathroom. Price at time of publication: $10 With a design that fits most toilet seats, it’s simple to install and the strap easily detaches for when you have guests over. Price at time of publication: $12 Price at time of publication: $9 Price at time of publication: $9 Similarly, it’s important to pay attention to the details of baby-proofing products, because they sometimes come in variations, so you want to be sure you’re getting the right one. Baby gates are a good example because some are made for the top and bottom of the stairs, while others are only safe for the bottom of the stairs. Also, many gates have adjustable widths, so you need to be careful to buy one that is designed to fit your space.
Ease of Use
For caregivers, baby-proofing products should be easy to use in a number of ways. First and foremost, adults need to be able to operate the product (there’s nothing like being locked out of a room or a cabinet because you can’t figure out how to work the safety latch). More than that, you need to be able to operate it easily, like a baby gate that can be opened using just one hand while you hold your toddler with the other. The product should also be easy to install as well as uninstall when the time is right. If you’re not comfortable using power tools, then choosing products with an adhesive backing instead of those that require drilling will make installation a breeze.
Effectiveness
Effectiveness is essential to a baby-proofing product. If it’s not effective, then it won’t keep your child safe. If you’re shopping online, take the extra time to read through shopper reviews to see if there are frequent complaints around effectiveness. Also, keep your child’s age in mind when considering well a product will work. What may be great at keeping a baby and young toddler away from harm may be very simple for an older toddler or preschooler to figure out. Whenever possible, it’s best to get a baby-proofing product that will work for multiple ages, simply for the sake of longevity. However, when that’s not an option be sure to replace old products that are no longer effective for your child’s age.
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Christine Luff is a freelance writer who covers fitness, health, parenting, and other topics. She’s also mom to a 13-year-old daughter and 11-year-old son. Even if you can’t get an early start on baby-proofing, do your best to make sure it’s done before your baby starts crawling and cruising. Remember, little ones are curious, so if there is something they want to touch, they’ll do whatever they can to reach for it, no matter how dangerous it might be. At a minimum, parents should be sure their child cannot access any medications, cleaning products, trash, alcohol, small objects, sharp objects, beauty and hygiene products, nicotine, and houseplants. Additional reporting by Ashley Ziegler. Ashley Ziegler is a full-time parenting writer and mom to a two-year-old and a five-year-old. She actively baby-proofed her home for both of her kids and considered her personal experiences when evaluating these products. Other considerations she made include ease of use, installation and removal, effectiveness, and user reviews.
