Health & Safety Products The Best Baby-Proofing Products Will Provide Ease of Mind By Christine Luff, Christine Luff LinkedIn Twitter Christine Many Luff is a personal trainer, fitness nutrition specialist, and Road Runners Club of America Certified Coach. Learn about our editorial process Ashley Ziegler, Ashley Ziegler LinkedIn Ashley Ziegler is a lifestyle writer specializing in motherhood, family health, and consumer products. She has written for Romper, Moms.com, and more. Learn about our editorial process and Katrina Cossey Katrina Cossey Katrina Cossey is a freelance writer covering topics ranging from local and national news as well as writing and researching for parenting content. Learn about our editorial process Updated on April 13, 2022 Print We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Verywell Family / Amelia Manley Whether you’re prepping to bring baby home from the hospital or you’re watching your little one grow by the day, it’s never too early to childproof your home. From sharp corners and stairs to cables and fireplaces, there are many potentially dangerous situations that can be avoided with the right products. 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. Our Top Picks Best for Table Corners: Sure Basics Soft Baby Proofing Corner Guards at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Stairs: Cardinal Gates Stairway Angle Baby Gate at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Furniture: Safety 1st TV & Furniture Safety Straps at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Outlets: Dreambaby Outlet Plug Covers at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Electrical and Cable Cords: SimpleCord Cable Concealer at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Fireplace: KidCo Auto Close Hearth Baby Gate at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Blinds Cords: Iba Innovations Blind Cord Winder at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Door Knobs: Wittle Door Knob Safety Cover at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Oven Knobs: Safety 1st Child Proof Clear View Stove Knob Covers at Amazon Jump to Review Best Window Protectors: Safety Innovations Window and Door Babyproof Safety Lock at Amazon Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks What to Look for FAQ Why Trust Verywell Family Best for Table Corners Sure Basics Soft Baby Proofing Corner Guards Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon Pros Available in several colors to match different furniture finishes Easy to install Won’t damage furniture Cons Adhesive shortens the lifespan of the product Padding is thick, so it’s not always discrete Some children may be able to pull them off The Sure Basics Soft Baby Proofing Corner Guards rank high on our list because these thick foam cushions will prevent bumps and bruises from sharp furniture, corners, and edges. They’re easy to secure to all surfaces, including wood, glass, marble, quartz, and granite, by just removing the tape backing and sticking on. Available in numerous colors to match your furniture, these safety corners are made of high-quality materials and contain no BPA, phthalates, heavy metals, or latex. Price at time of publication: $16 Best for Stairs Cardinal Gates Stairway Angle Baby Gate Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Home Depot Pros Safe for top or bottom of the stairs Easy for parents to open (but not kids) Adjustable width to fit your space Cons Installation can be difficult Latch may not catch each time Heavier when used with extension pieces Not all baby safety gates work for the top of the stairs, but this one from Cardinal Gates is ideal for blocking access to lots of areas. It features a latch system that little ones can’t figure out, but still allows one-handed operation by adults. An optional one-way stop bracket can be used to prevent the gate from opening over a stairway. 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 Best for Furniture Safety 1st TV & Furniture Safety Straps Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon Pros Easy to install Works with large and small pieces of furniture/TVs Very durable Cons Included hardware may not work Does not have a universal design that works with all TVs Drill recommended for installation Adventurous toddlers can view a large dresser or bookshelf as the perfect climbing apparatus, so it’s critical that parents take steps to keep them from tipping over. These sturdy straps are easy to install, and they’ll secure large furniture (as well as TVs) to the wall. Made with high-quality materials and hand-crafted triple stitching, they’re totally reliable and durable, giving you peace of mind. Price at time of publication: $10 Best for Outlets Dreambaby Outlet Plug Covers Courtesy of Walmart View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros Cost-effective Easy to install Clear plastic keeps them discrete Cons May not be a perfect fit for every outlet The plastic can feel a little flimsy Some children may be able to pull them out Once your baby starts standing and cruising, electrical outlets become a serious risk to them, as well as older children who may be tempted to stick their fingers and other objects into them. These Dreambaby outlet plugs are a simple, cost-effective way to keep your kids safe. They’re a universal size and a cinch to install. And with 48 in a pack, you’ll have plenty left over to bring to grandma’s house. Price at time of publication: $7 Here Are the Best Baby Gates to Meet All Your Childproofing Needs Best for Electrical and Cable Cords SimpleCord Cable Concealer Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros Peel and stick design is easy to install Can be painted to blend in with walls Two length options (150 inches or 300 inches) Cons Adhesive is very strong and difficult to move if needed Adhesive can take paint off a wall upon removal Connecting pieces together can be difficult for some Cable concealers are a must-have childproofing product. Not only do they keep your baby safe, but they also look much neater than a tangled mess of cords. They’re simple to install, with easy-to-follow instructions for using peel and stick tape or drywall anchors with screws. 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 Best for Fireplace KidCo Auto Close Hearth Baby Gate Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Target Pros Large enough to wrap around a fireplace Adjustable width Stylish design Cons Can be difficult to open (requires two hands) Costly Difficult to install for some A fireplace can be one of the biggest hazards to your baby, and keeping little ones away from it is not an easy task. This baby gate from KidCo is long enough that you can use it to block off your hearth area, but you can still access it through the convenient self-locking gate. 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 Best for Blinds Cords Iba Innovations Blind Cord Winder Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon Pros Fast and easy installation Won’t cause wall damage Budget-friendly Cons Each piece sold individually Effective, but not aesthetically pleasing Unwrapping cord can be difficult Keep dangling blinds cords out of reach with these effective cord winders. They’re simple and quick to install without any screws or tape needed, so you don’t have to worry about any wall or paint damage. 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 Best for Door Knobs Wittle Wittle Door Knob Safety Cover Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros Easy to snap into place, unsnap, and adjust Cover spins to prevent door knob from turning Sleek design Cons Not a universal fit design Adults may have trouble opening doors Some children can open them These Wittle Door Knob Safety Covers are perfect for keeping little ones from entering rooms or accessing a closet or pantry. Easy to install, you just snap the two halves around the doorknob. Although they’re designed for standard and spherical doorknobs, they may also work for many other door knob types as long as the diameter of the widest part of the knob is below 2.5 inches. 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 Best for Oven Knobs Safety 1st Child Proof Clear View Stove Knob Covers Courtesy of Walmart View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros Easy to install Universal design Does not require the use of adhesives Cons The design is somewhat bulky Not ideal for stoves with smaller knobs Some children can easily pull them off Stove knobs are tempting to curious kids and they’re at just the right height for toddlers to grab. These stove knob covers from Safety 1st help keep little fingers from accessing the dials. They’re easy to install, with a universal design and no adhesives necessary. Kids can’t figure out the hinged lid, but parents can still easily access and operate the knobs. The clear cover allows you to see that the knob is in the right position. Price at time of publication: $10 Best Window Protectors Safety Innovations Window and Door Babyproof Safety Lock Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros Ease of use Easy installation with adhesive tape Clear design Cons Older kids may be able unlock Limits how far a window can be opened Can be bumped open Childproofing your windows can feel like an overwhelming task, but these safety locks from Safety Innovations can make it easy and inexpensive. Easy to use, they’ll keep windows and doors locked until you want to open them by just sliding the lock and releasing it. They’re also simple to install and don’t require any drilling into window or door frames. You just peel the paper off the heavy-duty industrial strength tape and attach it to your window or glass door. Price at time of publication: $15 Best for Cabinets Vkania Child Safety Cabinet Locks Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon Pros Adhesive backing for easy installation Key-free design Designed for cabinets and drawers Cons Proper alignment during installation can be difficult Can peel off paint upon removal Adhesive may fall off easily These sturdy and durable cabinet lock latches will keep toddlers from exploring inside cabinets. They’re installed with a strong adhesive backing, so there’s no concern about drilling or damaging your cabinets. 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 Best for Toilet Safety 1st Outsmart Toilet Lock Courtesy of Walmart View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros Works with most toilet seats Easy to install and remove Decoy button for kids Cons Adhesive backing may wear off over time May scratch toilet upon removal Can be removed by some children Toilets always catch the attention of curious kids, but this toilet lock from Safety 1st will keep them safe. It has a unique decoy button that lets them think it will open the toilet, but pushing it has no effect. Adults will know that the smooth sides actually hide the functional buttons that open the lid. 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 Best Pinch Guard Jool Baby Products Door Pinch Guards Courtesy of Walmart View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Home Depot Pros Compatible with most standard doors Easy to install Won’t cause damage to the door or frame Cons Won’t work with specialty doors Can break easily Material is not soft If your toddler loves to play with doors, these pinch guards will prevent their little fingers (or the dog’s tail!) from getting slammed or pinched. Made from high-grade EVA foam, they’re compatible with standard doors. They’re easy to install in seconds—just place the pinch guard on the side or top of the door—and they won’t cause any damage to your door. Price at time of publication: $9 Best for Drawers Munchkin Xtraguard Dual Action Multi Use Latches Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Munchkin.com Pros Easy to install Can be installed two different ways Adhesive backing won’t damage cabinets Cons Design causes the latches to jam up occasionally Adhesive can be too weak at times Difficult removal for some Little ones love to open drawers and grab the contents, often creating a mess or accessing dangerous items. These Munchkin Xtraguard Dual Action Multi-use Latches make it hard for children to get into drawers, but easy for adults to open. They’re easy and quick to install and the flexible strap even allows you to latch them around corners. The included adhesive removes easily without damaging surfaces. Price at time of publication: $9 The Best Video Baby Monitors for Peace of Mind in the Next Room, or Miles Away Final Verdict An option that's sure to get a lot of use, the Sure Basics Baby-Proofing Corner Guards (view at Amazon), keeps bruises or bumps at bay, easily secures to most surfaces, and is free of BPA and heavy metals. If you have a multi-level home, the Cardinal Gates Stairway Angle Baby Gate (view at Amazon) will keep baby from climbing the stairs before they're ready. What to Look for in Baby-Proofing Products Purpose Baby-proofing products are designed for specific needs and shouldn't be used in a way outside of their intended purpose. For example, if you’re looking for a product to baby-proof your cabinets, you should avoid using it to childproof your doors or toilet. Most baby-proofing products include a list of intended uses to help guide you when buying. 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. Frequently Asked Questions What age should I start child proofing? The earlier you start babyproofing, the better. Prioritize the things that can pose a risk to the youngest kids first, like blinds cords and lower cabinets, but don’t wait too long before expanding out, because as soon as your baby can roll over, they’re technically mobile.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. Do I have to childproof my home? While no one is going to come knocking on your door for a home check to ensure you’ve baby-proofed everything, it’s still extremely important to do. Even the most attentive parent can’t have their eyes on their child at all times, so baby-proofing products can help fill in the gaps. In fact, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), most child poisonings happen when parents are at home with their child, but not paying attention.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. Why Trust Verywell Family 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. 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. 2 Sources Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Historic safety standard to eliminate majority of corded window coverings from u. S. Market takes effect – window covering safety council. Childproofing your home for poisons. HealthyChildren.org. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit