New Parent Safety Checklist

Babies don’t care if you’re tired, stressed, or overwhelmed—they roll, grab, climb, chew, and kick with zero warning. This checklist keeps your home safe during the chaos by covering the real hazards most new parents overlook.

For a broader home hazard review, see Home Hazard Identification.

1. Infant Sleep Safety

• [ ] Baby sleeps on their back—every nap, every night
• [ ] Firm mattress, tight sheet, no blankets or toys
• [ ] Crib or bassinet meets modern safety standards
• [ ] No pillows, wedges, or bumpers
• [ ] Keep crib away from blinds, cords, or shelves

2. Baby-Proofing the Home

• [ ] Install outlet covers in all living areas
• [ ] Anchor dressers, bookshelves, and TVs to walls
• [ ] Lock cabinets with chemicals, cleaners, or medications
• [ ] Use baby gates at stairs or dangerous rooms
• [ ] Remove choking hazards (coins, batteries, magnets)
• [ ] Keep houseplants out of reach (some are toxic)

3. Fire and CO Safety

• [ ] Test all smoke alarms
• [ ] Confirm one alarm is near the nursery
• [ ] Test CO alarms if you have gas appliances
• [ ] Keep space heaters far from cribs and play areas

4. Bathing and Water Safety

• [ ] Set water heater to 120°F (49°C) max
• [ ] Never leave baby unattended in bath, even for seconds
• [ ] Use non-slip mats in bathtub
• [ ] Keep electrical devices far from water areas

5. Kitchen Safety With a Baby in the House

• [ ] Keep hot pans on back burners
• [ ] Turn pot handles inward
• [ ] Store knives and glassware out of reach
• [ ] Don’t hold baby while cooking at the stove

6. Medication and Chemical Safety

• [ ] Lock up medications and vitamins
• [ ] Use childproof caps
• [ ] Store cleaners in high cabinets or with safety latches
• [ ] Keep laundry pods completely out of reach

7. Travel and Vehicle Safety

• [ ] Install a rear-facing car seat correctly
• [ ] Register the car seat for recall alerts
• [ ] Keep a baby emergency kit in the car
• [ ] Never leave baby in a parked car, even briefly

8. Emergency Preparedness

• [ ] Stock infant supplies in your emergency kit
• [ ] Keep extra formula, diapers, and wipes
• [ ] Write down pediatrician contact info
• [ ] Have a small first-aid kit specifically for infants
• [ ] Learn infant CPR (worth it—no shortcuts)

9. Pets and Baby Safety

• [ ] Never leave baby unsupervised with pets
• [ ] Keep pet food and water bowls out of baby’s reach
• [ ] Use baby gates to separate pets as needed

Babies move, pull, chew, and roll faster than you think. Handle this checklist now, and you remove 90% of the hazards before they ever get near them.