Quick answer
Start baby proofing when your baby begins to move—around 6 months or earlier if rolling or scooting. Begin with doorknob covers on rooms you want off-limits, then add baby gates at the top and bottom of stairs, and finish by securing small spaces like hallways and kitchens.
When to Start Baby Proofing
The best time to start is before your baby is mobile. Most babies begin rolling between 4 and 6 months, crawling around 7 to 10 months, and walking between 12 and 15 months. Use these milestones as a general guide, but begin earlier if your baby shows signs of scooting or pulling up. Starting early gives you time to test each solution before it becomes urgent.
Doorknob Covers Installation
Doorknob covers prevent little hands from turning knobs and opening doors to unsafe areas like bathrooms, laundry rooms, or basements. Evenflo Doorknob Covers are made of high-quality plastic and fit most standard, round doorknob sizes. To install, snap the top and bottom halves together around the knob, then twist the threaded round face cover on until secure. Test by trying to turn the knob yourself—if it won't budge, it's on correctly.
Baby Gate Placement
Place gates at the top and bottom of stairs, plus any doorway you want to block. For stairs, use a hardware-mounted gate at the top—pressure-mounted gates can slip. At the bottom, a pressure-mounted gate is usually fine. Measure the opening first; most gates list a width range. Avoid placing a gate where your child could use nearby furniture to climb over.
Childproofing Stairs
Stairs need more than a gate. Check that handrails are secure and balusters are no more than 4 inches apart. If gaps are wider, use a mesh barrier or plexiglass panel. Keep stairs clear of toys, and install a gate that swings away from the stairs so it doesn't become a tripping hazard. For open staircases, consider a wall-mounted gate that screws into studs.
Baby Proofing Small Spaces
Small spaces like hallways, bathrooms, and kitchens need focused attention. Use doorknob covers to keep bathrooms closed, and install cabinet locks on lower cabinets. For stroller storage in tight entryways, a compact organizer helps keep essentials off the floor. Evenflo's Stroller Four-Piece Accessory Starter Kit includes an organizer console, cupholder, netting, and weather shield—all universal size to fit most strollers—so you can keep small spaces tidy while protecting your child from the elements.
Baby Proofing Essentials
Beyond gates and doorknob covers, secure furniture to walls with anti-tip straps, cover electrical outlets, and add corner guards to sharp table edges. For carrying your baby while you proof other areas, a carrier keeps your hands free. The Evenflo Breathable Infant Carrier fits babies 7 to 26 lb. and offers two carrying positions—inward for bonding or outward once your baby can hold her head and neck unassisted. The vented mesh fabric helps keep you and baby cool.
Step-by-step baby proofing checklist
- Install doorknob covers: Snap the top and bottom halves of the cover together around each standard round doorknob, then twist the threaded face cover on until secure. Test by trying to turn the knob. Checkpoint: The knob should not turn. If it does, the cover is not fully tightened.
- Place baby gates: Use a hardware-mounted gate at the top of stairs and a pressure-mounted gate at the bottom or in doorways. Measure the opening and adjust the gate to fit snugly. Checkpoint: The gate should not wobble. If it does, tighten the mounting or adjust the pressure.
- Childproof stairs: Secure handrails, ensure balusters are no more than 4 inches apart, and keep stairs clear. Add a mesh barrier if gaps are wider. Gate should swing away from stairs. Checkpoint: Test by pulling on the gate and handrail. They should not move.
- Secure small spaces: Use doorknob covers on bathroom and laundry doors. Install cabinet locks on lower cabinets. Use a stroller organizer to keep entryways tidy. Checkpoint: Crawl through the space at your baby's level to spot hazards you might miss standing up.
- Add remaining essentials: Anchor furniture to walls, cover outlets, and pad sharp corners. Keep a baby carrier handy for hands-free supervision during installation. Checkpoint: Re-check all proofing monthly as your baby grows and gains new skills.
Product facts
- Doorknob Covers Support: Evenflo Doorknob Covers are made of high-quality plastic that fits most standard, round doorknob sizes. Install by snapping the top and bottom halves together around the knob, then twisting the threaded round face cover on until secure. These covers keep rooms off-limits to curious toddlers without tools or permanent changes.
- Breathable Infant Carrier: The Evenflo Breathable Carrier is for babies 7 to 26 lb. and offers two carrying options: inward for close interaction or outward when baby can hold her head and neck unassisted. Vented mesh fabric allows airflow. A carrier keeps your hands free while you install gates and covers, and the breathable mesh helps prevent overheating.
- Stroller Four-Piece Accessory Starter Kit Support: The Evenflo Stroller Accessories Starter Kit includes a stroller organizer console, universal cupholder, stroller netting, and weather shield. All items are universal size and fit most strollers. This kit helps organize small spaces and protects your child from outdoor elements during stroller walks.
