How to Make Your Home Safe for Infants

Cover electrical outlets with plastic outlet covers.

Install cabinet and drawer latches for lower cabinets and drawers that are within reach of little hands.

Store all toxic substances and other potentially dangerous items completely out of reach or in a locked container.

Check the U.S. Product Consumer Information Safety Commission's website regularly for updates on recalls of unsafe baby gear.

Remove blankets, pillows and toys from cribs, as these items can cause suffocation.

Install smoke detectors and carbon-monoxide detectors in your home. If you already have them, make sure the batteries are functional.

Raise cords for blinds out of the reach of infants. These types of items can cause strangulation.

Bolt bookcases and other tall pieces of furniture to the wall to prevent them from falling when a child starts pulling up on furniture. Keep other large items, such as televisions, out of baby's reach to prevent your child from pulling them down on top of himself.

Attach adhesive padding "bumpers" on low furniture, such as a coffee table, that has sharp corners.

Place baby gates at the tops and bottoms of all stairs to prevent falls.

Supervise your pet's interactions with your baby. Some animals can potentially bite or scratch your child under certain circumstances.

Place small items out of baby's reach to prevent choking. One rule of thumb is that if an item can pass through the tube of a toilet paper roll, it is a choking hazard.

Remove any plants that might be poisonous or keep them well out of reach.

Post emergency numbers, including poison control and your pediatrician, on the refrigerator or near your phone.

Watch your baby closely around water. Never leave infants unattended in a bathtub or other area in which water is accessible.