Child Proofing Your Home

You might think you won't need to cushion edges and latch cabinets until your little one gets on his own two feet. The reality is he may be mobile by 6 months, scooting, rolling and tumbling like a loose cannonball. Now's the time to make sure your home is outfitted and ready to be put to the test.

Kitchen

1. Pet kibble is a choking hazard, and if left unattended, you can count on it ending up in baby's mouth. If you feed Fido as soon as you walk in the door, stand by as he eats, then immediately remove the bowl.

2. Stove knobs are fun to twist, so keep them turned off with stove knob covers. An appliance lock ensures Junior won't pull the over door down on top of himself. Got something bubbling and simmering on the stove? Keep baby safe from splatters and from pulling on pot handles with a stove guard.

3. Every kitchen should have a fire extinguisher, so choose a dry a dry-chemical extinguisher and keep it out of reach on a high pantry shelf, mounted to the wall or in a childproof cabinet. You want to put out the fire, not your baby.

4. Under-sink cabinets are a typical place to store cleaning products, but with baby in residence, you need to move them out of reach. If they must stay in low cabinets, invest in latches and locks to always keep the cabinet doors securely shut.

Living Room

1. Cordless shades or cord cleats are the way to keep blinds safe for baby.

2. Coffee tables, TV stands, even window ledges offer plenty of sharp corners at eye level for someone 2 feet tall. Cushion edges with bumpers. Scan the room for breakables and move them to where baby can't get them. You'll be amazed by how far up, or over, little ones can actually reach.

3. Research tells us keeping books in view of baby helps her develop a love of reading. Secure bookcases and other tall furniture to the wall with bolts or adjustable, locking furniture straps that attach to the wall and to the object to keep your little brainiac from pulling it over.

4. Place TVs behind closed doors in an entertainment center, or mount a flat-panel model to the wall.

5. There's a reason mud pies are so popular with the under-5 crowd, and those house plants are going to look mighty tasty. Keep them out of reach so your little seedling won't be tempted.

6. Got stairs? If so, a baby gate is a must. Finally, they come in styles to match your home's decor.

7. Shield your fireplace with a guard door, and protect her from sharp corners on brick or ceramic tile.