Graham FisherBy Graham Fisher

Garages, basements and storage spaces often hold a surprising number of hazards for a curious toddler. From garden chemicals and sharp tools to vehicles and old furniture, these areas can present serious risks. The good news is that a few practical steps, drawn from guidance by the American Academy of Pediatrics, Safe Kids Worldwide and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, can greatly reduce the chance of injury. This guide walks you through the key safety measures to take in and around your garage when you have a toddler at home.

Before you start: Lock away chemicals and tools, never run an engine indoors, check your garage door’s auto-reverse, and always walk behind your car before backing out.

Lock Away Garden Chemicals, Pesticides and Tools

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends keeping all garden chemicals and pesticides as well as tools in a locked cabinet and out of a child’s reach. Even products that come in child-resistant packaging should be stored securely, because the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) notes that this type of packaging is not completely childproof. Safety latches and locks on cabinets and drawers can help prevent a toddler from gaining access to these items, as well as to other dangerous objects like knives or sharp tools. For extra protection, Safe Kids Worldwide stresses that household products and cleaning solutions should always be kept in their original containers. Never transfer a potentially poisonous product into something like a plastic soda bottle, where it could be mistaken for a drink. If you suspect your child has ingested a harmful substance, call the Poison Help line immediately at 1-800-222-1222; do not make the child vomit. For more on securing cabinets, see our cabinet locks guide, and visit our poison prevention page for broader advice.

Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a deadly gas that can build up quickly in enclosed spaces. The AAP’s grandparents’ safety guide warns never to leave a car running in the garage, because CO can collect fast. Safe Kids Worldwide adds that you should not use a grill, generator or camping stove inside your home, garage or near a window, and you should never use an oven or stovetop to heat your home. If you need to warm a vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Do not leave a car, SUV or motorcycle engine running inside a garage, even if the doors are open. To alert you to dangerous CO levels, both the CPSC and Safe Kids Worldwide recommend installing a carbon monoxide alarm on every level of your home, especially near sleeping areas. The CPSC advises that you check your CO alarm regularly and change the batteries at least once a year. For tips on keeping safety devices in working order, read our inspection and maintenance page.

Check the Garage Door’s Safety Features

An automatic garage door can pose a crushing hazard if its reversing mechanism is not working correctly. The AAP says to make sure the automatic reversing mechanism on the garage door is operating. In addition, the CPSC suggests using door knob covers and door locks to help prevent children from entering rooms with possible dangers, which includes the garage. A sturdy door knob cover that an adult can open quickly in an emergency can keep a toddler from wandering into the garage unsupervised. For more ways to secure doors, see our door and finger guards article.

Driveway and Vehicle Safety

Toddlers are small and can be impossible to see through a rear-view mirror. The AAP’s guidance for children ages 1 to 2 and 2 to 4 years both emphasize walking behind your car before you back out of your driveway to be sure your child is not there. Driveways are dangerous places for play, and the 2-to-4-year guidance reminds caregivers that a child may not be visible from the driver’s seat. The AAP also warns never to leave a child alone in a car, because temperatures inside a vehicle can reach deadly levels in minutes, and a child could be strangled by power windows or knock the vehicle into gear. For a broader look at room-by-room precautions, visit our room-by-room safety section.

Lawn Mowers and Power Tools

Power yard tools demand extra caution when toddlers are nearby. The AAP’s grandparents’ guide states that you should keep your grandchild out of the yard when a lawnmower or other power yard tool is being used, and never let a child ride on your lap while mowing. After use, store all tools in a locked cabinet, as noted earlier. Even when a tool is not running, a toddler may grab a hot surface or sharp blade, so treat the garage as a no-go zone unless you are actively supervising and the hazards are secured. Our burns and hot surfaces page covers more about preventing contact burns from equipment.

Old Cribs and Play Yards Stored in the Garage

Many families keep hand-me-down baby furniture in the garage or attic, but older items may not meet current safety standards. According to the AAP, a crib made before June 2011 will not meet today’s safety standards, and the same concern applies to other saved and aging furniture such as old play yards. If you have stored a crib or play yard from years past, replace it with a new product that complies with the CPSC’s mandatory standards. Using a firm, flat sleep surface with a tight-fitting sheet and no soft bedding is essential for safe sleep. For information on product recalls and standards, see our recalls and standards page.

General Safety Practices for the Garage Area

Beyond the specific hazards above, a few broader measures can make the garage and its surroundings safer. The CPSC recommends safety gates that meet current child safety standards to keep children out of areas with possible dangers, and the AAP suggests safety gates, door locks or doorknob covers to keep a toddler from going into the garage without you knowing. Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of the home, including near sleeping areas, and checked monthly. The CPSC also advises changing smoke alarm batteries at least once a year, or using sealed 10-year batteries. A carbon monoxide alarm, as mentioned, is essential even if your home has no fuel-burning appliances. Finally, keep the Poison Help number (1-800-222-1222) saved in your phone and post it in a visible spot. For a complete home safety walkthrough, explore our toddler-proofing room by room guide and the toddler home safety checklist.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do if my toddler gets into a chemical stored in the garage?

If you suspect your child has swallowed or come into contact with a poisonous substance, call the Poison Help line immediately at 1-800-222-1222. Do not make the child vomit. The AAP and Safe Kids Worldwide both stress keeping products in their original containers and locking them away, but if an exposure happens, quick action is critical. For any serious injury or if the child is unresponsive, call 911.

Can I let my toddler play in the garage while I work there?

A garage holds many hazards at once, such as car exhaust, sharp tools, hot surfaces and chemicals, so it makes sense to keep it off-limits to toddlers. Use door locks, knob covers or a safety gate to block access, and only bring the child into the space if all dangers are locked away and you can maintain constant, arm’s-length supervision.

How often should I check my carbon monoxide alarm?

The CPSC advises checking your CO alarm regularly and changing the batteries at least once a year. If your alarm uses sealed, long-life batteries, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for replacement. For smoke alarms, the CPSC recommends a monthly check and annual battery changes unless you have a sealed 10-year battery model.

For more detailed guidance on securing your garage and storage areas, visit our garage and storage safety page.

Sources

Graham Fisher

About Graham Fisher

Graham Fisher is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our childproofing guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.