Lauren HollandBy Lauren Holland

Childproofing equipment helps reduce the risk of injury, but it only works when it stays in good condition and is used correctly. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reminds caregivers that no device is completely childproof; determined toddlers have been known to overcome or disable them. Regular inspection and maintenance are essential to keep safety devices effective as your child grows and explores new areas of the home.

Quick overview: Check window guards, smoke and CO alarms, cribs, pool gates, furniture anchors, safety gates, latches, and outlet covers on a regular schedule. Reassess as your child reaches new heights and abilities.

Check window guards and safety netting regularly

According to the CPSC, window guards and safety netting help prevent falls from windows, balconies, decks, and landings. Window screens are not strong enough to stop a child from falling. The CPSC advises checking these safety devices frequently to make sure they are secure, properly installed, and maintained. Limit window openings to four inches or less, including the space between guard bars. If you have window guards, be sure at least one window in each room can be easily used for escape in a fire. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) also recommends installing operable window guards that only an adult or older child can open from the inside, and never placing furniture a child could climb on in front of a window. For more on preventing falls, see our falls prevention guide.

Inspect window coverings for cord hazards

The CPSC urges families with young children to use cordless window coverings to help prevent strangulation. Children can wrap cords around their neck or pull hidden cords and become entangled. If you cannot replace corded coverings, the Window Covering Safety Council offers a free repair kit; call 800-506-4636 or visit WindowCoverings.org. Use tension devices to anchor continuous loops and bead chains to the floor or wall, and eliminate dangling pull cords by making them as short as possible. The AAP adds that if blinds or drapes are not cordless, you should attach their cords to floor mounts that hold them taut, wrap cords around wall brackets out of reach, use safety stop devices, and cut any loops, equipping them with safety tassels. Periodically check that these fixes remain in place. Learn more in our window safety section.

Check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly

Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms are critical for early warning. The CPSC recommends checking smoke alarms once a month to make sure they are working. Change batteries at least once a year, or consider using sealed, 10-year batteries for smoke alarms, because these do not require yearly battery changes. For CO alarms, the CPSC says to check them regularly and change batteries at least once a year. The AAP also advises checking smoke and CO detectors monthly. Safe Kids Worldwide suggests checking smoke alarm batteries every six months. Because recommendations vary, always follow the alarm manufacturer’s instructions. Install alarms on every level of the home, inside each bedroom, and outside sleeping areas. If possible, use networked smoke detectors so that when one alarms, they all alarm, as the AAP suggests. For more on home safety equipment, visit our safety equipment guides.

Inspect cribs before each assembly and weekly

The AAP provides a detailed checklist for crib safety. Before each assembly and weekly thereafter, inspect the crib for damage to hardware, loose joints, missing parts, or sharp edges. Do not use a crib if any parts are missing or broken. Use a crib manufactured after June 2011, when current safety standards banning drop-side rail cribs became effective. Slats should be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart to prevent head entrapment. The mattress must fit snugly: if you can insert more than two fingers between the mattress and the crib sides, the combination should not be used. Lower the mattress as your baby grows: set it at the lowest position before your child learns to stand. The AAP says to move your child to another bed when he is 35 inches tall, or when the height of the side rail is less than three-quarters of his height. Also, periodically check for rough edges, splinters, or cracks in the wood. Never use bumper pads, pillows, quilts, or stuffed animals in the crib. For more on safe sleep and nursery setup, see our bedroom safety page.

Examine pool barriers and gates frequently

For homes with swimming pools, the AAP recommends multiple layers of protection. A four-sided isolation fence at least 4 feet high, with a self-closing and self-latching gate that opens away from the pool, can prevent more than half of all swimming pool drownings of young children. The latch should be at least 54 inches from the ground. The AAP advises keeping the gate locked at all times and checking it frequently to be sure it works properly. The CPSC also stresses reestablishing the barrier after each pool use, so that a child can access the pool only when you are supervising. Remove toys from the pool area when not in use to reduce temptation. For additional water safety layers, explore our water safety resources.

Check furniture anchors and anti-tip devices

The CPSC warns that furniture, TVs, and ranges can tip over and crush young children. For added security, anchor these products to the floor or attach them to a wall. Free-standing ranges and stoves should be installed with anti-tip brackets. The AAP advises checking furniture for stability and tip-over risk, and anchoring bookcases, dressers, and TV stands to the wall. Safe Kids Worldwide recommends using brackets, braces, or wall straps to secure unstable or top-heavy furniture. Periodically inspect anchors to ensure they have not loosened over time. If you rearrange a room, re-anchor furniture in its new location. Learn more about furniture anchors in our product guide.

Maintain safety gates and door knob covers

Safety gates help prevent falls down stairs and keep children out of hazardous rooms. The CPSC says to use gates that meet current child safety standards, never pet gates. Replace older safety gates that have “V” shapes large enough to entrap a child’s head and neck. For the top of stairs, only use gates that screw to the wall. The AAP recommends installing gates at both the top and bottom of stairs, avoiding accordion-style gates, and mounting them firmly to the home’s studs. Check gates regularly to confirm they are still securely attached, the latch works smoothly, and there is no damage. Door knob covers should be sturdy enough to withstand a child’s attempts yet allow an adult to open the door quickly in an emergency. Inspect them for cracks or wear. For more on choosing and installing gates, see our safety gates page.

Inspect latches, locks, and outlet covers

Safety latches and locks on cabinets and drawers help prevent access to medicines, cleaners, sharp objects, and other hazards. The CPSC advises looking for latches and locks that adults can easily install and use, but that are sturdy enough to withstand pulls and tugs from children. Even products with child-resistant packaging should be locked away. Check latches periodically to ensure they still engage firmly and have not been damaged. Outlet covers and outlet plates can help protect children from electrical shock. The CPSC says to be sure outlet protectors cannot be easily removed by children and are large enough so that children cannot choke on them. The AAP recommends using non-choking hazard safety plugs in all unused electrical outlets. If your child won’t stay away from outlets, block access with furniture. For more on cabinet and drawer safety, visit our cabinet locks guide.

Reassess as your child grows and reaches new areas

Safe Kids Worldwide encourages parents to look at the home from a child’s point of view and review places your child can now reach that were outside their grasp just weeks ago. As toddlers learn to climb and walk, hazards shift. The AAP advises getting down at your child’s level to check floors constantly for small objects that can be dangerous if swallowed, such as coins, beads, buttons, pins, and pills. Safe Kids highlights several risks that often need re-evaluation: keep hot foods and liquids away from the edges of tables and counters to prevent burns; store items with coin-sized lithium batteries, like key fobs and small remote controls, out of reach; keep liquid laundry packets in their original containers, up, closed, and out of sight; store all household cleaning products, personal care products, and medicines in their original containers out of reach, and save the Poison Help number (1-800-222-1222) in your phone; use brackets, braces, mounts, or wall straps to secure unstable TVs or top-heavy furniture; and when choosing toys, read age recommendations and check for small parts. Re-checking these areas as your child’s abilities change helps keep the home safer. Our safety checklists can help you stay on top of these evolving risks.

Stay informed about recalls and damaged products

Even well-maintained equipment can become unsafe if a manufacturing defect is discovered later. The CPSC website provides recall information for children’s products. If a product you own is recalled, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for repair or replacement. Also, if any safety device shows signs of wear, cracks, or missing parts, stop using it until it can be repaired or replaced. No device replaces active supervision, but keeping equipment in good working order adds an important layer of protection. For a broader look at product safety, see our child safety products guide.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I check smoke alarm batteries?

The CPSC recommends checking smoke alarms monthly and changing batteries at least once a year, or using sealed 10-year batteries. Safe Kids Worldwide suggests checking batteries every six months. The AAP advises monthly checks. Because advice varies, the safest approach is to follow the specific instructions that come with your alarm. If you are unsure, a monthly check is a prudent habit.

When should I move my child out of the crib?

The AAP says to move your child to another bed when he is 35 inches tall, or when the height of the side rail is less than three-quarters of his height (approximately nipple level). The AAP notes that the most common crib falls happen when a baby tries to climb out, which is why it also says to set the mattress at its lowest position before your child learns to stand.

Do I need to re-childproof as my toddler gets older?

Yes. Safe Kids Worldwide emphasizes that as children grow, they can reach new areas and interact with hazards differently. A cabinet that was out of reach a few weeks ago may now be accessible. Regularly walk through your home at your child’s eye level to spot new risks, and adjust latches, gates, and anchors accordingly.

For more detailed guidance on maintaining specific safety equipment, visit our Inspection and Maintenance category page.

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Lauren Holland

About Lauren Holland

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