How to Make Sure Your Home Is Safe for Children

By Holly Connors | GetBurbed

There's something special about watching little ones explore their surroundings. Those curious hands reaching for everything, the wobbly first steps, the determination to climb anything that looks climbable. It's adorable and exciting, and it also means your home needs to be ready for all that adventurous energy.

Whether you're preparing for a new arrival, welcoming grandchildren for visits, or getting your home show-ready for buyers with young ones, creating a secure environment matters. Our brokers at GetBurbed work with homeowners throughout Arlington Heights and the Northwest suburbs every day, and we know that a home that feels welcoming to all ages makes a lasting impression.

• Anchoring furniture and televisions to walls prevents tip-overs and creates peace of mind in every room
• Installing safety gates at stairways and using cabinet locks in kitchens and bathrooms keeps curious explorers where they belong
• Covering outlets, securing window cords, and protecting sharp corners addresses the details that matter most
• A room-by-room approach makes the process manageable and thorough without feeling overwhelming

One of the most important steps you can take is securing anything that could tip over. Dressers, bookcases, televisions, and entertainment centers can become top-heavy, especially when little hands start pulling on drawers or using shelves as climbing holds. This is a quick fix that offers tremendous peace of mind.

Anti-tip straps and L-brackets are inexpensive, widely available at hardware stores, and straightforward to install. You'll want to anchor these items directly to wall studs for maximum stability. It's also smart to avoid placing toys, remotes, or other tempting items on top of tall furniture that might encourage climbing.

• Dressers and tall chests in bedrooms
• Bookcases and shelving units in living areas
• Televisions, whether on stands or mounted
• Freestanding wardrobes and armoires

Once little ones start crawling and walking, they want to go everywhere. Safety gates are one of the most effective ways to guide that exploration toward spaces where they can roam freely. Installing hardware-mounted gates at the top and bottom of stairways creates clear boundaries while still allowing everyone to move through the home easily.

Cabinet locks are equally valuable, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms where cleaning supplies, sharp utensils, and other items are stored. Magnetic or adhesive locks work well and are simple for adults to operate. Our brokers often recommend these updates to sellers preparing their homes for showings, as they signal that a home has been thoughtfully maintained.

• Top and bottom of all stairways with hardware-mounted gates
• Kitchen cabinets containing cleaning products or sharp tools
• Bathroom cabinets with medications, cosmetics, or toiletries
• Laundry room storage areas with detergents and supplies

Electrical outlets are magnets for curious fingers. Outlet covers and safety plugs are inexpensive and take just seconds to install, yet they provide important protection throughout your home. Focus on outlets at ground level and any that are easily accessible from play areas.

Window treatments deserve attention too. Corded blinds and shades can pose a strangulation risk, so consider replacing them with cordless options or using cord stops and tension devices to keep cords out of reach. Window guards or stops that limit how far windows can open are also worth considering, especially on upper floors.

• Install outlet covers on all accessible outlets throughout the home
• Replace corded window treatments with cordless alternatives
• Use cord stops or tension devices on any remaining corded blinds
• Add window guards or stops on upper-level windows

Kitchens are gathering spaces, and they're also full of items that need to stay out of little hands. Beyond cabinet locks, there are several thoughtful adjustments that make kitchens more welcoming for households with young children. Turning pot handles inward while cooking, using back burners when possible, and installing stove knob covers all help.

Small appliances should be unplugged and stored with cords tucked away when not in use. It's also smart to ensure your kitchen table and any attached highchairs are sturdy and stable. These details show that a home has been cared for with attention to how real households actually live.

• Install stove knob covers and oven door latches
• Keep pot handles turned inward and use back burners
• Unplug small appliances and tuck cords out of reach
• Ensure tables and seating are sturdy and stable

Bathrooms require extra attention because of water, slippery surfaces, and the many products typically stored there. Cabinet locks keep medications, cosmetics, and cleaning supplies secure. Non-slip mats in tubs and on floors reduce the risk of slips, and cushioned faucet covers protect little heads from bumps.

Water temperature is worth checking as well. Setting your water heater to 120 degrees or below helps prevent scalding. Toilet lid locks are another simple addition that keeps curious toddlers from exploring where they shouldn't. If your home has a pool or spa, layers of protection including fences, self-latching gates, and door alarms are essential.

• Install cabinet locks for all storage containing products or medications
• Add non-slip mats to tubs and bathroom floors
• Use cushioned covers on tub faucets
• Consider toilet lid locks and set water heater to a comfortable temperature

The best approach to creating a secure home is to move through each space systematically. Get down to floor level and see what a curious explorer would see. What's within reach? What looks tempting to grab, pull, or climb? This perspective reveals details you might otherwise miss.

Living rooms benefit from corner protectors on sharp-edged furniture and secured cords behind entertainment centers. Bedrooms need anchored furniture and window treatments checked for cord hazards. Garages and basements, which parents often identify as higher-risk spaces, should have locked storage for tools, chemicals, and automotive supplies.

• Add corner protectors to coffee tables and sharp-edged furniture
• Secure cords behind entertainment centers and desks
• Keep garage tools, chemicals, and automotive supplies locked away
• Check that smoke detectors are installed on every level and tested regularly

It's never too early to begin. Many parents start during pregnancy, but even if you're welcoming grandchildren or preparing your home for sale, a thorough walkthrough makes sense. Breaking the process into room-by-room tasks keeps it manageable, and most updates can be completed in a weekend.

Stairways, kitchens, and bathrooms tend to be the highest priorities. Installing safety gates, anchoring furniture, and adding cabinet locks in these areas creates the foundation for a secure home. From there, you can work through other spaces at your own pace.

Absolutely. When buyers see that a home has been thoughtfully maintained with attention to how real households live, it builds confidence. Our brokers at GetBurbed often discuss these details with sellers during the staging process, because a home that feels welcoming to all ages stands out in the best way.

Creating a home that welcomes everyone, from the littlest visitors to buyers imagining their future there, is one of the most thoughtful things you can do. Whether you're preparing for a new chapter in your own life or getting ready to list your home in Arlington Heights or the surrounding Northwest suburbs, these updates make a real difference.

Our trusted local real estate team at GetBurbed is here to help you every step of the way. From expert pricing strategies to full-service staging support, our brokers guide homeowners through the entire process with care and attention to detail. Reach out today to discover how we can help you present your home at its very best.