Babies don't stay still for long. One month they're just lying there, and the next they're rolling off the changing table. Each developmental milestone is exciting and terrifying in equal measure.
Here's a timeline of what to prepare for.
0-3 Months: The "Stationary" Phase
Don't let the name fool you. Even newborns can wiggle and roll unexpectedly. Never leave a baby unattended on a changing table, bed, or couch. It takes one second.
Focus on sleep safety during this phase. Firm mattress, fitted sheet, nothing else in the crib. No blankets, no stuffed animals, no bumper pads.
4-6 Months: Rolling and Grabbing
This is when things get real. Your baby will start rolling over, reaching for objects, and putting absolutely everything in their mouth. If it fits through a toilet paper roll, it's a choking hazard.
Time to lower the crib mattress, move mobiles out of reach, and start thinking about what's on the floor.
6-9 Months: Sitting and Crawling
Once your baby can sit up and crawl, your home is their playground. They'll find every outlet, every cord, every crumb under the fridge. This is your deadline for a full childproofing sweep.
Install baby gates at stairs, cover outlets, secure furniture to walls, and lock cabinets with cleaning supplies.
9-12 Months: Pulling Up and Cruising
Now they're pulling themselves up on everything. Furniture, curtains, tablecloths - anything they can grab. This is peak tip-over danger for unsecured furniture and TVs.
Move anything breakable or heavy off low surfaces. Make sure your TV is wall-mounted or strapped down.
12-18 Months: Walking and Climbing
They're mobile, they're fast, and they have zero fear. Toddlers will climb bookshelves, open drawers, and figure out door handles. Childproof locks on everything accessible become essential now.
Don't forget about stairs. Even with gates, teach them to go down backwards on their belly. It's a skill that prevents falls.
18-24 Months: Into Everything
By now they can open containers, turn doorknobs, and reach higher than you'd expect. This is when bathroom safety becomes critical. Toilet locks, medicine cabinet locks, and never leaving water unattended in the tub.
The Pattern
Every new skill your baby learns creates new risks. The trick isn't to panic. It's to stay one step ahead. Check your childproofing setup every month and adjust as they grow.
You can't bubble-wrap your house. But you can make sure the most dangerous things are handled before your kid discovers them on their own.