A baby who pulls up on furniture and walks along it while holding on, usually between 8 and 12 months. Cruisers can reach tabletops, pull things down, and tip over unstable furniture. This stage demands anchored furniture and cleared surfaces.
Related Terms
A baby who has learned to move on hands and knees, usually between 6 and 10 months. Once babies start crawling, everything changes. They can reach outlets, pull on tablecloths, find small objects on the floor, and get to stairs. This is the time to get serious about childproofing.
A child who can walk independently, usually between 9 and 18 months. Walking opens up the entire house. They can reach higher, move faster, and get into rooms that were previously inaccessible. Baby gates and door locks become essential now.
The danger of heavy furniture or appliances falling on a child who climbs or pulls on them. Dressers, bookshelves, and TVs cause thousands of injuries every year. Anchoring furniture to the wall with anti-tip brackets is one of the most important childproofing steps you can take.
A strap or bracket that secures heavy furniture to the wall to prevent tip-overs. Dressers, bookshelves, and TVs are the biggest risks. Most come with simple L-brackets or nylon straps that screw into the furniture and wall stud. You can get earthquake-rated ones for extra security.