Use this list to go through your home to make sure it is safe for your child. Get down at your child’s level to see things from their perspective. 

Kitchen

• Chairs and step stools are away from the counters, sink, microwave, stove and open windows 
• Household cleaners, medications, vitamins and other poisons are out of reach or locked up 
• Knives, scissors and other sharp utensils are out of reach or in a drawer with a child safety latch 
• Anchor the stove to the floor with an anti-tip bracket 
• The stove’s back burners are used when cooking 
• Hot food and drinks are kept away from edges of tables and counters 
• Appliance cords are out of reach 
• Plastic bags and food items small enough to cause choking are kept away from babies and toddlers 
• A fire extinguisher is conveniently located and you know how to use it

Bathroom

• Medicines and cleaners are stored in a locked medicine cabinet or well out of a child’s reach
• Use protective plug covers on electrical outlets 
• Hair dryers, curling irons and other electrical appliances are unplugged and out of a child’s reach 
• Non-slip mat or decals are used in the bathtub 
• An infant bath ring or bath seat is not used 
• The hot water is no hotter than 49 C (120 F) 

Child’s Room

• The crib is in good condition, made after 1986 and has been checked for recalls 
• Mattress fits snugly without gaps to prevent a small head from getting caught 
• No bumper pads, pillows, quilts, duvets or toys in the crib 
• Beds and cribs are placed away from the window and any electrical cords 
• Dresser and bookcases are anchored securely 
• Diaper changing products (e.g., pins, powders, wipes, oil, etc.) are stored away from babies and small children 
• Window coverings are cordless or secured using a tie-down device up high on the wall. Securely attach tension devices supplied with corded window coverings 
• The toy chest has ventilation holes and a lid that can be opened from the inside

Check out Health Canada’s Is Your Child Safe? Sleep Time for more information.

Living Room

• TV sets, bookcases and furniture are anchored securely to the wall 
• Sharp corners and edges on tables have been covered with soft cushioning 
• Fireplaces and wood stoves have fixed safety guards around them 
• Matches and fire starters are out of reach of children 
• Windows and sliding doors have safety locks 
• Poisonous houseplants have been removed 
• Blind and drapery cords are cut or tied up high 
• Furniture, such as side tables and couches, is away from windows 
• Non-slip mats are used under rugs

Around the Home

• Smoke alarms are installed outside all sleeping areas and on each level of your home. Test them monthly by pressing and holding the test button. Change batteries every six months. 

• Carbon monoxide detectors are installed outside each sleeping area and on each level of your home
• Electrical cords are secured out of reach
• Outlet covers are used on electrical outlet
• Window coverings are cordless or secured using a tie-down device up high on the wall. Securely attach tension devices supplied with corded window coverings. 
• Damaged window screens should be replaced; every window should have a screen 
• Hazardous products like medications, cleaners, laundry pods, chemicals, alcohol, cigarettes and marijuana products are kept locked up and out of child’s reach 
• Child’s surroundings have been cleared of small objects that could cause choking
• A wall-mounted safety gate is installed at the top of stairs and a pressure-mounted gate is used at the bottom of stairs 

• Doorknob covers are placed on doorknobs to stop a child from opening doors to unsafe areas 
• Hot tap water temperature is no hotter than 49 C (120 F) 
• Wading pools and buckets are emptied when not in use
• Swimming pools are surrounded by four-sided fencing with a self-closing and locking safety gate. Check your local bylaws for fencing and gate requirements. 
• Emergency phone numbers, including Manitoba Poison Centre (1-855-776-4766), are kept in or near your phone. 
• Fans should always have a front cover on them to avoid injuries