How Much Will It Cost to Baby Proof My Home?

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Based on our product research, it costs anywhere from $252 to $780 to baby proof a two-bedroom home—but it could cost much more than that depending on your particular household hazards. We'll list out the products we used to reach that estimate and give you some money-saving tips to ease the sticker shock. 

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General baby proofing: $139–$554

Product type
Unit cost
Amount needed
Conservative total
High-end total
Cabinet locks2–4$25.90$51.80
Furniture anchors1–2$19.99$39.98
TV strap0–2$0.00$19.98
Baby gate1–3$44.99$134.97
Corner guards1–3$12.99$38.97
Finger pinch guard1$9.95$9.95
Window guard0–5$0.00$179.95
Quakehold!0–2$0.00$9.98
Hearth edge guard0–1$0.00$22.99
Stove guard1$25.00$25.00
Total$138.82$553.55

If your home doesn't have too many hazards, the top general babyproofing items could cost as low as $139. Otherwise, your baby-proofing costs could climb higher than $550. 

The size and layout of your home makes a huge difference in the cost of babyproofing. For example, if you live in a one-story home, you might not need any window guards—one of the most expensive baby-proofing items. And if you don't have a raised fireplace hearth, you won't need a special edge cover. 

How can I save money when baby proofing?

We're looking at the total cost of babyproofing here, but you don't have to buy all of these baby-proofing items at once.

For example, you don't need corner guards until your kiddo is running around and at risk of bonking into a sharp edge. But you'll need a baby gate much sooner—once your baby starts crawling around, or even from day one if you're working on introducing your dog to your baby.

Learn more about when to baby proof your home.

There are also a few things you can buy second-hand without compromising safety. As long as you thoroughly inspect all parts, you can buy some of the more expensive items like baby gates, window guards, and stove guards from friends, family, or upcycle stores. (Remember that cribs and car seats should always be bought new.)

Are there any DIY hacks for general baby proofing?

Sometimes the best thing you can do is just limit access with a baby gate or a closed door. Move breakable decorations or put them away for a few years. Keep lower kitchen cabinets empty or full of harmless things that are okay for your child to play with. Twist-tie blind cords to an upper slat cord.

We've seen many baby-proofing ideas that use pool noodles, such as for hinge guards and edge guards. Just keep in mind that they may not last very long or offer the same level of cushioning as products intended for baby proofing. And if your child is a chewer, beware that these things tear apart into choke-able chunks.     

Electrical hazard baby proofing: $56–$169

Product type
Unit cost
Amount needed
Conservative total
High-end total
Basic outlet covers2–4$21.90$43.80
Outlet cover boxes2–5$33.98$84.95
Power strip cover0–2$0.00$19.98
Cord covers0–2$0.00$19.90
Total cost$55.88$168.63

We estimate that the average two-bedroom home would need around $56 to $169 in electrical hazard babyproofing supplies. You might need more if you're a bonafide tech-lover or have an in-home office, for example. More cords and outlets mean more expense in this area.

What electrical safety hazards should I look for?

Electrical hazards abound in the average home:

  • Babies can stick their fingers or small objects into unused and unprotected sockets.
  • Toddlers can yank cords from an outlet or surge protector, exposing them to sparks and a dangerous open socket.
  • Long cords may be enticing for babies to chew on, and they also pose a strangulation risk.

How many outlet covers do I need?

If you can afford to, it doesn't hurt to cover every outlet in your home. You never know where your baby will strike with those curious fingers. 

Otherwise, take stock of the outlets that are near ground level and aren't blocked by furniture. Use basic outlet covers for those not currently in use, and get box covers for those in constant use.

Are there any DIY electrical baby proofing hacks?

Instead of using a cord cover, tidy up long cord bundles with zip ties and raise them out of reach as much as possible. Put a small eyelet screw into a wall stud and zip-tie the whole bundle to it if you need a secure attachment.

You can also repurpose old plastic storage containers into surge protector covers:

  1. Find one that's longer than the surge protector and is tall enough for each plug. Something shoe-box size works great. 
  2. Drill a hole in the side for the surge protector cord. Cut a slot from the hole to the top of the container so that you can slide the cord in from the top.
  3. Cut or drill slots along the edge of the lid for the accessory cords.
  4. Duct tape the lid to the base for extra strength. If the edges of the slots are sharp, wrap them with duct tape.

It's not exactly farmhouse chic, but it works.

Bathroom baby proofing: $57+

Product type
Unit cost
Amount needed
Total
Bath spout cover1$13.86
Toilet lock1$12.99
Bath thermometer1$17.99
Non-slip bath mat1$11.99
Total cost$56.83

It would cost around $57 to babyproof one bathroom, not including cabinet locks.

What bathroom safety hazards should I look for?

Kids can get into a lot of trouble in the bathroom if they're not supervised or thwarted by babyproofing gear. Read our guide to bathroom safety for kids for a complete rundown of what to look for.

Do I need to babyproof every bathroom?

Definitely add cabinet locks and toilet locks in every bathroom to keep your kid out of trouble. As for bathtubs, you only need to babyproof the one you'll use for your kids. 

Are there any DIY bathroom babyproofing hacks?

Some cabinet locks are long enough to be used on a toilet, which can save you some money.

You can also wrap a thick towel over the tub spout to protect your kid's noggin. Secure it in place with a rubber band or some good ol' duct tape. 

A bathwater thermometer isn't strictly necessary since you can stick your hand in to feel whether the water is too hot or cold. But if you're prone to brain fog or worry when you've had a busy day of parenting, it's nice to have a thermometer that confirms the temp for you. 

Total baby proofing costs: $252–$780

After adding up the totals from the general, electrical, and bathroom baby-proofing categories, we reached a grand total of $252 to $780 for baby proofing a two-bedroom home.  

The cost will go up if you have special areas of concern, like a garage, shed, or pool. And if you own firearms, don't forget to buy a gun safe before your kid starts to walk. 

Read our room-by-room baby-proofing guide for a few more product ideas and tips.


Compare the best baby safety products

Product
Best for
Price
Specs
Standout feature
Learn more
Read review
Best car seat Converts to 4 seats for ages 0–10Performs well in crash tests
Best baby crib GREENGUARD Gold Certified Four adjustable mattress positions
Best baby monitorUnlimited rangeHigh-quality night vision + two-way talk
Best baby-proofing locks3M strong adhesiveUse on cabinets, refrigerators, and toilets
Best nanny cam Automatic person/pet trackingTwo-way talk + excellent night vision
Best baby gate30 in. tall; fits doorways 29-34 and 35-38.5 in. wideOpen with one hand
Best baby carrierFor babies 7–45 lbs 6 ways to carry your baby

Amazon.com price as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read full disclaimer.

*Amazon.com price as of post date. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.

Cathy Habas
Written by
With over eight years of experience as a content writer, Cathy has a knack for untangling complex information. Her natural curiosity and ability to empathize help Cathy offer insightful, friendly advice. She believes in empowering readers who may not feel confident about a purchase, project, or topic. Cathy earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Indiana University Southeast and began her professional writing career immediately after graduation. She is a certified Safe Sleep Ambassador and has contributed to sites like Safety.com, Reviews.com, Hunker, and Thumbtack. Cathy’s pride and joy is her Appaloosa “Chacos.” She also likes to crochet while watching stand-up comedy specials on Netflix.

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