Here are baby proofing solutions I have personal experience with and use in my own home. Some I recommend, and others I don't or recommend with reservations.
One general note on baby proofing: Beyond the safety of your baby, one strong reason for being a baby proofing maximalist is that it makes watching your baby much less stressful. It's way more fun to hang out with your baby if you're in an environment where serious injury is not a constant threat. Actively keeping your baby out of danger is mentally fatiguing.
# Doors
[These](https://www.amazon.com/Improved-Childproof-Prevents-Toddlers-Operation/dp/B07RVGYRL6) prevent handles from being pulled downwards, which is the only way a toddler can pull the handle. Despite the manufacturer's instructions, this is the correct orientation to install them. In this orientation, you don't need to operate the upper flap, at least until your toddler is tall enough to push the handle up.
![[image 1.jpg|500]]
[These](https://www.amazon.com/Upgrade-BOOTWO-Stopper-Injuries-Slamming/dp/B07L9ZWP8G) work well enough to prevent slamming and crushed fingers. But one thing I haven't solved is how to prevent crushed fingers in the hinge side of the door. Even with these, that side can potentially close narrow enough to cause an injury.
![[Pasted image 20230423144712.png|500]]
I've installed [smart home door sensors](https://www.amazon.com/Monitoring-Required-Separately-Compatible-SmartThings/dp/B09JKKLRLW) on doors that must be kept close (for example, the door to the basement stairs) and I have a [Home Assistant](https://www.home-assistant.io) automation set up to notify me if the door has been left open for more than 2 minutes. I actually haven't had a great experience with Zooz or z-wave in general, but I think the concept is useful. If you're setting this up from scratch, maybe consider zigbee instead.
![[Pasted image 20230423145625.png|500]]
# Outlets
These are the classic outlet covers everyone had growing up. But they are not the only option! They're pretty obnoxious to use, and don't help if you want to leave something plugged in all the time. They do work well for outlets that you never use.
![[image 5.jpg|500]]
[These boxes](https://www.amazon.com/Safety-Innovations-10408-Twin-Outlet/dp/B007IUOG5A) are a nice solution for outlets that are always in use and that you never unplug.
![[image 2.jpg|500]]
[These](https://www.amazon.com/6-Pack-Safety-Innovations-Self-closing-Standard/dp/B004WEKS6Q) are great for covering outlets you sometimes use, when the baby is not around. Also note the correct way to operate these: Use the plug itself to slide the cover.
![[image 3.jpg|500]]
# Pianos
[This](https://www.amazon.com/Schaff-Hale-893-Piano-Fallboard/dp/B005G118P4) prevents your toddler from opening the keyboard cover and either slamming their fingers or banging on the keys. It also prevents curious guests from messing with your expensive piano without asking.
![[image 4.jpg|500]]
# Furniture
I use [these](https://www.amazon.com/Furniture-Anchors-Upgraded-Proofing-Earthquake/dp/B08LV8D136) to anchor furniture to the wall and prevent tipping. There's nothing particularly innovative about them, but they are high quality. I mention them mostly because anchoring furniture is super important. Invest in a cordless drill and stud finder to make installation easier.
![[Pasted image 20230423144924.png|500]]
# Cabinets
We use [these](https://www.amazon.com/Child-Safety-Magnetic-Cabinet-Locks/dp/B07C2QFVT9) magnetic locks. The main drawback is you need the key/magnet to open them. In retrospect, it probably would have been better to use a solution that doesn't require a key/magnet.
![[Pasted image 20230423145355.png|500]]
# Baby Gates
I own two different baby gates, and neither of them came with screws long enough to get a good grip on the wall studs. I swapped out the included hardware for [these 3" screws](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003W92XHY). My gates are now mounted securely. The #8 size was _almost_ too big for the holes in the gate, so you might want to go a size down, but of course every gate is different.
# Unsolved
- Stoves: Our baby can reach the knobs of our gas stove. I'm still investigating options here. With open floor plans being incredibly popular, it's also not easy to keep him out of the kitchen.
- Door: I'm not sure how to prevent crushed fingers in the _hinge side_ of the door.
# No Longer Recommended
I previously recommended [this baby gate](https://www.amazon.com/Perma-Child-Safety-Retractable-Openings/dp/B06WD8TVR8), but I can no longer recommend it because, as far as I can tell, it's not [JPMA certified](https://www.jpma.org/page/certification).
![[Pasted image 20230423145843.png|500]]