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Q: At my baby's 4-month well check, his doctor said we should start childproofing our house. Isn't this too early? What childproofing is crucial, and how do we choose which products to use?

A: Protect Children Before They're Mobile: The perfect time to childproof your home is before your child is mobile and can grab items that may harm him. Your baby's natural instincts are to touch, taste, pull, push and shake everything he discovers in his environment. He's too young to know what can hurt him and will test your limits when he learns the meaning of "no." By childproofing your home, you protect your child from himself and provide a place he can safely explore.

It's crucial to childproof ALL the places where your child spends time (babysitter, Grandma's, etc.) and survey places you visit for potential dangers. Childproofing also depends on the temperament of your child: Is he a "daredevil" who climbs up the cabinets in record time or a more docile child? Tailor your prevention accordingly.

Get down on the floor to your baby's level and look for dangers in each room. Is the lamp cord in reach? Tape it to the furniture. Sharp corners to hit? Use padding on furniture edges and pillows to cover sharp hearth edges. Stairs? Install a sturdy gate to block access and install a barrier across balcony slats.

Put dangerous items "out of reach." Remove or elevate plants, place dangerous chemicals, cleaners and medications in a locked cabinet. Secure drawers, cabinets, toilets and outlets with safety latches and covers. Always place hot foods or drinks far back on the counter. Cook on back burners when possible with pot handles turned back.

Anchor large furniture to the wall if child is a climber.

Install smoke alarm(s), test and change battery every six months.

Put the poison control number on every home and cell phone. In the U.S., (800) 222-1222 connects you to the nearest poison control center.

Never leave a child alone:

• In a bathtub or near a swimming pool—even if it's gated
• When a fire is in the fireplace or candles are lit
• If a dog or cat is present (supervise interaction)
• On a couch or a chair without restraints
• In a car, and always use your child's car seat.

By childproofing and following safety rules, you can usually prevent:

Burns from pulling down hot liquids and foods from counter; turning on a hot faucet if water heater is more than 120°F; inserting an item in an electrical outlet; biting electrical cords; touching a hot stove, oven or BBQ; pulling down a hot clothing iron or curling iron; and playing with matches or lighters.

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