Before you buy a lot of childproofing gear, do the simple things. If you don't want your books all over the floor, replace the books on the lower shelves with your baby's books or stuff extra books in each row until they're jammed in too tight to move. Gather up any poisonous items, from detergent to vitamins, and put them on your highest shelves (locking a cabinet works only if you always close the lock). Knot looped blind cords up out of reach.

If you have glass-topped coffee tables, put them away. Put away your tablecloth and invest in a set of place mats. If you sew, put your sewing basket on a high shelf, and make sure you unplug your sewing machine and put it away every time you use it. Put your knitting needles on a high shelf, as well. Make sure you can identify all your houseplants (if you have to, take a leaf to a local garden center) and confirm that they are nontoxic. Turn your water heater down to the lowest setting if you haven't already. Put at least one trash can in a locked cabinet, and think before you throw things into accessible trash cans (avoid things like empty containers of cleaning products or used disposable razors). Make a list of the childproofing gear you need to get.

The most important childproofing element, however, is adult supervision. Babies are curious and inventive. Despite all the childproofing gear, they can get themselves into trouble, fast. The bottom line is that you need to childproof your house so they can explore, but you also need to keep a watchful eye on your little one and never leave her alone in a room for an extended period of time.

The stairs will probably need to be gated, as will any rooms that you plan to keep off-limits. Gates that screw into the walls are better than pressure gates, particularly at the top of the stairs. (You don't want a pressure gate giving way when your baby flings herself against it — and she will.)

You'll probably also want to get outlet covers, either caps for unused outlets or covers that block access to the plug for outlets you use frequently. You don't need cord shorteners or guards — just use twist ties and wide masking tape. (Buy the more expensive type that is less likely to damage your paint.) If your child is tall enough to reach the doorknobs, consider installing a chain or latch, high out of reach, on the doors that lead outside.

Basic Childproofing

FOR CRAWLERS:

• Cover electrical outlets.

• Remove or block access to furniture that is easily tipped over (like floor lamps).

• Move breakables or other dangerous knickknacks out of reach.

• Regularly hunt for dropped coins or other potential choking hazards.

• Hide, coil, cover, or block access to electrical cords.

• Knot blind cords out of reach, or cut through loop and shorten strings.

• Gate stairs.

• Don't put your baby in a walker, but if you do, never use a walker around stairs.

• Make sure your pool, if you have one, is solidly fenced and the gate is kept closed and locked. Hot tubs should be kept closed and locked when not in use, and toilets should be locked. Don't even leave a pail of water unattended.

• Cede the lower shelves of your bookcases to your child; move your books out of reach, and restock shelves with baby books.

ADDITIONAL CHILDPROOFING FOR CRUISERS AND WALKERS:

• Install window guards.

• Lock kitchen cabinets and drawers that contain anything dangerous (knives, etc.).

• Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove when cooking.

• Make sure bookcases will not topple over.

• Secure the TV so it won't fall if tugged on or pushed.

Your Shopping List

Whether or not you need these items depends on the layout of your home and your childproofing decisions. For example, do you want to latch your kitchen cabinets, or do you want to rearrange the contents so that all hazardous and breakable items are stowed high out of reach with only child-safe items (pots and pans, Tupperware) in the lower cabinets?

• Outlet covers or caps

• Gates

• Drawer and cabinet latches

• Toilet locks

• Foam strips or corners for table edges

• Window guards

• Window latches

• Oven locks

• Doorknob covers

• Stove knob covers

• Bathtub faucet covers

So, You Think It's Safe …

When you think you've thought of everything, watch your child to see what hazards she discovers. Is she fascinated by the oven door? You may have to strap it closed. Does she like to throw toys in the toilet? You may want a toilet lock, but since these are difficult for older siblings or uninitiated guests to operate you may prefer just to keep the bathroom door shut. Is she climbing the bookshelves? Make sure they are bolted to the wall. Some babies simply require more childproofing than others. You'll soon discover what kind of adventurer lives at your house.

TOP TEN HOUSEHOLD DANGERS

10.	Poisonous plants
9.	Venetian blind cords
8.	Electrical cords
7.	Electrical outlets
6.	Stoves, heaters, and other hot appliances
5.	Poisonous household products
4.	Medicine
3.	Water (even water in a bucket used to mop the floor is a hazard)
2.	Coins or other small objects (choking hazard)
1.	Stairs