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 rearrange the contents so that all hazardous and breakable items are stowed high out of reach, and store only child-safe items (pots and pans, Tupperware) in the lower cabinets? A basic baby-proofing shopping list should include:

• Outlet covers or caps

• Gates

• Drawer and cabinet latches

• Toilet lock

• Foam strips or corners for table edges

• Window guards

• Window latches

• Oven lock

• Doorknob covers

• Stove knob covers