Here are the steps you should take to childproof your home.

Step one:
Install safety gates at the tops and bottoms of all stairs. When installing gates at the tops of stairs you want to use a gate that has a secure latch and one that secures into the wall rather than being pressure mounted. Make sure that the stairs are free from clutter so nobody, including you, trips while walking up or down the stairs. As a child learns to climb the stairs closely supervise them, teach them to go backwards when they are going down the stairs, less chance of stumbling if they are crawling backwards.

Step two:
Look into any household plants that you have around the house. Find out if the plants are harmful to children, some plants can cause illness or even death if eaten. Consider removing any hazardous plants outside of the home or even throwing them away. When potting your plants do not use rocks or marbles because they present a choking hazard for young children. They should also be avoided as ground cover.

Step three:
Install locking latches on all appliances that can open and close. This will prevent children from crawling into open appliances, opening appliances that can contain dangerous objects or from removing items from appliances that can become choking hazards. You should also install knob covers to prevent children from turning on the stove burners and you need a stove guard to protect hands from reaching a hot stove. When you are cooking, make sure that you keep pot handles turned in. This will prevent a child from grabbing a handle that is turned outward and dumping hot contents on themselves.

Step four:
Whenever possible install latches to the insides of drawers and cabinets. You can also use knob latches for cabinets and pantries that have doorknobs. Check every room to ensure that all cupboards and doors are locked. This will prevent your child from getting into drawers and cabinets that can contain numerous hazards, including chemicals and choking hazards. If you have an odd cabinet that a latch will not work on, there are different types of latches available. You can also consider emptying out the cupboard and making it a spot for toys, or other safe objects. Put chemicals and poisons up out of your child's reach, in addition keep that cabinet locked at all times.

Step five:
Install faceplates or outlet covers on all electrical outlets. Keep in mind that a study was done on outlet covers and it was found that children aged 2 to 4 could remove covers that were 1/16" thick and oval faced. While these types of outlet covers are, better than nothing you should consider installing the tamper-resistant outlet face covers. If you have, power strips make sure they are covered with an appropriate safety device.

Step six:
Install window locks that will only allow the window to be opened a few inches. You want to make sure that no furniture is in front of the windows so that children cannot climb up to reach the windows. Always keep the windows locked, even if window guards are in place. Never allow children to sit on windowsills because you are sending the message that it is okay to sit on or around windows. To ensure that your blind cords are out of your child's reach purchase blind cord winders so that you can wind up your blind cords.

There are many other things that you can do to childproof your home, but these are the most basic measures that should be done if you have children living or visiting your home on a regular basis.