Preparing your home for a baby can feel like an overwhelming task, but babyproofing doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s a simple guide to help you make your home safe for your little one.

If you’re a first-time parent, here’s a secret you haven’t had time to learn for yourself yet: Babies grow fast. And babies get curious. When you’re holding that little bundle fresh from the oven, it seems impossible that they’ll get into everything one day soon, but trust us, they will. That’s why it’s best to start the babyproofing process early, so you’re prepared when they unexpectedly start to explore their environment (and scare you silly in the process!).

It might seem overwhelming to know where to start, and how far to go when it comes to readying your home for a busy infant and toddler. That’s why we’ve created this simple checklist to walk you through the key babyproofing steps you’ll want to tackle sooner rather than later.

Important note: You should consider childproofing as soon as your baby is mobile. Rolling counts when we’re talking about mobility, so plan to complete your baby-proofing to-do list before or around the six-month mark.

Check the Crib for Safety Issues

Chances are that your child will start to explore their sleeping environment before anything else. In line with the safe-sleeping ABCS (Alone, on their Back, in their Crib), their crib should be kept clear of blankets, pillows and stuffed animals. (You’d be surprised what kids can find to put in their mouths where stuffies are concerned!) Choose a wearable sleep sack where any buttons, snaps or zippers are folded into the fabric. If your child’s crib is near a window, make sure that the window is equipped with childproof locking mechanisms, and that any cords or strings for blinds are tucked up and out of reach.

Watch for Choking Hazards

Infant and toddler toys are created with this age group in mind, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be diligent about checking items yourself. If you have older kids in the house, make sure that their toys and belongings aren’t easily accessible for little ones (LEGO, LOL Doll pieces, Barbie shoes, matchbox cars, you name it). Coins and buttons are also super appealing to tiny hands, so make sure these kinds of small items are safely stowed away.

Use Outlet Covers

You’ll probably do this one first because it’s easy to cross off the list. All babies seem fascinated by electrical outlets for some reason, and they pose serious risk of injury. Outlet covers or plates prevent little ones from poking their fingers or toys into outlets and getting a shock. Look for covers that are designed to be easy for adults to remove but impossible for kids.

Use Toilet Locks and Cabinet Latches

The bathroom and kitchen are a little one’s paradise and a parent’s nightmare. There are so many dangerous things to get into. In the bathroom, consider a toilet lock to keep kids from playing in the water or flushing your grandpa’s antique watch. Any cabinets where medication or cleaning supplies are kept should also be secured with a childproof latch.

The same thing goes in the kitchen. Cabinets should be secured to keep kids away from cleaning supplies, small appliances, heavy serveware, etc.

Important note: Kids love nothing more than filling a sink with water and splashing around, but the water can get hot. The good news is, that you can usually set the temperature maximum on your water heater. If you have this capability, it’s a good idea to make sure that the water temperature is set to a safe level (ideally 125°F or lower).

Secure Furniture to Walls

When your baby starts to crawl and eventually walk, they’ll no doubt pull themselves up onto furniture. Tall pieces like bookshelves, dressers and TV stands can easily tip over. Use furniture anchors to secure these types of pieces to walls, in order to prevent accidents.

Pad Sharp Corners and Edges

It’s almost a rite of passage for babies to smack their heads on the corner of a coffee table or counter—but it really shouldn’t be. Once they start walking, babies and toddlers are often exactly the right height for these sharp corners and edges, so consider foam or rubber corner and edge guards to keep your little one free from injury.

Install Baby Gates

Once your baby really starts moving, either as a proficient crawler or a new walker, baby gates are essential for keeping kiddos out of dangerous areas. Make sure you have gates at both the top and bottom of stairs, as well as in the doorways of any rooms that pose a potential threat. Choose gates with a secure locking mechanism that is difficult for babies to open (you’d be surprised how quickly they figure out a single hook-and-eye latch!).

Babyproofing your home is an essential step for keeping your child safe, and for giving you peace of mind. It might seem a bit daunting, but with a little planning, you can get most of this list in place in a day or two. Remember that the risks change as your kids grow, so be on the lookout for any new potential hazards and update your safety measures. You’ll also be able to teach your kids about safety in the home at some point in the not-so-distant future. It seems hard to believe, but it’ll be here before you know it.