As a mom and the wife of an electrical contractor, I’ve learned that peace of mind at home starts with prevention—especially when it comes to our little ones and electricity.
Between the unpredictable curiosity of toddlers and the many hidden hazards around outlets, cords, and electronics, it only takes one unsupervised moment for a scary situation to unfold. But with the right tools (and a little strategy), you can turn your home into a kid-safe zone without sacrificing function or style.
Over the years, we’ve tried just about everything—from cheap outlet plugs that vanish into toy bins to sleek, code-approved upgrades my husband swears by on jobs. Here are the mom-approved, electrician-recommended childproofing and electrical safety products we use or suggest to other families every chance we get.
Just a heads up:
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. I only share things I truly use and love, and every little bit helps support this blog and our family. Thanks for being here!
🔌 1. Tamper-Resistant Outlets
These are a must in any modern home. Unlike the old-school plastic outlet caps that pop out easily (or get chewed on—been there), tamper-resistant outlets are built to block foreign objects.
They have a spring-loaded mechanism that only opens when equal pressure is applied to both sides—just like a real plug. That means no forks, fingers, or toys getting inserted. Bonus? They’re now required by code in all new builds, so they’re a smart resale feature too.
Tip: When remodeling or updating outlets, ask your electrician to use TROs throughout the house—even in less obvious areas like garages or laundry rooms.
🛡️ 2. Outlet Covers for Larger Plugs
Standard caps and sliders don’t always work with those big, clunky plugs on sound machines, humidifiers, or baby monitors. That’s where specialty outlet covers come in.
They’re designed to shield plugs while allowing full functionality—ideal for high-traffic kid zones like the nursery, playroom, or behind the TV.
Affiliate tip: You can shop the ones we use
🌙 3. Motion-Sensor Night Lights
Let’s be honest: kids don’t just sleep all night. Whether it’s midnight potty runs or post-nightmare hallway pacing, having gentle light makes everything easier.
Battery-powered, stick-on motion lights are great because:
- They only turn on when needed (saving power)
- They’re cordless and safe
- You can put them anywhere—stairs, hallways, bathrooms, bunk bed ladders, etc.
We even use one on the inside of our toddler’s closet for those nighttime wardrobe meltdowns. #lifesaver
✨ 4. SnapPower GuideLight
This one’s pure genius. The SnapPower GuideLight replaces your regular outlet cover and adds a sleek, built-in LED night light—without taking up plug space or needing batteries. It’s perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms where you want subtle, built-in glow.
🔐 5. Power Strip Safety Boxes
Power strips are one of the biggest hazards in a home with kids, especially when hidden behind cribs or furniture. Safety boxes cover the strip and all the cords in one simple enclosure, keeping little fingers out while still giving adults access.
We use one behind the changing table and another in our living room where we have multiple electronics in one place.
Mom tip: Choose a box with ventilation to avoid overheating. You’ll find our favorites here with more setup ideas.
⚙️ 6. Stick-On Cord Holders
You’d be surprised how many times cords become tripping or pulling hazards. These stick-on clips help manage the chaos, especially around:
- Nightstands and dressers
- Kitchen counters
- Behind desks or TV stands
- Bathroom outlets (think toothbrushes, hair tools)
Tidy cords = fewer temptations for grabby hands and fewer tangled messes for you. Win-win.
Bonus Safety Tips (from my husband the electrician):
- Don’t overload outlets or power strips.
- Use GFCI outlets near sinks and bathtubs.
- Regularly check cords for frays or heat buildup.
- Anchor furniture near cords or plug points so kids can’t tip it.
Childproofing gets a bad rep for being clunky or ugly, but these days, there are so many modern, design-friendly options that blend seamlessly into your space while making a huge impact on safety.
Whether you’re prepping a nursery, chasing a newly-mobile toddler, or just want to feel less anxious every time you turn your back, these upgrades help create a home where kids can explore—and moms can breathe a little easier.
👉 Browse my other blogs on Electrical Safety For Kids and Electrical Baby Proofing for New Moms for links to shop and more real-life photos of how we’ve used these in our own home.
And tell me in the comments—which item has made the biggest difference in your home?
