Checklist of gear you can wait to buy until your baby is older
4 Months Old: Childproofing
Gates (hardware-mounted at the top of the stairs; pressure-mounted is okay at bottom)
Lower-cabinet and -drawer locks
Window blind cord wraps
Furniture straps or brackets (to keep bookcases, TV stand, etc. from toppling onto climbing toddlers)
Doorknob covers (for any off-limits areas)
Window guards (if your windows don’t lock securely)
Outlet plate covers (safer than the plugs)
Power strip covers
Railing netting or plastic guards (if you have open railings)
Toilet seat lock(s)
Stove knob covers and oven lock
Corner and edge bumpers for coffee tables and raised fireplace hearths
Tub sprout cover
Solid-food feeding
Reclining high chair
6 long-handled spoons
3-4 plastic or melamine bowls
4-5 spill-proof cups
Disposable bibs, or 6 big, wipe-clean ones
2-3 toddler spoons
2-3 teethers
6 months old
Activity center (such as ExerSaucer)
Umbrella stroller
10 months old
Booster seat for the dinner table
12 months old
Convertible car seat (but only if your child has outgrown her infant car seat. Read those instructions to be sure.)
