Childproofing: a guide for pros

What customers ask, how to win the job, and what to put on your profile.

Offering childproofing

You childproof homes, walking each room at child height and installing gates, latches, outlet covers, window guards and furniture anchors. Parents judge the work on whether a child cannot reach, open or tip the hazard, and whether every device still holds after weeks of use.

What customers ask

  • Which gate should I use at the top of the stairs?
  • Do you anchor the dresser to the wall?
  • Will the window guard still let the window open?
  • Will the outlet covers stay in?
  • What else should I check for a crawling baby?

How to win the job

  • On the first call, ask the children's ages, the number of stairs and windows, and the rooms the child will use, then plan the walk-through.
  • Walk each room at child height and list the hazards by reach point before you install anything.
  • Install hardware-mounted gates at the top of stairs, and use pressure gates only at the bottom or at doorways.
  • Anchor every tall furniture piece into studs, and test each anchor with a firm pull and push.
  • Test each window guard and latch by opening and closing it the way a child would.
  • In the quote, list each room, each hazard, the device type and the anchoring method for each.

What to put on your profile

  • Photos of stair gates, window guards and anchored furniture in finished rooms
  • The gate, guard and latch brands you install, listed by name
  • Whether you install in new builds and older homes with plaster walls

Follow-up that helps the customer

  • Offer a walk-through again when the child begins to climb, since hazards change fast
  • Suggest checking the anchors and gate latches every few months
  • Remind the customer to keep cords and small items out of reach as the child grows

Licenses and permits

Childproofing installs are generally not licensed as a trade, but window guards must meet local escape rules. Check state and local rules with your licensing agency before taking this work.

Questions

Do I need a license to install window guards?

Installing window guards often does not need a trade license, but the guards must meet the escape rules in your area. Check with your state or local licensing agency and building department.

How do I get leads on infinibell?

Pros join free and pay only for the leads they accept. You can decline any lead for free. We review profiles before they go live, and the Insured badge shows once we have checked your current insurance.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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