As a parent of a newborn baby, your top priority is protecting them from danger. When it comes to baby-proofing your home, electrical outlets should be one of your primary concerns. Not only do household electrical outlets carry enough current to kill a baby or toddler, but they also attract their attention. Most power outlets in homes are right at a baby’s eye level, and the combination of the shape of the outlets and the holes can be very attractive to a curious baby and little hands.
Because electrical danger comes in a lot of different forms, there are many different products designed to keep babies and other children safe when near an outlet. To help you make sense of them all, we’ve compiled our list of the 10 best baby and childproof outlet covers available online in 2021.
- What to Consider Before Buying Outlet Covers
- Top 10 Best Baby and Childproof Outlet Covers 2023
- 1. Best Overall Baby Outlet Covers: Lohodo Baby Proofing Outlet Covers
- 2. Best Budget Baby Outlet Covers: Safety 1st Plug Protectors
- 3. Best Premium Baby Outlet Covers: Dreambaby Dual Fit 2-Piece Outlet Cover
- 4. Best Decoy Baby Outlet Cover: Safety 1st OutSmart Outlet Shield
- 5. Best Outdoor Baby Outlet Cover: Baby Block Universal Power Outlet Cover Box
- 6. Best Power Strip Cover for Babies: Safety 1st Power Strip Cover
- 7. Best Clear Baby Outlet Covers: Wappa Baby Clear Outlet Covers
- 8. Best Simple Outlet Cover for Toddlers: Safety 1st Deluxe Press Fit Outlet Plugs
- 9. Best Easy-to-Remove Baby Outlet Covers: PRObebi Outlet Plugs
- 10. Best Baby Outlet Cover for Large Plugs: Safety Innovations Babyproof Outlet Cover Box
- Everything You Need to Know About Babyproof Outlets
- Baby Outlet Covers FAQ
- Final Word About Electrical Safety
What to Consider Before Buying Outlet Covers
There are a surprising amount of different ways to safely shield an electrical outlet from babies and young children. Before you start shopping, you should have some idea about the location of your outlets, how often your children will be playing near them, and how often you will need to use the outlets. There is a good chance that there is a product on this list that fits your needs exactly. Here are some of the different kinds of baby and childproof outlet covers we reviewed.
Standard Baby Outlet Covers
These are the little plastic pieces that most parents think of when they picture a baby outlet cover. You can get enough of these to protect your entire house without paying much at all. The Lohodo Baby Proofing Outlet Covers are our favorite traditional baby outlet covers.
Plug + Outlet Covers
One of the worst parts of using a traditional baby outlet cover is that you can’t have anything plugged into an outlet while in use. Plug and outlet covers like the Dreambaby Dual Fit Plug and Electrical 2-Piece Outlet Cover allow devices to be plugged in while also protecting your baby from shock
Outdoor Outlet Cover
If there’s an outdoor outlet within arms reach of your little one, you will want an outdoor cover designed for all weather conditions like the Baby Block Universal Power Outlet Cover Box.
What We Look For
When choosing which baby outlet covers to recommend to our readers, here are the criteria we use.
- Safety: This is the most important factor because it’s the reason that you are buying the outlet covers in the first place. In this section, we will explain how each product protects your baby and review how effectively they get the job done.
- Convenience: In this section, we’ll describe what is required to install each of the baby outlet covers on the list. We will also let you know if devices can be plugged into the outlet while it is protected.
- Frustration Factor: Broken nails are painful. The most annoying part of traditional baby outlet safety plugs is that they can be difficult and painful to remove from the outlet once you have finished using it. We’ll let you know how each product performs in this department.
- Toddler Proofing: As our little ones grow, they get smarter and craftier. While this is normally a good thing, it can be scary until they learn to avoid danger. We’ll let you know if each choice below is secure enough to keep toddlers away from the outlet as well as babies.
- Value: Having a baby in the house is expensive! Because every dollar counts, we want to help parents find the least expensive baby outlet covers that fit their needs.
Electricity Can Harm Your Child!
For the first few months of their lives, babies don’t move around much. This is good news for new parents as it limits the amount of trouble that your baby can get into. As they get older and learn to crawl, however, they become more mobile and more likely to get themselves into danger when you are not watching. While death due to electrocution is rare, thousands of kids are admitted to the ER every year with injuries sustained from sticking fingers and other objects into live outlets. To reduce the risk as much as possible you’ll want to baby-proof all areas of your home, so let’s take a look at the best baby outlet covers on the market today.
Top 10 Best Baby and Childproof Outlet Covers 2023
1. Best Overall Baby Outlet Covers: Lohodo Baby Proofing Outlet Covers
Editor’s Rating:
Specs:
- Quantity: 40 pack
- Two-Prong or Three-Prong: Both options available
- Toddler Proof? Yes
- Outlet Accessible? No
Featuring a unique hidden U-shaped handle in each plug, the Lohodo Baby Proofing Outlet Covers are a convenient twist on the traditional outlet cover for babies. These outlet covers are sold in boxes of 40 and are available in both 2- and 3-pronged models. The covers are made from high-quality ABS plastic. This means they are eco-friendly and BPA free. They also have a clean and simple design that will compliment your home decoration without your little one taking notice.
Safety: The Lohodo Baby Proofing Outlet Covers are large enough to cover the entire outlet with no gaps. At first glance, it would seem that the U-shaped handle would make this cover easy for babies to remove from the outlet. Thankfully, however, the handle’s locking mechanism makes it nearly impossible for little hands to loosen.
Convenience: Thanks to the premium plastic construction and the handle, the Lohodo Baby Proofing Outlet Covers are easy to push into place. Once in the outlet, the U-shaped handle easily snaps into place. You cannot use your electrical outlet while these covers are being used.
Frustration Factor: Because of the innovative handle design, the Lohodo Baby Proofing Outlet Covers are far easier to remove than the standard flat style of outlet cover. These outlet covers are nearly impossible for babies to remove but very easy for adults.
Price: Because of the more complex design, it makes sense for the Lohodo Baby Proofing Outlet Covers to be a little more expensive than some of the alternatives. Thankfully, at under $10 for a box of 40, they are still very affordable. The 3-pronged model is slightly more expensive compared to the 2-prong covers.
Verdict: Thanks to the U-shaped handle, the Lohodo Baby Proofing Outlet Covers are extremely convenient to use and do a great job protecting infants from electrical shock. This is a great choice for parents who don’t mind paying a few extra dollars for convenience.
Pros
- U-shaped handle makes removing from outlets easy
- Clean design compliments decor without catching your baby’s attention
- Available in 2 or 3-pronged designs
Cons
- More expensive than basic outlet covers
- Outlet is inaccessible while in use
2. Best Budget Baby Outlet Covers: Safety 1st Plug Protectors
Editor’s Rating:
Specs:
- Two-Prong or Three-Prong: Two prong
- Quantity: 36 pack
- Toddler Proof? No
- Outlet accessible? No
Famous for creating the iconic “Baby on Board” signs seen in the back window of minivans everywhere for the past thirty years, Safety 1st has been making high-quality baby safety products ever since. This pack of 36 plug protectors will help parents protect every outlet in their house in seconds.
Safety: The Safety 1st Plug Protectors fit snugly in any 2 or 3-pronged outlet and are very difficult to remove. This means that they will stay securely in place, even if your little one tries to pry them out. A determined toddler may be able to remove the protector given enough time. The plug protectors are small enough to pose a choking hazard when not plugged into an outlet.
Convenience: Safety 1st Plug Protectors slide into place effortlessly and remain secure while in the outlet. Using these protectors, parents are able to cover every accessible outlet in their house in a matter of minutes. The outlets cannot be used while these plug protectors are in place.
Frustration Factor: Like many inexpensive baby and childproof outlet covers, the most frustrating part of using Safety 1st Plug Protectors is having to remove them from the outlet. The edges of the plug protectors are beveled, so it can be very difficult to get a fingernail behind in order to remove it from the outlet. The plastic prongs are also prone to breaking inside the outlet, especially after being used for a long time.
Price: The Safety 1st Plug Protectors are one of the least expensive baby outlet covers we reviewed. We think they are a bargain for parents looking to cover a lot of outlets inexpensively.
Verdict: One of the most simple solutions for protecting your little ones from being shocked by an electrical outlet, a set Safety 1st Plug Protectors is a quick and easy way to baby-proof your home.
Pros
- Effective design is sure to keep infants away from outlets
- Fits any 2 or 3-pronged outlet
- Great value
Cons
- Can be frustrating to remove
- Plastic prongs may break off in the outlet
- Can’t use the protected outlets
Editor’s Rating:
Specs:
- Quantity: 2 pack
- Two-Prong or Three-Prong: Both, covers the whole outlet with plugged-in electronics
- Toddler Proof? Yes
- Outlet Accessible? Yes
The Dreambaby Dual Fit Plug and Electrical 2-Piece Outlet Cover installs on any kind of outlet and is designed to allow you to continue using your plugs even while keeping curious little hands away from the electrical outlets. Not only does this cover protect your outlets, but it also protects the cords of anything plugged in, ensuring they will not come loose even if tugged. The cover is opened by pushing in the two clips on the side and lifting up.
Safety: The Dreambaby Dual Fit Plug and Electrical 2-Piece Outlet Cover totally protects your baby from the electrical outlet and protects your electrical cords from your baby. There is no problem letting a baby or child of any age play unsupervised near an outlet with this cover.
Convenience: Unlike removable outlet covers, the Dreambaby Dual Fit Plug and Electrical 2-Piece Outlet Cover must be installed on the outlet where it is being used. It takes between 5-10 minutes to install these covers on an outlet using only a screwdriver. It attaches to both standard and decorative outlets.
Frustration Factor: The Dreambaby Dual Fit Plug and Electrical 2-Piece Outlet Cover is not frustrating to use in the slightest. However, it does take a minute to remove and replace the cover when you need to access the outlet. Unfortunately, devices with larger wall plugs may not fit under the cover while plugged in.
Price: Because each cover can only be used in a single outlet, protecting your home’s outlets only with the Dreambaby Dual Fit Plug and Electrical 2-Piece Outlet Cover is one of the most expensive options. Instead, we recommend only installing these outlet covers near lamps or other devices that will be plugged in permanently.
Verdict: The Dreambaby Dual Fit Plug and Electrical 2-Piece Outlet Cover is a good choice for protecting outlets that are used regularly. However, parents looking to baby-proof every outlet in their home will likely want to use a different type of cover for many outlets.
Pros
- Provides complete protection from the outlet
- Allows cords to be plugged in while in use
- Also protects power cords from being pulled
Cons
- Larger power plugs may not fit behind the cover
- Can be time-consuming to insert or remove plugs
4. Best Decoy Baby Outlet Cover: Safety 1st OutSmart Outlet Shield
Editor’s Rating:
Specs:
- Quantity: 2 pack
- Two-Prong or Three-Prong: Both, covers the whole outlet
- Toddler Proof? No
- Outlets Accessible? No
As most parents can tell you, a curious baby will stop at nothing to play with something that has piqued their interest. This normally has a positive effect on your baby’s development, but when it comes to electrical outlets and baby-safe outlet plugs, curiosity can become dangerous. That’s why the Safety 1st OutSmart Outlet Shield is designed to cover an electrical outlet in a way that makes it blend into the wall and stay off your baby’s radar.
Safety: For some babies, an electrical outlet looks like fun to play with. That’s why the decoy panel of the Safety 1st OutSmart Outlet Shield works so well. By totally removing the outlets from your baby’s vision, it is extremely unlikely that they will ever even attempt to get into the outlet. If the outlet cover still attracts their attention, this cover is still nearly impossible for babies or even toddlers to remove.
Convenience: With a simple design that is made to fit over a standard-sized outlet, the Safety 1st OutSmart Outlet Shield is extremely easy to install. Unfortunately, when in use, there is no way to plug a cord into either outlet. This outlet cover can only be used with standard-sized outlets.
Frustration Factor: The Safety 1st OutSmart Outlet Shield is easy for adults to remove from any outlet. The most frustrating part of using this outlet cover is that the entire outlet is out of commission while in use and there is no way to use only one plug.
Price: Especially for your baby’s room or playroom, the Safety 1st OutSmart Outlet Shield is a good value for parents who want to make electrical outlets less appealing for their little ones. At under $5 for a two-pack, we think these are a great value.
Verdict: While most outlet covers are designed to keep curious babies and toddlers from accessing the dangerous electrical outlet. The smart design of the Safety 1st OutSmart Outlet Shield is meant to keep them from noticing the outlet altogether. It’s an effective strategy, but it can make it inconvenient to use the outlet yourself.
Pros
- Keeps little ones from noticing a dangerous electrical outlet in the first place
- Good price
- Installs in less than a second with no tools required
Cons
- Only fits standard size, two-plug electrical outlets
- Outlets are blocked from use
5. Best Outdoor Baby Outlet Cover: Baby Block Universal Power Outlet Cover Box
Editor’s Rating:
Specs:
- Quantity: 1 pack
- Two-Prong or Three-Prong: Both, covers the whole outlet with plugged-in electronics
- Toddler Proof? Yes
- Outlet Accessible? Yes
Not every dangerous outlet is located inside. Parents looking to safeguard their little ones near outdoor outlets should consider the Baby Block Universal Power Outlet Cover Box. Easy to install with no tools required, this cover attaches to the wall around any electrical outlet using an adhesive strip located on the back of the base. The cover is impact resistant and can take a beating in all kinds of weather.
Safety: We feel comfortable recommending the Baby Block Universal Power Outlet Cover Box for any situation because of how difficult it is for a baby to reach the dangerous outlet inside. The simple locking mechanism seems impossible for little ones to open, even for the most curious babies or toddlers.
Convenience: When you first install the base of the Baby Block Universal Power Outlet Cover Box, you must let the adhesive set for 24 hours before installing the rest of the outlet cover. While this delay in the installation is inconvenient, once the cover is fully installed, it is very easy to use and the door opens easier. There is plenty of room in this cover for larger A/C adapters to stay plugged in while the cover is closed.
Frustration Factor: Thanks to the easy-open cover door, there is very little frustration involved when using the Baby Block Universal Power Outlet Cover Box. It is our favorite solution for baby-proofing outside power outlets. It also comes with a lifetime guarantee.
Price: Because of the high-quality construction and the strong adhesive used to install this baby outlet cover, it is far more expensive than almost every other baby and toddler power outlet covers we reviewed. Because of this, we only recommend the Baby Block Universal Power Outlet Cover Box for outdoor use.
Verdict: The Baby Block Universal Power Outlet Cover Box does a great job of keeping a power outlet out of the reach of your baby or toddler while still keeping it accessible and convenient for you. It is one of the few options available for childproofing an outside electrical outlet.
Pros
- Easy to install with no tools required
- Easy to open for adults, but nearly impossible for toddlers
- Comes with a lifetime guarantee
Cons
- Much more expensive than other outlet covers we reviewed
6. Best Power Strip Cover for Babies: Safety 1st Power Strip Cover
Editor’s Rating:
Specs:
- Quantity: 1 or 2 pack options
- Two-Prong or Three-Prong: Both, covers the whole power strip with plugged-in electronics
- Toddler Proof? Yes
- Outlet Accessible? Yes
Often found underneath computers and home entertainment systems, power strips present a unique safety hazard for curious babies and toddlers. Not only do they present a danger of electrocution, but they also create a hazardous situation for both your baby and your equipment. This is why we recommend that parents who need to use a power strip within reach of their little ones use the Safety 1st Power Strip Cover.
Safety: Not only does the Safety 1st Power Strip Cover keep kids from getting to the power plugs or the on-off switch of a power strip, but the unique design also keeps plugs in place while in use. This cover does nothing to protect the plug of the power strip itself, so parents will want to consider that when planning their baby-proofing strategy
Convenience: Because of the innovative sliding design, the Safety 1st Power Strip Cover easily expands to fit power strips as long as 13.5 inches. This power strip cover can be used safely on the floor, but can also be attached to the wall using the included mounting hardware.
Frustration Factor: While the Safety 1st Power Strip Cover makes plugging and unplugging devices from your power strip slightly more time-consuming, the smart design and quality construction of this unit make it convenient to use.
Price: At under $10 for each unit, the Safety 1st Power Strip Cover is a great deal on a necessary safety precaution for situations where your baby or toddler is likely to be within arm’s reach of an active power strip.
Verdict: Since releasing the iconic “Baby on Board” window sign over 30 years ago, Safety 1st has built a reputation for making high-quality products that keep your baby safe. The innovative power strip cover is no exception.
Pros
- Keeps babies and toddlers safe when near electrical power strips
- Protects your little one as well as your devices
- Adjustable to fit power strips as long as 13.5”
- Can be mounted on the wall
Cons
- Does not protect the plug of the power strip itself
7. Best Clear Baby Outlet Covers: Wappa Baby Clear Outlet Covers
Editor’s Rating:
Specs:
- Quantity: 50 pack
- Two-Prong or Three-Prong: Two prong
- Toddler Proof? No
- Outlet Accessible? No
Coming in a package of 50, Wappa Baby Clear Outlet Covers are specifically designed to go unnoticed by children. The round design is simple but effective and allows parents to baby-proof any electrical outlet in seconds. We were impressed by the quality of plastic used to make these clear covers, making them much tougher and more rigid than some of the alternatives.
Safety: The Wappa Baby Clear Outlet Covers remain firmly in most electrical sockets, even if tugged by little fingers. Thankfully, this is unlikely to be necessary as the clear design of these outlet covers are likely to go unnoticed by babies. Unfortunately, the small round design can leave gaps, especially when used in three-pronged outlets. While unlikely, these gaps could allow a baby or toddler to poke an object into the outlet.
Convenience: One of the fastest options we reviewed, the Wappa Baby Clear Outlet Covers only takes a second to install. Especially for houses or garages with lots of electrical outlets, the large number of covers in each box means you are unlikely to have to buy more than one box, even if a few covers go missing or break after repeated uses.
Frustration Factor: One of this product’s strongest features is how difficult it is for a baby to remove from an electrical outlet. Unfortunately for parents, removing these outlet covers can be challenging for little ones and adults alike. It is very easy to break a nail while removing the Wappa Baby Clear Outlet Covers.
Price: Especially considering that you get 50 covers in a box, the Wappa Baby Clear Outlet Covers are fairly priced. Parents with smaller spaces and fewer outlets to protect may want to choose a smaller alternative.
Verdict: The Wappa Baby Clear Outlet Covers cost slightly more than some cheaper options, but the high-quality plastic and clear design make these a great choice.
Pros
- The clear design keeps these covers from attracting your baby’s
- Made from high-quality plastic
- Sold in boxes of 50
Cons
- Can be very difficult to remove from outlets
- Can leave small gaps in larger outlets, especially 3-pronged outlets
8. Best Simple Outlet Cover for Toddlers: Safety 1st Deluxe Press Fit Outlet Plugs
Editor’s Rating:
Specs:
- Quantity: 8 pack
- Two-Prong or Three-Prong: Both
- Toddler Proof? Yes
- Outlet Accessible? No
One of the most unique designs for removable outlet covers to keep your baby safe, the Safety 1st Deluxe Press Fit Outlet Plugs feature a two-press lock that keeps them securely in the outlet, even when little fingers try and pry them free. Safety 1st has been making quality products to keep babies safe for over 30 years. The locking design requires both the top and bottom to be pressed at the same time in order to remove this cover from the outlet.
Safety: Safety 1st Deluxe Press Fit Outlet Plugs are a good choice for outlets that need to be baby-proofed for a long period of time. Unlike standard flat outlet covers that can be pried out of their outlets by determined little ones, we could not imagine a baby removing these covers, even if they were given a long time to work on it.
Convenience: Inserting the Safety 1st Deluxe Press Fit Outlet Plugs into any outlet is as easy as plugging it in. The locking mechanism automatically engages once the outlet cover is fully inserted.
Frustration Factor: Because of the dual-action release, the Safety 1st Deluxe Press Fit Outlet Plugs are much easier for adults to remove from the wall than regular-style flat covers. The press and lock mechanism takes some getting used to, but ultimately these outlet covers are far easier to remove from the wall when you are done using them.
Price: Because they only come in packs of 8, the Safety 1st Deluxe Press Fit Outlet Plugs are more expensive than most other kinds of insertable outlet covers. However, because of the superior two press locking mechanism, these outlet covers are a good value that will provide peace of mind when you’re not free to watch your curious baby’s every move.
Verdict: The Safety 1st Deluxe Press Fit Outlet Plugs is one of the safest options you can choose, especially for outlets that are located in rooms where your baby will be playing unsupervised often.
Pros
- Made with high-quality plastic
- Two-touch lock keeps plug securely in the outlet
Cons
- Only 8 plugs included in each pack
9. Best Easy-to-Remove Baby Outlet Covers: PRObebi Outlet Plugs
Editor’s Rating:
Specs:
- Quantity: 38 pack
- Two-Prong or Three-Prong: Three prong
- Toddler Proof? Yes
- Outlet Accessible? No
One of the most common complaints about outlet safety covers is that they can be difficult to remove. The PRObebi Outlet Plugs solve this problem using a unique rotary handle that makes the plugs simple to remove from outlets. These outlet covers come in packs of 30 and they are made of high-quality ABS plastic. These outlet plugs only come in a three-pronged style and are able to cover outlets with no gap for fingers or objects to fit in between. Parents who have broken nails when removing outlet plugs in the past will appreciate the handle-tab that make these plugs easier to remove when you need to use the outlet.
Safety: While the PRObebi Outlet Plugs fit snugly in newer outlets, they may end up being too loose when plugged into outlets older than 20 years. These outlet covers are slightly too easy to remove for us to recommend using in areas where babies will be playing unattended. Because of their small size, these outlet covers present a choking hazard when not in use.
Convenience: Removing the PRObebi Outlet Plugs is really easy for adults. Unfortunately, that also makes it a little too convenient for some curious babies. We wish the handle locked into the base of the outlet plugs in a more snug fashion.
Frustration Factor: Unlike many baby-proof outlet plugs we reviewed, the main frustration with the PRObebi Outlet Plugs is not removing them from the outlet, but keeping them in. Especially in older outlets, these covers feel too loose while plugged in.
Price: At under $10 for a pack of 38 covers, the PRObebi Outlet Plugs are one of the better values we found in baby-safe outlet covers.
Verdict: The PRObebi Outlet Plugs is easy to insert and remove from most outlets. That’s why we think they are a great choice for doctor’s offices or other places where regularly used outlets must be protected whenever not in use. Babies left unsupervised for long periods of time may learn to remove these plugs.
Pros
- Ring-pull style handle makes these plugs easy to remove
- Made from high-quality ABS plastic
- No gaps when installed
Cons
- Can be too loose, especially in older outlets
10. Best Baby Outlet Cover for Large Plugs: Safety Innovations Babyproof Outlet Cover Box
Editor’s Rating:
Specs:
- Quantity: 1 pack
- Two-Prong or Three-Prong: Both, covers the whole outlet with plugged-in electronics
- Toddler Proof? Yes
- Outlet Accessible? Yes
One of the most frustrating parts about using a permanent cover box to keep your little ones protected from electrical outlets is that they often cause problems when you need to plug in a device with a larger than average power plug. The Safety Innovations Twin Door Babyproof Outlet solves this problem with an extra-large interior that will allow parents to keep large plugs in the outlet while keeping their baby safe.
Safety: Thanks to the unique double locking system with buttons on the top and bottom of the door, we feel confident recommending the Safety Innovations Twin Door Babyproof Outlet for houses with even the most curious babies or toddlers. The design also protects your device’s cord should your little one tug on it while it’s plugged in.
Convenience: The Safety Innovations Twin Door Babyproof Outlet replaces your existing standard or decora-style electrical outlet. Installation takes about 15 minutes and requires a screwdriver. You will want to make sure power to the electrical outlet is shut off during install. After installation, the twin-door baby-proof outlet cover is easy to open and close to switch out cords.
Frustration Factor: Once installed, the Safety Innovations Twin Door Babyproof Outlet is really easy to use. The bulky protective cover causes this outlet cover to stick out further from the wall than most other options, but this is necessary for allowing larger plugs to be used in the outlet.
Price: Protecting outlets using the Safety Innovations Twin Door Babyproof Outlet is more expensive than using simple outlet covers, but because it offers a permanent solution and allows larger plugs to be used safely, we think it’s still a good deal. Parents requiring more than one outlet covers can order a 2-pack and receive a discount.
Verdict: For parents who need to plug-in devices with large power cords, the Safety Innovations Twin Door Babyproof Outlet is our favorite solution. The easy-to-open door is sure to keep little ones out without preventing you from using the outlet.
Pros
- Best outlet cover for large plugs
- Easy to install on both standard and decora outlets
- Unique double locking system keeps little ones out and provides easy access for adults
Cons
- Requires permanent installation
- Sticks out further from the wall compared to most outlet covers
Everything You Need to Know About Babyproof Outlets
Keeping Your Baby From Playing With Electrical Outlets
It’s important to understand that no matter which baby outlet cover you choose, there are still risks. That’s why it’s important to reinforce the danger posed by an electrical outlet as early and as often as possible. As early as three months old, you will notice them starting to fixate on individual objects around them. When you notice their attention directed toward an electrical outlet, talk to them about the danger, then distract them with something else. This will help them learn to trust you to watch out for their safety before they are even old enough to talk.
Especially once your baby begins crawling, you want to make sure they are never allowed to play unsupervised near an unprotected outlet. For babies who are obsessed with the electrical outlet, we suggest a protector that disguises the outlet and avoids attracting their attention like the Safety 1st OutSmart Outlet Shield.
Keeping Your Toddler From Playing With Electrical Outlets
Once your baby starts walking and talking, you will be able to reason with them and explain more about why electricity is dangerous and why they should stay from the outlets. Unfortunately, if their strength and motor skills develop faster than their understanding of danger, you may still want to make sure that the outlets around their play area are protected with an outlet cover that is harder to get into like the Dreambaby Dual Fit Plug and Electrical 2-Piece Outlet Cover.
If your toddler is curious and expresses a desire to learn more about electricity and electrical safety, that’s great! There are lots of great resources online to help parents teach their little ones about electricity and using it safely.
First Aid for Electrocution Injury
There are four main factors that determine the extent of an injury due to electrocution. These factors are the type of current, the strength (voltage) of the current, the health of the person shocked, and how quickly they are treated. Electrical shocks may or may not cause visible burns on the body. No matter what the injury looks like, however, an electrical current passing through a body can cause injury, internal damage, or even cardiac arrest. In some cases, even a very small amount of electricity can cause death.
IMPORTANT: A child or adult who has been shocked by any significant amount of electricity should be seen by a doctor soon after the injury, even if they feel fine afterward. Do not touch the injured person if they are still touching an active electrical current.
If the person who has been shocked experiences any of the following symptoms, you must immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
- Severe burns
- Muscle pain or spasms
- Irregular heart rhythm
- Confusion or mental fogginess
- Cardiac arrest
While waiting for medical help, try and turn off the electricity if possible to prevent additional injuries, keep the injured person warm, and apply a clean, loose bandage on any burns. While sterile gauze is best for these purposes, any clean cloth will do in a pinch. Make sure not to use blankets, towels, or anything else with strands that could cause further injury. If the injured person stops breathing, performing CPR may improve their chances of survival until emergency services arrive.
Cord Safety
While parents often focus on the danger presented by the electrical outlet itself, the hazard presented by power cords running between devices and the outlet is often overlooked. Not only is there a risk of strangulation to your baby or toddler by using the cord to pull heavy electronics onto themselves, but frayed or faulty cords can create a risk of electrocution or fire. Here are some important things to remember when baby-proofing areas where power cords must be located.
- Power cords that are too long present the biggest safety hazard, if there is too much extra cord, you should roll the extra amount into a small coil and use a zip tie to keep it held together and out of the way.
- Do NOT continue to use any power cord that has any kind of fray or cut in it, damaged power cords are a fire hazard and may lead to electrocution.
- If you must plug-in devices nearby to where babies will be playing, we recommend using an outlet cover that also protects the cord of devices plugged into it like the Dreambaby Dual Fit Plug and Electrical 2-Piece Outlet Cover.
- Avoid running cords under rugs or carpet. While this may seem like a clever way to keep them out of reach of your baby, it can generate excessive heat and become a fire hazard.
- A power strip is basically a cord and a set of outlets in one and carries many of the same safety risks. If you must use one of these near an area where your baby will be playing, you should protect it with a cover designed for power strips like the Safety 1st Power Strip Cover.
Baby-Proofing Your Home
For a baby who is just learning to crawl, your home is a wonderland of fascinating and dangerous objects. Aside from covering the power outlets, here are some other important steps to take in order to baby proof your home.
- Once your baby starts moving around, you will want to make sure to have reliable baby gates that allow you to easily control where your baby can and cannot go. If you need one for your home, make sure to start with our top picks for baby gates in 2021.
- Remove any curtains or blinds with long or looped cords. Any length of string longer than 12 inches can create a risk of strangulation.
- Make sure that any drawers or cabinets containing dangerous objects are locked with a baby-proof mechanism.
- Especially if your home was built before 1978, make sure to have any paint that is peeling or flaking sealed or removed. Interior paint from before 1978 may contain lead and be hazardous.
Baby Outlet Covers FAQ
Q: Do electrical outlets pose a danger to babies and children?
A: Absolutely! Thousands of young children end up in the emergency room every year due to injuries sustained from home electrical outlets. In rare cases, these electrical shock injuries are fatal.
Q: What do I do if my baby won’t stop trying to play with an electrical outlet?
A: Unfortunately, because of their appealing shape and their location right at eye level for babies, electrical outlets often create an attractive hazard. Parents should begin talking to their children about the danger of electrical outlets as soon as possible. For parents looking to help their baby forget about the outlet, we recommend a decoy outlet cover like the Safety 1st OutSmart Outlet Shield.
Q: What is the best baby-proof outdoor electrical outlet cover?
A: Our favorite protective cover for electrical outlets in outdoor areas where your baby will be playing regularly is the Baby Block Universal Power Outlet Cover Box.
Final Word About Electrical Safety
A big part of parenting is protecting your children from danger. The products listed on this page can help do that, but they are not a replacement for education. It is important that parents start talking to their kids about the dangers of electrical outlets as soon as they are old enough to listen.