It is so important to child proof (or baby proof) your home. Buying baby gates, cabinet locks, door knob covers, outlet covers, toilet locks, etc., however, can really break the bank. Fortunately, there are a few frugal tricks you can use to help reduce your child proofing expenses. Whatever child proofing methods you choose (frugal or otherwise), always give them a test run before trusting them to keep your baby safe.

Cabinet Locks
Double cabinet doors with knobs can be secured with a heavy duty rubber band. Drawers, single cabinet doors, or double doors without knobs can be secured with self-adhesive Velcro strips or dots. Once your baby becomes a toddler, this may not be effective.

Door Knob Covers/Baby Gates
Slip a small sock over your door knobs and secure them with a rubber band. The sock will just slip and turn over the knob if your child tries to open the door. Consider using this instead of baby gates when you want to block off an entire room.

Edge and Corner Guards
Forget buying expensive bumpers and guards for the sharp edges and corners of your furniture. Foam pipe insulation can be purchased for a dollar or two and will slip right onto any edge.

Outlet Covers
Outlet covers are so inexpensive that there is really no cheaper, safe alternative. However, if you suddenly find yourself lacking an outlet cover, cover the outlet with a strip or two of electrical tape until you get more covers.

Toxic Chemicals
In addition to keeping your cabinets locked, consider replacing as many toxic cleaners as possible with natural alternatives. For example, baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice are very effective cleaners and are not going to be nearly as harmful to a baby or young child. On top of that, they’re frugal, too!

Non-slip Socks and Pajama Feet
Non-slip socks are great for babies learning to walk but can be expensive to buy. Instead, buy plain socks and use puffy fabric paint to add non-slip designs to the bottoms. You can also use the paint on the bottom of your baby’s pajama feet.