If you’re hosting a party or holiday and kids or pets will be in your home, it's important to do a once-over of your space for safety's sake. Temporary childproofing and pet-proofing isn’t about perfection. It’s about removing the most obvious risks, limiting access to problem areas, and creating clear boundaries (so the adults can relax, pretty please).
With a little planning, you can make lots of safety improvements in a single day... without tools, drilling, or investing in specialty childproofing products.
Now, shift your mindset: Think about anything that kids and animals touch first, then work outward.
What do people usually forget to childproof?
Food and bags! Coats, purses, and backpacks often end up on the floor. That’s where gum, chocolate, meds, and wrappers hide. My dog and child are also equally interested in eating lip gloss, so keep those items guarded, too.
Best practices for the party? Designate a shelf or closed room for guest belongings to avoid last-minute scares.
1. Start With Floors, Cords, and Anything at Eye Level
Kids crawl. Pets sniff, chew, and swipe. The fastest wins are low to the ground.
- Pick up small objects that could be swallowed: coins, batteries, hair ties, Lego pieces. If you have big kids at home, make sure their mess isn't going to put younger houseguests at risk.
- Loop curtain and blind strings out of reach. Nothing should be dangling near the ground.
- Coil phone chargers and lamp cords onto tables or shelves.
- Move floor plants to higher surfaces or closed rooms. "Some holiday plants like poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly can be toxic if ingested," noted Angie Hicks, Co-Founder of Angi (formerly Angie’s List). "Either choose non‑toxic décor or place it well out of reach high on a shelf."
- "Bundle and hide power strips and extension cords along walls, not across walkways, to prevent trips and chewing," adds Hicks. "Also, check that outlets and power strips aren’t overloaded. Spread your cords across multiple circuits, and use surge protectors to protect against voltage."
2. Lock Down Quick Access to “No-Go” Rooms
Limiting space is one of the fastest ways to reduce risk when childproofing your home before a party:
- Close bedroom and bathroom doors and add temporary door knob covers. Post a sign on a door if you think guests will wander.
- For pets, make a safe zone. Use crates, playpens, or laundry rooms during the height of activity. It just needs to be a place they can safely hide without getting into trouble.
- If you have 'em, use pressure-mounted baby gates for stairs, offices, or craft rooms.
3. Plan For Safety in the Kitchen and Dining Areas
Food, heat, and sharp tools bring most accidents. Focus here early:
- Push knives and scissors to the back of counters or into upper cabinets.
- Put away unused small appliances.
- Keep pot handles turned inward during the gathering.
- Store alcohol and medications in a high medicine cabinet or in a locked box.
- Put trash cans under the sink or behind a closed door.
- For pet-proofing, check counters for food scraps and bags; dogs are fast when guests are distracted.
4. Cover Electrical Outlets and Secure Furniture
- Snap in outlet covers in rooms kids will use.
- Use removable furniture straps for dressers or TVs if available.
- Push tall furniture tight against the wall.
- Remove decorative items from shelves that could be pulled down.
5. Create a “Yes” Zone for Kids and Pets
Instead of saying no all day, offer a safe play zone where they can land. This reduces wandering and keeps supervision easier during busy gatherings.
- Set up one room or corner with toys and stuffed animals, books, board games, or pet beds.
- Keep this play area away from foot traffic and food prep.
- Make a space in the guest room for families to store baby/toddler amenities and diaper bags. Parents will thank you!
- Add soft lighting and floor cushions or mats.
- Tell guests where kids and pets are welcome to play.
6. Walk Through Your Home Like a Toddler (or Puppy)
"Get down on the floor and look around from a child’s or pet’s point of view, you’ll spot tempting hazards you might otherwise miss," shared Hicks.
- Look places the vacuum doesn't reach, like under the couch.
- Open drawers and cabinets within reach. Are kids going to damage anything inside?
- Check bathroom counters for razors, skincare, and hair tools. Move these things to prevent unintentional injuries.
7. Prep Guests So Safety Isn’t Awkward
Clear expectations help more than rules shouted across the room.
- Let guests know where kids and pets are allowed.
- Make sure everyone knows if there's a live fire in the fireplace.
- Ask adults to keep bags zipped and meds secured.
- Mention feeding rules for pets up front.
- Share where the first-aid kit is, just in case.
Is temporary childproofing actually safe enough for a party?
Yes, if you focus on the highest risks! Blocking access, removing small items, and managing heat, cords, and chemicals covers most common accidents during short visits. Active supervision still matters, but these changes lower the chance of a major issue.
