FAQs
Got questions about Safe Start, baby proofing, or ensuring your child's safety? We've got all of the answers you need!
Professional Baby Proofing
We understand that some parents might be skeptical about baby proofing, thinking constant supervision is enough. Most parents are juggling multiple responsibilities: work, marriage, family, home, and social life all demand attention. But for a baby or toddler, their entire world is whatever they want in that exact moment. All parents can benefit from baby proofing, it provides safety for moments when direct supervision isn’t possible or enough.
It’s not just about preventing accidents; it’s about creating a safe environment where your child can explore and learn without necessary risks. Safe Start uses baby proofing to craft an environment that supports your child’s curiosity while maintaining peace and order in your daily life.
Unfortunately, the truth is: baby proofing your home without expert guidance is nearly impossible to get right. We’ve spent over 25 years professionally baby proofing thousands of homes, and we can confidently say most of the advice you’ll find online is either outdated, incorrect, or completely mismatched to real-life family homes. Even worse, many of the most commonly recommended products are unsafe or simply don’t work in most spaces.
If you truly feel equipped to handle it yourself, we strongly recommend starting with a Virtual Safety Session. We’ll walk you through your home, flag safety hazards you may have missed, and provide a Home Safety Plan with clear recommendations and the right product choices for your space.
Whether you want to DIY or have us handle everything, we’re here to make sure your money and time goes toward solutions that are actually safe. Every family and home is different, and we work with budgets of all sizes- but getting the right answers from a professional is always the smartest first step.
Safe Start Child offers a unique combination of expertise and thoughtful, personalized service.
Expertise & Experience: Founded and led by long-time child safety experts, Safe Start has over 25 years of professional experience baby proofing homes. Our deep understanding of child safety needs and solutions is unmatched.
Customized Solutions: Every family and home is unique. We customize safety plans that align with your specific home layout and your family’s lifestyle.
Aesthetic Integration: Maintaining the beauty and comfort of your home is important. We offer a curated selection of the most effective, versatile, and attractive safety products on the market.
Modern Approach: We understand that today’s families don’t want outdated plastic gadgets and one-size-fits-all solutions. We offer safety without sacrificing style or function.
Do you live in DC, MD, VA, or the NY Metro Area? If so, schedule a Home Safety Consultation. If not, book a Virtual Safety Session with us so we can guide you through the child proofing process.
After you receive your Home Safety Plan, we can guide you through a professional installation. Also, the International Association for Child Safety (IAFCS) website offers a directory of certified child proofing professionals in your area that can install our recommended safety solutions.
Booking & Cancellation
Families everywhere can schedule a Virtual Safety Session directly through our website’s Booking Page. After completing the form, our scheduling team will reach out directly to offer more information and confirm the date and time.
Families in the DC area may schedule an in-person Safety Consultation by completing the form on our Contact page. We will reach out to you, offering more information about the process and discuss scheduling options.
Families in the NY area may now schedule custom baby gate installations as we expand our services to Westchester! Complete the form on our Contact page, email info@safestartchild.com, or call (301) 507-2331 to learn more.
In DC & NY, if you want expert installation of baby gates but don’t need a comprehensive safety assessment, contact us for pricing by emailing photos of the space(s) you need gated to info@safestartchild.com. You may also complete the form on our Contact page to receive a Safe Home Guide with more information on products and services.
Yes! If you just want baby gates and a few other items, you may not want a comprehensive safety assessment. If you complete the form on our Contact page and/or send photos to info@safestartchild.com of the space(s) in your home where you need baby proofing, we can write up an estimate for the installation. Nevertheless, we do encourage families to consider a more detailed assessment of the spaces in their home, our safety consultations offer families valuable insights on parenting, safety, and the spaces in their home.
Absolutely. We are parents too – things come up. Just give us at least 48 hours’ notice, and we’ll help you find a new time.
For all safety installations we have a 2 business day cancellation policy from the start time of your job. So if you need to cancel or reschedule your baby proofing installation please reach out to us as soon as possible to avoid a cancellation fee.
We understand emergencies happen. Reach out as soon as possible to scheduling@safestartchild.com and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.
Limited evening and weekend slots are available- please inquire early to secure one that fits your schedule. Additional fees may apply to appointments booked outside the operating hours of Monday through Friday 9am to 5 pm.
Temporary Safety Solutions
Even if you’re planning to move soon, baby proofing your current home is still important. Implementing basic safety measures like securing furniture, installing baby gates, and latching cabinets provides essential protection- protection that you can bring to your next home.
The child safety products that we recommend are extremely versatile and can be uninstalled from your current home and reinstalled in your new home, ensuring continuous safety for your child.
No, you will not lose your security deposit for baby proofing (especially if you use professionals). If installed correctly, our safety products will not cause any damage to the property.
Federal fair housing regulations prevent landlords from refusing to rent to families with children. Landlords who fail to fully understand the implications of this law can land themselves in legal trouble. Safe Start often baby proofs apartments and homes rented by families. We will happily speak to any landlord who is anxious about ‘damage’ that may occur during child proofing.
Refunds and Warranty
All products purchased from Safe Start have a 30 day return/exchange window from the date of purchase. Returns and exchanges require proof of purchase (receipt or order number). To initiate a return or exchange, email info@safestartchild.com.
We will uninstall and/or exchange the product at the earliest possible date. Refunds will be processed to the original method of payment within 1-3 business days of Safe Start receiving the returned item(s). For large returns, restocking fees may apply. Clients may exchange a product for a different item of equal or lesser value, with any price difference refunded to the original form of payment. If the item is more expensive, the client will pay the difference. The return & exchange policy is subject to change, please review the policy periodically.
Warranty services are currently only available to clients within our DC and NY metro service areas. Safe Start offers a warranty on all professionally installed products that use hardware – including baby gates, furniture straps, and cabinet latches. Once installed, these products are guaranteed to function properly throughout the baby and toddler years of one to three children. Our warranty covers normal wear and tear and any issue related to child safety.
What’s not covered? Products that rely on adhesive (like corner or edge cushions) are not included in the warranty, as these are not intended to be permanent fixtures and may loosen over time. Misuse also voids the warranty – for example, using a baby gate as a substitute for a pet crate. Baby gates are designed for children, and will often work with pets, but forgoing a reasonable amount of supervision will shorten their lifespan.
The reason we’re able to offer this warranty is simple: we only use durable, high-quality products and install them with precision. If a gate no longer closes properly or a latch isn’t working, contact us – we’ll come out as soon as possible to repair, adjust, or replace anything that is not working. For adhesive product issues, we’re happy to help troubleshoot reapplication methods or recommend stronger bonding agents.
Safety Products
When baby proofing certain products stand out as essentials due to their effectiveness in preventing common accidents and injuries. Our safety essentials include: baby gates, furniture and television straps, and cabinet latches.
It depends on the products. We know which products work, which do not, and why. We only install products that meet our warranty standards for quality and safety.
When purchasing child safety products — look for items that meet established safety standards and certifications. Key certifications to look for include: Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) Certification, American Society for Testing and Materials International (ASTM) Standards, and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Compliance.
Safety Recommendations
We recommend focusing on the rooms where your family and child spends the most time. The goal is to manage risk effectively, not create a fortress. A Virtual Safety Session can provide you with customized recommendations for your home.
The ideal time to start baby proofing is before your child begins to be mobile. By baby proofing early, you can stay ahead of your child’s developmental milestones – ensuring their surroundings are safe as they start to explore more actively.
It’s better to be prepared than to panic and rush once your child is on the move, and you are struggling to enforce boundaries on your space and belongings. Nevertheless, it is never too late to baby proof, and we are here to help you at any phase!
Remember to regularly re-assess your home as your child grows. Baby proofing evolves with your child. We recommend reviewing and updating your baby proofing measures as your child reaches new developmental milestones; typically every three to six months.
The duration of baby proofing in your home depends on your child’s behavior. Curious, adventurous, and active children will likely require longer periods with safety measures. Neurodivergent children may require unique timelines. If you have specific features in your home, like a pool, a fireplace, or a multi-story layout – you will likely maintain safety solutions for longer.