Becoming a parent makes you see the world differently. What once seemed harmless—like an electrical cord lying on the floor—suddenly becomes a dangerous temptation for tiny, curious hands. I remember the moment I caught my toddler chewing on a phone charger, and my heart nearly stopped. That was my wake-up call to childproof every cord in the house. If you’re in the same boat, wondering how to keep your little one safe, this guide will walk you through practical, effective ways to childproof electrical cords and prevent potential accidents.

Why Electrical Cords Are Dangerous for Babies and Toddlers

You might not realize just how many electrical cords are scattered throughout your home until you have a baby on the move. These seemingly harmless items pose serious risks, including:

• Electrocution – If a child chews on a cord or pulls at loose wiring, they can get a painful or even life-threatening shock.
• Strangulation Hazard – Long cords, especially from blinds, lamps, or electronics, can wrap around a baby’s neck, leading to suffocation risks.
• Tripping and Falling – Crawling babies and walking toddlers can easily trip over loose cables, leading to bumps, bruises, or worse.
• Fire Hazards – Frayed or damaged cords can spark electrical fires, putting the entire household at risk.

When you think about it, every room in your house has at least one electrical cord that could be a potential hazard. But don’t worry—there are simple, affordable ways to make your home a safer place.

Steps to Childproof Electrical Cords

Use Cord Covers or Concealers

One of the easiest ways to keep cords out of reach is by using cord covers or concealers. These are plastic channels that attach to walls or baseboards, keeping wires tucked away.

How to do it:

• Buy adhesive-backed cord concealers from a hardware store or online.
• Run your cords through them and stick them along the wall.
• If possible, paint them the same color as your wall to make them blend in.

I did this in my living room after realizing my baby loved to yank on the TV cable. It not only looked neater, but it also gave me peace of mind knowing she couldn’t pull it down.

Shorten and Secure Loose Cords

Babies love pulling on anything dangling. If your lamp cord or phone charger is too long, it’s an invitation for trouble.

Solutions:

• Use cord winders – These handy devices let you wrap excess cord length neatly.
• Velcro or zip ties – Gather extra cord length and secure it with a Velcro strap or a zip tie.
• Stick it to the furniture – Use command hooks to guide cords along the back of furniture to keep them out of sight.

A friend of mine had an issue with her baby constantly pulling on her standing lamp’s cord. She finally used a combination of zip ties and command hooks to tuck it away, and just like that, her baby lost interest.

Cover Electrical Outlets and Power Strips

Power strips and extension cords are just as risky as loose cords. You don’t want your child yanking on them or, worse, sticking tiny fingers into the sockets.

What you can do:

• Outlet covers – Use plug protectors for any unused outlets.
• Power strip covers – These plastic cases enclose power strips, preventing kids from unplugging cords or messing with them.
• Furniture placement – If possible, move furniture in front of outlets to block access.

When my daughter started crawling, I had to place a large bookshelf in front of a power strip near the TV. It worked like a charm, and I didn’t have to worry about her pulling out plugs anymore.

Use Baby Gates or Playpens to Block Access

If certain areas of your home have too many electrical cords to childproof individually, consider using baby gates or playpens.

Where to use them:

• Around entertainment centers or office spaces with lots of cords.
• In bedrooms where lamp cords or phone chargers are accessible.
• Near the kitchen, where appliance cords can be a hazard.

A fellow mom in my parenting group had a genius idea—she created a designated “cord-free” play area using a baby playpen. It kept her little one entertained while giving her peace of mind that no dangerous cords were within reach.

Teach Safe Habits as Your Child Grows

While babyproofing is essential in the early years, teaching your child about electrical safety is just as important.

What you can do:

• Say “No” firmly when your child tries to touch a cord.
• Use distractions like toys or books when they become interested in pulling at wires.
• Explain the danger in simple words as they get older.

I started telling my daughter, “That’s not for babies, it can hurt you,” and after hearing it enough times, she eventually lost interest in cords altogether.

Childproofing electrical cords may seem overwhelming at first, but with a few simple steps, you can make your home much safer for your little one. Whether it’s using cord covers, shortening loose wires, or blocking access with baby gates, every small effort counts in preventing accidents.

If you’re just starting, take a walk through your home and note any visible cords that could be a risk. Start with the highest traffic areas, and slowly work your way through each room. Remember, safety is a journey, and the more you stay ahead of potential hazards, the more peace of mind you’ll have as a parent.