Baby proofing your apartment without losing your deposit
Renting makes home safety tricky. Learn how to anchor furniture and secure windows using renter-friendly tools that keep your child and your deposit safe.
Best quote from Baby proofing your apartment without losing your deposit
Safety is a process, not a destination. Once you start seeing the world from two feet off the ground, you can’t 'un-see' it, but the goal isn't to create a perfectly padded world—it’s to eliminate the 'big' risks so your child can explore safely.
This audio lesson was created by a BeFreed community member
Under 3 years and older baby proofing in apartments. Trips, tricks, tools, easy fixes, what is usuallya allowed, what requires permission and all, what is considered essential, good to have etc
Frequently Asked Questions
Renters can use specialized hardware like "Monkey Hooks," which are curved steel hooks that provide significant tension—often rated for fifty pounds or more—while only leaving a hole the size of a pinhead. For heavier items requiring a stud, a single small screw with an anti-tip strap is sufficient. These small holes are considered normal wear and tear and can be easily repaired with a small amount of spackle and a credit card before moving out, ensuring the walls look untouched.
The four-inch rule refers to the maximum distance a window should be allowed to slide open to ensure a child's safety. This specific measurement is used because if a child’s head cannot fit through the gap, their body cannot follow. Renters can achieve this without drilling by using window wedges or safety guards that use thumb screws to apply pressure to the window track, effectively blocking the window from opening further while still allowing for ventilation.
For corded blinds, the most non-invasive fix is using adhesive cord cleats to wrap the strings high out of reach. If a renter prefers cordless shades, they can ask the landlord for permission to temporarily swap the blinds, storing the originals safely to be reinstalled at the end of the lease. Regarding water safety, renters should check their water heater and set it to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent third-degree burns; if the heater is centrally controlled, they should submit a maintenance request to have the temperature adjusted as a safety necessity.
Storage geography is a strategy that involves rethinking the placement of items based on a child's "two-foot-high" perspective rather than using hardware. It suggests moving all dangerous chemicals, laundry pods, and heavy cleaners from lower cabinets to the highest shelves in a pantry or laundry room. The lower cabinets can then be filled with harmless items like Tupperware or paper towels, ensuring that if a child does manage to open a cabinet, they only encounter objects that pose no risk of poisoning or injury.
Tenants should act as "safety advocates" by using their building's management app to document and report hazards such as broken pool latches, loose handrails, or flickering lights. Framing these requests as "routine maintenance" helps maintain a positive relationship with the landlord while ensuring the building remains compliant with safety codes. Additionally, keeping hallways clear of personal items like strollers or umbrellas is essential for maintaining clear exit paths during emergencies.
Discover more
Rent vs. Buy: Housing Process Comparison
Rent vs. Buy: Housing Process Comparison
This learning plan is essential for individuals navigating the complex choice between renting and homeownership in a volatile market. It is ideal for first-time buyers and strategic investors seeking to align their housing decisions with long-term financial security.
Plumbing ect
Plumbing ect
This learning plan is essential for homeowners and renters who want to take control of their living spaces and avoid expensive emergency plumber calls. Whether you're buying your first home, want to become more self-reliant, or simply tired of paying hundreds of dollars for simple fixes, these skills provide both immediate cost savings and long-term confidence in managing one of your home's most critical systems.
to get my first home and live indipendantly
to get my first home and live indipendantly
Transitioning to independent living requires a blend of financial literacy, real estate knowledge, and practical life management. This plan is ideal for first-time buyers who want to move out with confidence and maintain their new home effectively.
Short term rental
Short term rental
The short-term rental market offers significant income potential for property owners who understand how to operate efficiently and maximize returns. This learning plan provides a comprehensive roadmap for both beginners and experienced hosts looking to professionalize their approach and scale their rental business.
Set boundaries with critical parent at 19
Set boundaries with critical parent at 19
This plan is designed for young adults navigating the transition to independence while dealing with emotionally immature parents. It provides the psychological tools and communication strategies needed to claim your autonomy and heal from critical household dynamics.
Automate property management
Automate property management
Property managers and real estate investors often struggle with time-consuming manual tasks that limit growth and profitability. This learning plan is designed for landlords, property managers, and real estate entrepreneurs who want to reduce operational overhead, improve tenant satisfaction, and scale their portfolio without proportionally increasing their workload.
Mindset growing, family, skill with baby
Mindset growing, family, skill with baby
This learning plan is designed for new and expecting parents who want to balance practical baby care with personal growth and emotional resilience. It bridges the gap between essential newborn skills and the long-term psychological development of both the parent and the child.
Preg fitness & homeo prep
Preg fitness & homeo prep
This comprehensive learning plan is essential for expectant parents who want to approach pregnancy and early parenthood with confidence and preparation. It combines evidence-based health guidance with practical life preparation, making it ideal for first-time parents or anyone seeking to optimize their pregnancy experience and postpartum transition. The holistic approach addresses physical fitness, home organization, and emotional readiness—all critical components that are often overlooked in traditional prenatal education.
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
