Whether you’re in the last trimester of your pregnancy or you’ve just made the exciting announcement to friends and family, nursery prep is an important step in getting ready for your baby’s arrival. Fortunately enough, creating a safe nursery for a newborn does not require a ton of time, money, or effort. Complete your baby-safe nursery with these tips and tricks!
Crib Safety. When set up properly, this is the safest place you can leave your baby without the need for consistent supervision. Make sure the crib is assembled properly and in line with current safety standards & regulations by following the directions that come with it. Avoid filling the crib with bumpers, pillows, blankets or stuffed animals, as these can be a danger to babies and cause suffocation. When considering the location of the crib, it should be placed away from portable heaters, air conditioners, lamps, cords, windows and other furniture. Remember to adjust the crib’s mattress level as your child begins sitting upright, then again when they can stand. When your little one begins climbing out of the crib or reaches roughly 35 inches in height, you should transition them to a toddler bed.
Furniture. Children love to climb and they will climb anything and anyone, especially to grab their favorite toy or mystery item. To ensure your toddler from climbing drawers, use childproof locks, which can be easily screwed on. Anchoring tall dressers and bookshelves is the best way to prevent the furniture from tipping over should they find a way to make their way up the dresser. Gliders and rockers can also catch little fingers; opt for a glider that has a locking mechanism for when not in use.
Wall Color. Traditional wall paints contain VOCs, or Volatile Organic Compounds. This chemical is found in many types of paint as well as gasoline, colored markers, and cleaning supplies. Exposure to VOCs can be dangerous to your health and especially detrimental to the development of your baby. The professionals Concord, NH painters recommend using low-VOC paints throughout your entire home, especially in your nursery. They are available in an array of colors and sheens making it easy to create the desired look you had in mind.
Window Treatments. Curtains are a staple in decorating any room in your home – there is no difference when it comes to the nursery. With curious hands grabbing anything and everything they can get their hands on, curtains can quickly become a danger to your baby. If you’re using blinds that have slats and cords, it is recommended that you cut the cords short so that your child cannot reach them. Similarly, if you have windows that reach low to the ground accented with the slat blinds, you may want to consider fabric drapes to lessen the chances of harm to your baby.
Decorations. A lot of parents love the idea of a mobile over the crib to help soothe their baby. If it’s not put on properly, mobiles can be extremely dangerous to babies. The safest route is to utilize a noise machine over a mobile. You can find a variety of noise machines on the market, some of which come with a projector to show moving images on the ceiling. When it comes to other decor, refrain from hanging photos and frames on the walls near the baby’s crib. Wall decals are an easier, safer option in decorating your nursery, available in fun designs at affordable prices!
Electric Safety. Use plastic outlet protectors over unused electrical outlets. Your baby can quickly discover their ability to shove fingers, toys, and other objects into the outlet, which can be extremely dangerous. Keep any electrical cords folded up with the unused portions zip tied tightly. Do your best to keep the presence of the wires unbeknownst to your child to limit their intrigue. For additional piece of mind, you can invest in the safety outlet covers that prevent unplugging of cords.
Childproofing a nursery is not much different than childproofing the rest of your home. It starts by simply consider all areas that could be a potential risk to your child. All kids are adventurous and will get bumps and bruises by exploring their surroundings, but it is up to you to secure the serious threats and keep them out of harm’s way. It’s when the little one starts crawling, climbing and walking that you really need to worry about!