Making a perfect nursery for your baby is not a ready to do job. Safety and comfort of the baby must be your top priority while designing it. Use the following tips to make a perfect and safe baby nursery.
1. Check the crib
Buy a new crib according to the current national safety standards. Make sure the crib slats are not more than 2 3/8 inches apart to avoid entrapment. Corner posts should be not more than 1/16 inch. Entanglement with clothing may happen if corner posts are of greater size. Avoid putting decorative items on the top of the corner posts which may lead to serious injuries to your baby. Check the size of the mattress. It should perfectly fit in the crib and should not contain any plastic wrapping. Check the hardware periodically. Make sure the screws and bolts are not loose or broken. Replace the broken one immediately. Inspect the paint carefully. A peeling paint may cause injury, choking or lead poisoning to your baby.
2. Install window guards
Make sure all the furniture are away from the windows. Install window guards for more safety. If by any chance your baby reaches the window, she will never fall through the screen. Always insist for cordless window coverings.
3. Facts about toys
Store toys in lids free bins or boxes or in a lightweight toy chest having removable lid. Make sure ventilation holes are present inside the box. The toy chest should not have any latch. Install a spring-loaded lid support to prevent it from falling. Make sure to inspect the mechanism periodically.
4. Install plug protectors
Use plug protectors, specially for the electrical outlets which are not in use. Choose the protector which covers the whole outlet. Make sure to keep the electrical cords out of your baby’s reach.
5. Install adjustable gate
Choose the correct adjustable gate for your baby nursery. Don’t go for pressure-mounted gates, V-shaped or diamond-shaped openings. Your baby could get herself out through these types of gates.
6. The baby crib should be free of unnecessary things
Make sure to keep only two essential things inside your baby’s crib, a mattress and a crib sheet. Don’t be tempted to fill the crib with lots of blankets, stuffed toys, pillows to look it cute. Your toddler could get suffocation from these items.
7. Store cosmetics in a safe place
Make sure to keep cosmetics, baby powder and other personal care products out of your baby’s reach. Your kid’s life could be in danger when they consume these poisonous products. Store them in a closed drawer.
8. Choose safe decorating works
Make sure to choose lightweight items while decorating your baby nursery. Heavy items may lead to accident of your baby. Never hang anything above crib with string or ribbon more than seven inches longer to lower the risk of strangulation. Go for water based paint with zero or low level of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compound). Paint in a well ventilated place and when the paint work is over allow it up to three days to diminish the harmful vapor completely. While selecting furniture make sure to avoid plywood, pressed wood and particleboard. They often contain formaldehyde. It may be poisonous for your child. Prefer paper-based wallpaper instead of vinyl which may release VOCs. Avoid synthetic carpets which may emit more VOCs than the natural ones.
9. Secure heavy furniture
Make sure to secure large or heavy furniture by using angle braces or anchors to prevent furniture tip-over injuries. Check the fixing periodically. For the same reason, avoid putting anything heavy on the top of the TV. Install safety latches on lower racks so that your child could not open them or use them for climbing.
10. Install a smoke and carbon-monoxide detector
Make sure to install a smoke detector in every sleeping area and at every corner of your home. The odorless and colorless carbon-monoxide gas is more poisonous to your child than adults. You must install a carbon-monoxide detector to find any leakage and prevent the mishap.
Quick tips
i) Place a wall thermometer to check the room temperature. The ideal temperature for a baby nursery is 68-72 degrees F.
ii) Use an escape ladder in case of higher nurseries. Install the ladder underneath the window to use it in an emergency.
iii) Make sure to install finger-pinch guards on doors to avoid finger amputations.
iv) Hire certified professionals to test for lead if your home is too old.
