Tips for Designing a Safe Nursery

A big part of family planning is planning a safe and nurturing place for a baby to live. While your entire home should be given the childproofing treatment, the nursery is the first place to start. But just because the nursery needs to be the safest room in the house, that doesn’t mean it can’t also be the prettiest. Consider these tips for designing a safe nursery while putting together a comfortable and nurturing spot for you and your baby.

Keep a Cool Crib

The crib is the nursery’s centerpiece, but it’s the room’s focus in more ways than one. Purchase one that’s sturdy with no places where little toes or fingers can get pinched. Ensure there are no more than 2-3/8 inches between the slats to prevent the baby’s head from getting stuck. Obviously, keep the crib away from any windows, shelves, or furniture that can be pulled down. Finally, a pile of blankets or stuffed animals looks adorable, but it’s a smothering trap. Keep your home warm so a newborn baby can sleep quite comfortably without a stuffed buddy or blankie.

Keep the Furniture Friendly

Antiques and modernist furniture look great, but nurseries need furniture that’s cute but useful. We’ve talked about the crib in discussing tips for designing a safe nursery, but beyond that vital piece, you won’t need more than a changing table, area rug, storage space, and a comfortable chair or couch for snuggling and feedings. Make sure the changing table is at a comfortable height, and that all powders, lotions, and wipes are reachable by you but not grabbable by the baby. A low-stack area rug provides a nice soft place to pace while rocking an infant to sleep and an excellent practice space for tummy time. Lean toward buying furniture with rounded corners, no glass, and softer wood for when the baby learns to walk.

No Shock Value

Invest in a box of plug protectors and install them right away, even if baby’s first steps are a long way off. Also, be sure the crib isn’t too close to any outlets or other sources of electricity. For that matter, keep the crib clear of heat sources and excessive sunlight as well. Cold nights might tempt you to rig up the curb with an electric blanket, hot water bottle, or similar heat source. That’s fine for briefly warming up the mattress but remove any heat source from the crib before putting baby down.

No Rewards for Dangling Cords

Tragically, children die or are seriously injured by dangling cords and ropes every year. The nursery needs lighting, of course, but keep electric cords far away from anywhere baby will be laying or sitting. Taller floor lamps are future targets for grabby hands, so keep lamps small and high up. Replace curtains and cord-drawn shades on the windows with cordless blinds that can be easily raised and lowered with one hand. And as for that baby monitor, go cordless there as well.

Do you have tips? I would love to hear what worked for you.

Sincerely,