Image credit: Darryl Harris Jr. via Getty Images
Setting up and decorating your baby’s nursery is very exciting for new parents! While you’re filled with joy and excitement to create a beautiful space for your little one, it is equally important to keep it baby safe.
Here are 5 ways to ensure a safe environment for baby:
Crib placement
Place the crib near your bed so you’re able to hear and keep a lookout on baby. While co-sleeping might seem more convenient now, introducing baby to her own crib from the start will make her more acceptable to sleeping on her own in the future.
Also consider the area around the crib. As baby gets older and starts to climb, keep the crib far away from windows or anything they are able to grab onto (like hanging lights, shelving, curtain cords).
Crib safety
It is tempting to place soft toys in your baby’s crib, but blankets, pillows and toys of any kind pose a risk of suffocation and should never to used in a crib. Remove all threats from baby’s crib with the exception of a fitted sheet and a thin, mattress cover. Babies generally do not need to use a pillow until they are much older, so don’t worry about them being uncomfortable.
Ensure safe furniture
Make sure that the furniture such as dressers, bookshelves, full length mirrors are anchored to the wall, or sturdy enough to take it will not topple over your baby. Once they get older, make sure that all doors and drawers are fitted with childproof locks.
Avoid getting huge toy chests or containers that your little one can climb into. The last thing you would want is to have your child trapped in there without you realising.
Electrical safety
Put plastic outlet protectors over all unused electrical outlets and ensure that long wires are tucked away neatly, preferably out of baby’s sight and reach. Avoid having floor lamps which can be easily pulled over.
Changing table
Ensure that your baby’s changing table has a safety belt to prevent them from rolling off – anything can happen within a split second, so let’s be safe. But never, never, leave baby unattended on the changing table!
For more pregnancy and childcare tips, subscribe to our mailing list and like us on Facebook, to receive new articles for mummies like you every week!
