Safety Tips for Baby's Nursery

by Pattie Hughes | More from this Blogger

Part of your pregnancy will likely be spent getting the baby's room ready. Picking out the theme, colors, furniture and accessories is a fun part of this time. When you are planning the nursery, keep safety in mind.

You may not think of safety when planning the nursery. The baby will be small and not mobile. The day will come when the baby is getting around before you know it. It's easy to get busy once the baby arrives and overlook baby proofing. Do it now, while you have time.

Consider safety in each area of the baby's nursery. The first thing you will buy is a crib. New cribs conform to current federal safety standards. Used cribs may not meet these standards. Be sure the space between the slats is not more that 2 3/8 inches. Check that the mattress fits well with no spaces or gaps.

When putting the crib together, be sure all the bolts and screws are securely tightened. Remove any plastic that is covering parts of the crib completely. Watch out for small parts that can be a choking hazard for a small baby.

When decorating the crib, keep safety in mind. Comforters and pillows should not be used, since they pose a suffocation hazard. Take the comforter that came with your crib set and hang it on the wall or drape it over the rocking chair. As the baby gets older you will need to make other adjustments. Remove all bumpers, toys, gyms and decorations once the baby can sit up.

The changing table is another area that can be dangerous for a small baby. Falls from changing tables are common injuries. It only takes a second for the baby to slip off the table. Don't ever leave the baby unattended. Keep all supplies close by to avoid the need to move away. Use the safety belt every time you put the baby on the table.

Pay attention to the window area when decorating the nursery. Keep all furniture away from the window. Use window guards to prevent falls. The cords from blinds and curtains can pose a choking hazard. Cut these off or tie them up and out of the way to avoid injuries.

Other Nursery Tips:

* Anchor furniture to the wall to prevent tipping over on a baby or small child.

* Install a smoke detector and check the batteries regularly

* Use outlet plugs in every outlet

* Secure area rugs with double sided tape

By taking the time to consider safety, you are protecting your baby from injury. You can have the beautifully decorated nursery you want and keep baby safe at the same time.

Learn more about Pattie Hughes

Pattie Hughes is a freelance writer and mother of four young children. She and her husband have been married since 1992. Pattie holds a degree in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic University.

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