Setting up a nursery for your little one is a fun and exciting task. You get to choose colors and decor and make this space a unique space for your little one and your family to enjoy. Aside from colors and theme choices, it is important to choose safe products. Here are some tips on how to set up an adorable and safe nursery for your family.
1.) Create a safe sleep space: Choose a crib that meets current safety standards and a mattress that is firm yet breathable. Make sure there are no gaps between the mattress and the crib. Don’t place any pumper, pillows, blankets or stuffed animals into the crib.
2.) Anchor the furniture: It is hard to imagine that your tiny baby will one day be on the move. The goal is to avoid accidental tip-overs. Anchor bookcases and dressers to the wall so that they don’t accidentally fall or get pulled down onto your little one.
3.) Choose cordless blinds: Blinds with cords can be a strangulation hazard as your little one starts to move. When setting up the nursery, choose cordless blinds and as a bonus blackout shades to help keep the room dark so your little one will be able to use that as a sleep cue.
4.) Be mindful of where you hang artwork: The availability of adorable artwork for your little one’s nursery can definitely inspire your creative side. Avoid hanging artwork over your little one’s crib or changing table.
5.) Window Safety: The CPSC recommends installing window guards to prevent falls. Keep chairs and furniture away from windows to prevent your little one from using them as a way to climb up near a window.
6.) Fire safety: Make sure to have a working smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector in your little one’s bedroom.
Your baby’s sleep environment should be one of the safest spaces in your home. Getting off to a safe start when you first set up the nursery can be really helpful. Have fun, be creative and create a magical and safe space for your little one to call their room.
-Dr. Deena Blanchard is a board-certified pediatrician and partner at Premier Pediatrics in New York City. Dr. Deena regularly contributes to leading parenting blogs including Big City Moms and Momtastic, and has also been featured on AOL, The Huffington Post, The Bump, CBS, CUNY-TV, and more for her skillful health and parenting tips. Dr. Deena earnestly supports Newton Baby’s products and initiatives that encourage safe, healthy sleep for babies, so much so that she proudly counts on Newton Baby for her little ones at home.
