Becoming parents is an exciting time in a man’s or woman’s life. It’s one of the most pivotal milestones that couples go through. Whether this is your first or second time having a baby, you want the nursery to be a safe and comfortable space for your little one. In this article, we take a look at seven (7) tips for designing a safe and practical baby nursery, so you can be guided throughout the entire process.
Easy on the pillows
Most parents impulsively buy their babies dozens of pillows because they want their little ones to feel as comfortable as possible while they’re napping. While parents’ intentions are good, pillows can pose a massive danger for infants. For instance, authorities have found that Boppy pillows aren’t safe for infant sleep as they increase the risk of infants suffocating while they nap. There have already been eight (8) reports of infants deaths related to this product.
Experts discourage the use of pillows for newborns and infants; but if you’re going to use a pillow with your baby, make sure to keep an eye on them while they sleep. If they roll over, make sure to adjust their position to avoid suffocation.
Find a sturdy crib
Not all cribs are made with the same level of care and attention to detail. When looking for cribs, make sure that it’s made by a reliable manufacturer. Furthermore, check to see if the materials used to make the crib can withstand the weight of your newborn.
If you want to get the biggest bang for your buck with a crib, make sure to buy one that can also last you a long time. Keep in mind that your baby will eventually be standing and jumping on this thing. You want to make sure that it’s safe and durable for your little one.
Not too close to the window
It might be tempting to put your baby’s crib near a window. After all, you want your little one to see the birds flittering around outside. However, this can be dangerous for your baby if the window were to suddenly shatter.
For your baby’s safety, keep their crib away from your window. It would be safer to place their crib near the door, where you can get to them much quicker when you enter the nursery.
Cover all outlets
Even the outlets that are hidden in the far corner and that you think your baby can’t get to. Infants are explorative little creatures and they will want to put their little grubby fingers on and into everything they see around them. To avoid putting your baby’s life in danger, investing in outlet covers is a great idea.
Baby-proof the edges
If you have tables, chairs, nightstands, or cabinets in your baby nursery, baby-proofing the edges is one of the most important steps to take to keep your baby safe. This is especially true if your baby already knows how to walk. Babies have yet to develop the strength and balance to stay upright, so expect there to be a ton of trips and falls in the nursery.
Safe changing table
There have been so many reports of babies accidentally rolling off changing tables, either from lazy parenting or poor product design. This is why you want to look for a changing table that is made of sturdy materials and that has railings to keep your baby from rolling off. Most changing tables also come with a convenient belt to keep babies secure while you change them. Always make sure to strap your baby in before you proceed to change their diapers.
If you want to learn about how other parents dealt with poorly manufactures baby products, there are a dozen reports and lawsuits that you can see here.
Think about ventilation
Babies need a clean and well-ventilated place to grow up healthy and happy. Ask your doctor or pediatrician about the recommended temperature a baby nursery should have. Furthermore, get recommendations for baby-safe air filters for nurseries.
While you’re working on ventilation, you should also think about your baby nursery’s lighting. You want to make sure that it’s well-lit but not too bright that it makes you or your little one feel uncomfortable.
Final thoughts
Protecting your baby and making sure that they have everything they need is one of the most important responsibilities of a parent. Considering that their nursery is most likely where they will spend most of their time, making sure that this area is safe and comfortable for them is key. The seven (7) tips we mentioned above can help parents design a baby nursery that is both safe and practical. Use them and give your little one the happy and healthy childhood they deserve!