Preparing for your little one's arrival involves numerous decisions, including creating a safe and welcoming nursery. The nursery is where your baby will spend a significant portion of their time, making it vital to ensure this space is as secure as it is cozy. Below, we present an essential safety checklist for the nursery covering every corner of the nursery to provide you with peace of mind.
Let's walk through these together to ensure your baby's nursery is beautiful but also safe and secure. From anchoring furniture to choosing non-toxic materials, we've covered all the key safety aspects you must consider.
Read on, and let's ensure your nursery is as safe as it is adorable!
THE ESSENTIAL SAFETY CHECKLIST FOR THE NURSERY
1. CHOOSE A SAFE CRIB
Ensure your crib meets current safety standards. Slats should be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart.
2. CRIB PLACEMENT
Position the crib away from windows, blinds, curtains, and wall hangings to limit potential hazards.
3. EMPTY CRIB POLICY
Keep pillows, stuffed animals, blankets, and bumpers out of the crib—they might look cute but can potentially cause suffocation.
4. ANCHOR FURNITURE
Use furniture straps to secure heavy nursery furniture to the wall.
5. INSTALL WINDOW GUARDS
Window guards can prevent falls, especially as your child becomes more mobile.
6. OPT FOR CORDLESS BLINDS
To avoid the risk of strangulation—replace any corded blinds or curtains with cordless options.
7. USE CORNER GURADS
Soften dangerous nursery furniture corners with corner guards.
8. SAFETY OUTLETS
Cover all electrical outlets with baby-safe outlet covers.
9. SECURE RUGS
Use non-slip pads to secure all rugs in place.
10. LOCK CABINETS
Secure any cabinets with child-proof locks, especially ones containing cleaning supplies.
11. AVOID SMALL DECOR OBJECTS
These small decor objects could pose choking hazards.
12. NON-TOXIC MATERIALS
Use non-toxic paint, furniture, and decor free from harmful chemicals.
13. ADJUST WATER HEATER
Set your home’s hot water temperature to below 120°F to avoid scalds.
14. MOUNT BABY GATES
If the nursery is upstairs, install safety gates at stairs to limit access.
15. STORE MEDICATIONS SAFELY
Keep all medicines in a locked drawer or cabinet.
16. SMOKE AND CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS
Install detectors in or near your baby’s nursery.
17. LOWER THE CRIB MATTRESS
As the little one grows, lower the crib mattress to prevent climbing out.
18. PADDING THE SHARP EDGES
Add padding to sharp furniture edges.
19. SAFE TOYS
Keep only age-appropriate toys in the nursery.
20. TEMPERATURE CHECK
Ensure the room temperature never exceeds 72°F.
21. SECURE BOOKCASES
Fasten any freestanding bookcases to the wall to prevent them from tipping over.
22. SECURE MOBILES AND WALL HANGINGS
Make sure they are firmly attached and out of the baby's reach.
23. KEEP CORDS CLEAR
Securely fasten or hide cords from baby monitors or other gadgets.
24. KEEP ALL CLEANING SUPPLIES OUT
All cleaning supplies should be stored outside of the room.
25. SECURE DRESSERS WITH CHILDPROOF LOCKS
Secure all accessible dresser drawers with childproof locks to prevent your toddler from climbing them, adding an extra layer of safety to your child-proofing measures.
