Designing a Safe Nursery for Your Infant
There’s more to the design of your baby’s nursery than color
choices and themes. While it’s easy to daydream about the fun stuff, you need
to spend as much thought and consideration to ensuring that your child’s environment
is safe. Before you bring your infant home from the hospital and into their new
room, you’ll want to consider the following design safety tips.
Crib Standards
The job of a parent to keep their children safe is
endless and begins the second that they are born. Once you bring your child
home, they are going to spend a majority of their time sleeping and eating.
When you put them down to sleep or for a nap, you want to know that their
environment is safe. All new cribs should meet the current safety standards
provided by the government. This means you need to take into consideration the
size of the crib slats to avoid your child getting their head stuck. You should
also avoid decorative elements such as knobs and adornments on the cornered
posts, as they could get caught on your child’s clothing and cause
strangulation. While hand-me-down cribs can be cost-efficient, you want to make
sure they don’t pose any serious dangers, and the safety regulations are
up-to-date.
Toy Storage Safety
Colorful murals, comfy furnishings, large rugs
and plush animal toys are integral pieces that can help personalize and add character
to your infant’s nursery. Accessories such as a toy chest can keep their room
neat and orderly. Unfortunately, certain storage units can trap your child
inside or pinch their tiny hands and fingers. The Home Safety Council advices
using containers without the lids. If they do have a lid, look for
spring-loaded mechanics that prevent the tops from falling and injuring your
little one. You can also obtain a tool kit from your local hardware store and
add a safety device to your current toy chest.
Set-Up Away from
Windows
When arranging
your furnishings in the nursery, you want to keep the playpen and crib away
from the windows. Children are curious and always exploring their surroundings.
If they come close to the window and can reach the cords to the blinds, this
could present a strangulation hazard for your infant. They could also reach the
window and fall into the screen. Before you bring your infant home, look for
cordless window covers and window guards to ensure your child’s safety.
Take Note of Any Outlets
If you have electrical outlets that aren’t being used, take
note. Your home improvement store will be able to provide you with outlet
covers that will prevent your child from sticking their finger or toys into the
sockets of the outlet. Electrical cords should also be kept out of reach with a
cord shortening device or tucking behind your furnishings.
Keep a Watchful Eye
on Your Infant
As your child grows, they’re going to find ways to test
their mobility. Whether they make their way down a set of stairs or climb out
of their crib and try to escape their room, you want to ensure their safety.
When you’re purchasing a gate, refrain from the accordion variety, as they
could accidentally cause strangulation. Opt for the gates that screw into the
doorjamb or wall.
Avoid Table-Changing
Disasters
Personal care and cosmetic products are some of the most
commonly ingested items for children six and under. To prevent childhood
poisoning, place your lotions, powders, hand gels and shampoos on a shelf or
drawer. You can also obtain locking devices, so your baby can’t open cabinets
that are within reach. If you’re changing your baby’s diaper or clothing, use
the table changing safety strap. This can keep them safe if they try to wiggle
out of your reach.
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