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Preparing your baby's nursery for their arrival is an exciting step in your journey as a new parent. Ensuring a safe sleeping environment is paramount, and while childproofing your entire home is essential, focusing on the nursery where your little one will spend much of their time is a great starting point.
Accidents can happen unexpectedly, but with proper preparation, you can minimise potential risks. When setting up your nursery, it's essential to avoid unintentionally introducing hidden hazards into the room. While nursery inspiration found online may look appealing, it's essential to ensure it aligns with safety guidelines.
Here's a ten-step guide to help you evaluate the safety of each area of your nursery:
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Future-proofing: Childproof the room anticipating your baby's development over time. They may not be able to sit up or crawl just yet, but set the room up as if they are already a toddler from the get-go. The best thing you can do as you check each of the items below, is to do so with both a baby and toddler in mind.
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Cot safety: Ensure your cot meets current Australian safety standards by double check the sticker on the underside of the cot before use, or call the manufacturer if you can't find the sticker. Can you see any missing or broken pieces or does it wobble when you touch it? If so, it's safest to replace it before exposing your child to any hazards.
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Mattress quality: Choose a clean, firm mattress of the correct size that meets safety standards. To get the perfect fit, make sure that the mattress’ size matches the recommended size on the sticker on the cot base. Next, look for a sticker or sign that confirms the mattress has been tested for optimal firmness in accordance with strict industry standards (AS/NZS 8811.1:2013).
For exceptional sleep, look for features like the BabyRest DuoCore's ventilation channels, reinforced edges and hypoallergenic materials which all go a long way in ensuring your child's safety while they sleep and rest. Read Your Ultimate Cot Mattress Buying Guide →
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Bedding and décor: Remove any loose items in (or hanging off) the cot, whether blankets, cushions, fabric canopies, throws, toys as well as bumper pads, as all of these present suffocation or strangulation hazards. Fairy lights or bunting attached to the cot also present serious safety hazards and a best displayed far out of reach for the first several years.
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Walls: Ensure a safe gap between the cot and walls, and secure furniture to prevent tipping hazards. Look up - is there anything that could fall on your child? Now get down to see things from your little one's perspective. Look for any exposed outlets or items that could become trip, chew or choking hazards
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Windows and blinds: Are there any furniture pieces near the windows that could be climbed? Secure windows (no matter how high up) and keep cords out of reach to prevent strangulation risks.
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Ceiling: When was the last time you checked smoke detectors inside and outside the nursery? Let's make it a regular habit.
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Change table safety: When using chests of drawers as change tables, ensure your change mat has significantly raised edges and a very grippy base to prevent falls - especially once toddlers become more wrigley.
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Furniture stability: Secure heavy furniture like chests of drawers and bookshelves to walls and use child-proof latches and corner protectors. Heavy items can be a toppling risk, so it's always better safe than sorry when it comes to your loved ones.
- Loose items: Remove small objects lying around or within reach and always ensure batteries are securely fastened or stored to prevent choking hazards.
By following these simple steps, you'll create a nurturing and safe environment for your baby as they learn to explore the world around them. Your dedication to nursery safety is already testament to your love and care for your little one.
For further assistance or questions about nursery essentials, our team at BabyRest is here to help. Additionally, refer to the Kidsafe website for additional resources on preventable injuries for your child.