Getting the nursery ready isn’t just about picking a wall color and deciding on a theme. It’s also about making sure everything is safe and secure for when baby arrives home. Today, we will be discussing everything you need to know about furnishing the nursery to ensure you’re ready for when you bring your bundle of joy home.

Crib and Crib Safety

There are a lot of things to consider when it comes to crib safety.

Unfortunately, crib safety regulations change all the time. So the crib that you used for your first child, who’s now 12 years old, may not be appropriate for your newborn. You can check online to see an updated list. If you do end up using one you already have or one you’ve borrowed from a family member you need to consider a couple of things; the distance between the slats, be sure the wood is in good condition without splinters, and make sure it doesn’t have a drop down piece in the front.

When deciding where to put the crib, there are several things to keep in mind. Don’t place it too close to a window. Not only is there the chance of them falling out but drapes or cords on the blinds can get wrapped around their neck and strangle them. Also, be sure the crib isn’t placed next to any other furniture that they can climb up on and get out of the crib.

If your crib requires at home assembly, be sure to do it properly; if you don’t think you can, hire a professional. Yes, it’s a great bonding experience to put the crib together as a couple, but if you’re not handy it can be extremely dangerous for your child. If you skip a step or don’t screw something in tight enough the whole crib can fall apart, leaving your baby in danger.

It’s also important to consider things around the crib. Be mindful not to hang pictures over the crib. They can fall off the wall, break and get glass everywhere. Or once the baby is standing they can accidentally pull something down off the wall and injury themselves.

When the baby is sleeping they should be in a crib or a bassinet. It’s tempting to let them sleep with you on nights where they’re fussy and have finally settled down, but that might be unsafe. The crib should be totally empty aside from the mattress — no blankets, no stuffed animals, nothing. Following these sleep safety rules will help prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Other furniture in the room

It’s obvious that you never leave a baby on a changing table unattended, but you still need to make sure everything is secure. Keep everything you need to change them close by – diapers, wipes, clothes, etc. this way you don’t have to turn your back on them.

Other furniture in the room can also be dangerous. Be sure all of the furniture is anchored down. Once kids start pulling themselves up everything becomes hazardous. If they pull up on it and it’s not secure, it can fall on them.

Be mindful of electric cords. If there is a cord plugged in for a lamp the baby can pull on it and the lamp can come down and hit them. And don’t forget outlet covers.

If you don’t already have carpet in that room, be sure to get a thick, soft rug to cushion falls for when they start walking.

Also, make sure there is a smoke detector in the room in case of a fire.

Lastly, get in your hands and knees. This way you can see the room from a baby’s point of view. Did you miss anything? Once you’ve followed these steps you are ready for baby to arrive!

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