Simple Ways to Create a Safe Nursery

Whether you have been daydreaming about your future little one’s nursery since well before pregnancy or you are nearing your due date and unsure where to even start, we’ve got you covered with the best tips and recommendations to help you begin creating a safe nursery for your growing family.

It’s important that when you are creating your nursery design, you consider the safety of your baby’s room as well. A safe nursery is one free of hazards and potential dangers, where safe sleep for your little one is top priority. So, where to start? Here is our list of practical nursery safety tips to keep in mind while setting up your baby’s nursery.

Before getting into the design and aesthetic elements, you want to be sure to choose a crib that is durable and safe. Find a crib that is nontoxic and meets the safety standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Other certifications to look for include:

• JPMA certified. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association certification seal means that a product was sample-tested at an independent lab and meets the requirements for quality, safety, performance, and functionality.

• TSCA Title XI compliant. Wood products bearing this label are third-party certified to ensure they meet formaldehyde standards for consumer use.

• Greenguard/Greenguard Gold certified. These regulate the amount of VOCs, or volatile organic compounds that are emitted from products, with the Greenguard gold being the stricter of the two.

• ASTM. The American Society for Testing and Materials develops guidelines using input from professionals and organizations like the CPSC to set standards and create warning labels.

Nurture& Cribs are JPMA certified, meet ASTM international standards, and are Prop 65 and TSCA Title VI compliant. You can feel confident when choosing a Nurture& crib that it is made from the best natural and nontoxic materials.

Avoid secondhand cribs because they may not meet current safety standards due to age and wear. Certain crib styles that used to be sold, like drop-sided cribs, are now illegal for manufacturers to make due to new, better safety standards. Do not use cribs with loose, missing, or widely spaced slats to avoid the risk of your baby becoming stuck or otherwise hurt.

CPSC also regulates crib mattresses. Choose the proper crib mattress size to match the size and style of your baby’s crib. Also, crib sheets need to be tightly fitted. Do not add bumpers, baby toys, or loose blankets inside the crib since they can increase the risk of suffocation. Sleep sacks are the safest option for keeping your baby comfortable when the weather gets colder.

Keep the crib away from windows, and window coverings out of the baby’s reach. If possible, opt for curtains without cords, as these can pose strangulation risks.

Safety outlet covers or plug protectors are necessary not just in your baby’s nursery but in any room your little one will have access to. Keep your curious baby from putting their fingers or objects into an outlet and causing the risk of electrocution.

The furniture you choose for your baby’s room can also pose a safety risk. Use furniture mounts as added protection to keep furniture from tipping over. These mounts will use brackets or tethers and screw into the wall to secure the nursery furniture against it.

Choose a dresser that is wide and sturdy. A dresser can be a safer choice than a changing table, as they tend to be heavier and less easy to tip. If you decide on a dresser, always use a changing table topper and pad when changing your baby to prevent them from rolling off.

Designate a top drawer for storing diaper changing supplies so you have quick access and don’t need to step away from your little one during changes. The Dresser from Nurture& provides plenty of extra space so that you can convert the top to a changing table while still having room for other baby essentials. Choose from seven or four drawers to suit your space and storage needs.

Store baby products like diaper cream, lotions, medicines, etc. out of your baby’s reach. You can keep them in the top drawer of a dresser, in the closet, or in a cabinet with a child safety lock attached. Remember to also safely lock away cleaning materials and other products used outside of your baby’s nursery too.

When choosing paint colors for your baby’s room, make sure they are nontoxic. Nontoxic paints contain none of the VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, that traditional paints contain. These traditional, toxic paints cause chemicals to be released into your home, polluting your baby’s room and creating an unsafe environment.

You should also be mindful of the paint and finishes used for your nursery furniture. Choose products labeled as nontoxic, like Nurture&’s furniture collection, which also does not contain any fire retardant chemicals that have been shown to be dangerous pollutants.

Ambient lighting is perfect for those late-night feedings while soothing your little one in your nursery glider. You want enough light that you can navigate the room to check on your baby, but not so much that it keeps them awake. A nightlight can usually do the trick. If you opt for a table lamp, be sure to keep it and any electrical cords out of the baby’s reach.

It is vital that your baby’s sleep space is well ventilated. If you cannot install a ceiling fan, you can still plug in a fan (out of the baby’s reach!) to help circulate cool air around the room. Keeping a consistent flow of air and ensuring the nursery stays cool is an important step in preventing the risk of SIDS.

There should be a smoke alarm on every level of your home, including the basement. Ideally, they will be placed in every bedroom and in hallways just outside every bedroom. For safety, ensure there is at least one smoke alarm just outside your baby’s room.

If your baby’s nursery is not carpeted, you may want to add a rug not only as a design element but to also provide a soft surface for your baby to play. Be sure to secure any rugs with rug pads, anchors, or double-sided tape. This will help prevent any slips and falls while you are moving around your baby’s room.

A daybed is a versatile option for your baby’s nursery, creating another place to snuggle and soothe your little one. A daybed gives mom and dad a space to sleep close to the baby without bedsharing. The benefits of a daybed continue as your child grows, providing a space to sleep when your child is sick, a place to read during the day, and eventually converting to a kids bed when your child is ready. Add matching guardrails to create their new safe sleep space.

Nurture&’s Daybed has a beautiful and modern design available in multiple color variations. It’s rounded corners and nontoxic materials make it a safe choice that is also built to last. It is upholstered with stain-resistant fabric that is Prop 65 compliant, UFAC and TSCA Title VI compliant, with no fire retardant chemicals.

Putting a crib in front of a window is not a safe layout for your baby’s room for quite a few reasons. Some hazards include:

●Window screens. Babies can fall through them without properly installed window guards.

●Window  coverings. Curtains and blinds can both pose strangulation hazards if they are too close to the crib.

●Temperature. It can be hard to regulate the temperature of your baby’s sleep space when the sun is shining through the window into the baby’s crib or the window is open on a chilly night.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) also advises against this for the reasons listed above and more. You can read more about their safe sleep recommendations on their website.

Placing your crib directly against a wall is also not recommended. This poses the risk of a child’s limbs becoming wedged or stuck between the crib bars and the wall. This could not only be uncomfortable but dangerous, as they may not be able to turn their bodies safely and could risk injury. Instead, leave at least a one foot gap between the crib and the wall.

The best nursery design is a safe nursery design. Keep our tips in mind when designing your little one’s nursery, and feel confident that your design meets the safety standards of nursery safety for a happy and healthy sleep space.

While designing a safe nursery for your baby, turn to us at Nurture& for safe, stylish furniture collections made with nontoxic materials that meet and exceed safety standards.