Baby Nursery Safe!

Setting up the baby nursery safe can be alot of fun and creative and before you know it your pinterest board full of ideas and colours, bringing out the inners stylist in you.  Keep in mind number 1 your baby nursery needs to be Safe! As stunning as the nursery styling images are, they are not always safe.  They are however fantastic for getting ideas and finding that stand out piece for your nursery to make it personal and special for you.

What is a safe sleeping environment?

A safe sleeping environment means that all potential dangers have been removed and the baby is sleeping in a safe place. The ideal place for a baby to sleep is in a safe cot, on a safe mattress, with safe bedding in a safe sleeping place, both night and day. Let me take you through what you need to know for a Safe Sleeping environment before setting up the nursery.

Baby Cot

In the first year your baby will spend most of its time in the cot, it is really important that you choose a suitable quality item. Don’t be tempted to use Antique cots because they look great or have been in your family for a long time.  Your baby’s safety is much more important.

What to look for:

• An Australian Standards compliant cot is the safest place for baby to sleep.  All new cots purchased in Australia are required to meet Australian standards (AS21772). Be cautious about borrowing, buying and using a second hand cots as they may not meet strict Australian Safety Standards.
• Look for a label or sticker that says the cot complies with the mandatory Australian standard.

Mattress

It’s very important to provide a safe sleeping surface for your baby.  Only use a firm mattress that is flat and fits well inside the cot- no gaps greater than 2cm when mattress is pushed to any side or end.

Always purchase a new mattress, if borrowing a cot as you don’t know where it has been stored.

Mobiles, bumpers and toys placed on or in the cot may look amazing but they can poses as a health risk to your baby by reducing the air flow which can be contributing factor related the cause of sides.

Less is best in the cot!

Plan your room

Try to arrange the nursery so that everything you will need on a daily basis is easy and convenient.

•  Place cot out of direct sunshine, away from windows and shelving.
• Curtains and blinds cords have been associated with strangulation deaths.
•  Make sure the space above the cot is free of objects such as pictures or mirrors which could fall onto your child.
• Keep heaters or any electrical appliances well away from the cot also to avoid the risk of overheating, burns and electrocution.
• Never use electric blankets, hot water bottles or wheat bags for babies.
• Keep your baby room safe and comfortable and not too hot.
• The safest temperature for your baby’s room is between 16 degrees C and 20 degrees C.  If you are unsure there is some great room thermometer on the market.
• If the room is too hot use block out blinds.

Change area

Babies can roll off changing tables (and other raised surfaces) look for change tables that have edges and barriers raised higher enough to prevent your baby from fall.  Have everything you need to ready before your place your baby on a change table.

Always make sure you keep one hand on the baby while changing their nappy or dressing them! 

Bedding

When purchasing bedding ensure that there are no ties, cords or buttons that may become loose and cause strangulation or choking.  Pillow, quilts, dooner are not recommended on bubs under 1 year of age. Look for good breathable fabric.

If using a sleep bag choose the right weight for the season.

Power points

Use plug-in covers to stop children poking things into the power points.

Top heavy furniture

Such as bookcases and tall-boy drawers, secured to the wall to prevent them from tipping over if climbed on.

Dim lights or lamps

Is a great when making short visits at night. Make sure there are no power cords stretching across or around the room.

Painting

If you going to paint the baby rooms first think about what colour and feel you would like to achieve- calm and soothing, vintage, bright, natural or fresh etc.  Then look at the type of paint you are going to use-read ingredients and warning  labels carefully before purchasing.  You might be surprise what you are reading!  I look for 100% solvent free, tint and all, non toxic paint  that is friendly to both humans and environment.   Always ask advice at your local paint store  as to which paint is right for you. Keep the room well ventilated during painting and dryer process.

• Just alittle reminder that beanbag, car seat, bouncer, rocker, hammock or even a couch is not safe place for your baby to sleep.
• Always have a smoke free environment.
• Now you have more information about creating a safe sleep environment for your baby.

Get creative have fun and please send me images of your baby’s Safe Nursery design! I would love to see them x

For more information as to what you may need in Baby’s room download Nursery Room check list

image credits:  The Gro Company; Ubabub; Colourfield paint