Did you recently have a newcomer join your family? Like most parents, your priorities are keeping your baby happy, healthy, and safe. While you can’t do absolutely everything, there are a lot of steps that you can take to protect your little one. One of these is creating a safe nursery space that’s free from unnecessary dangers, so we’ve provided advice below to help you do just that!
Choose a Newer Crib
More stringent safety rules for cribs were recently put into place. Cribs can no longer have traditional drop-side railings, slats and mattress supports must be stronger, the quality of the hardware has been improved, and testing is more stringent. When choosing a crib it is advised to buy a brand new one with safer features instead of a used or hand-me-down option.
Be Careful About Bedding
Do not put heavy blankets, stuffed animals, or pillows in the crib until your child is at least 2 years old.
Keep Your Child from Falling
Set the crib mattress low—you don’t want your infant standing up and falling over the side. Be sure that you have guards or sashes on your windows that won’t let them open up more than four inches. Never leave your child unattended on the changing table.
Secure Heavy Furniture
Heavy furniture can be dangerous for children who are just learning to climb. There are anchoring systems which are easy to install that will help you anchor large furniture like bookshelves and dressers to the wall of the room.
Take Fire Safety Seriously
- Make sure there’s a smoke detector installed inside your child’s room and in the hall directly outside of it.
- Put a fire escape ladder near a window if the room is on the second story or higher, and teach older children how to use it.
- Make a fire escape evacuation plan that involves meeting at a designated spot that’s close to your home, but not so close as to still be in danger should a fire occur. Review and practice this plan with older children, designate someone as responsible for getting younger children to safety, and always choose a backup person should one be needed.
Keep Your Cords Under Control
Window cords are especially dangerous, as they have the potential to pose a strangulation risk to children. Select window treatments that don’t have cords, or retrofit your blinds or shades with devices designed for cord safety. You should also secure all cords from speakers, clocks, and lamps so that your child won’t be able to pull on them and pull them over.
Cover the Outlets
When creating a safe nursery, this one is a no-brainer: put safety covers on all of your outlets.
Get Rid of Any Choking Hazards
Babies will put anything in their mouth. If it can fit inside a roll of toilet paper, then it poses a choking risk to your baby. Keep all small items out of reach.
Creating a Safe Nursery That’s Healthy Too
Want to make sure your nursery is free of environmental toxins? Check out this article.
To achieve the safest home for you and your family, Cal Home Inspection provides inspection services for homes, apartments, and offices in Sacramento County, San Joaquin County, Amador County, Placer County, Sutter County, El Dorado County, Solano County, and Yolo County. Give us a call at (916) 868-9712 or schedule your inspection online!