Baby Proofing the Nursery

The safety of your little one is of the highest priority! Make their space as safe as possible with these easy to follow tips!

Crib Safety:

Your new bundle of joy is likely to spend quite a bit of time in their crib (wish we could sleep as much as them)! Because cribs are often handed down from generation to generation, before they take their first snooze in the crib you need to ensure that it meets all current safety regulations:

• Fixed sides: In 2011 the CPSC banned the manufacture, sale and resale of all drop-side cribs.  A drop side crib is exactly what it sounds like… the sides could be raised and lowered to make it easier to put a baby in the crib or take a baby out. Sadly, those lower-back saving conveniences came with safety concerns. Issues with drop-sides could occur due to poor assembly, age-related wear and tear or hardware malfunctions.
• Slats: Crib slats should not be more than 2 ⅜ inches apart. This is in place to prevent baby’s limbs from getting trapped between.
• Mattress: A crib mattress must fit properly in the crib. There should be no more than two finger’s width of space between the mattress and the crib frame. Larger gaps can put your baby at risk of entrapment.

Furniture:

Most of baby’s time in the nursery is going to be sleeping and dreaming peacefully! It’s important to make sure that if baby somehow decides to escape from the crib, they will be out of harm's way!

• Secure all dressers, book shelves, changing tables or any other tall furniture to the wall. Bolting large furniture can prevent it from toppling over if the child ever attempts to climb them.
• Avoid furniture with glass or mirrored doors.
• Ensure your toy chest features a spring-loaded hinge to prevent the lid from slamming shut. If your toy chest does not have this, consider replacing it or removing the lid. Shameless plug - check out our safe storage chests.

Sleep Safety:

Safe crib. Check! Safe furniture. Check! Now you can focus on when baby actually arrives (YAY)! Take the time to research and understand safe sleep practices and always remember these four rules:

• We understand how tempting it is to have that adorable stuffed plush toy alongside baby in the crib. We’re not trying to be a buzzkill, but be sure to remove it! And, remove any soft toys, bedding, pillows, and bumpers from the crib. Use only a fitted sheet and a water-resistant mattress cover. Other items in the crib can present risk of suffocation or entrapment.
• Always lay your baby on their back to prevent suffocation or the risk of SIDs
• Place crib away from windows or other furniture to reduce the temptation of climbing out.
• Never hang anything over or above the crib (i.e. mobile, heavy wall hangings, mirror, etc.). These items could increase the risk of strangulations or even fall and injure the child.
• Adjust the mattress level as necessary. When the child is able to sit upright and stand you need to lower the mattress support accordingly. Once your toddler reaches 35 inches in height it is time to transition or convert your crib to a toddler bed.

General Safety:

• Place plastic outlet covers over all unused electrical outlets
• Use non-slip pads under all area rugs (whether the room is carpeted or has hard wood)
• Do not use tablecloths on any furniture
• Place wipes and other supplies where baby cannot reach them.
• Finish all painting/wallpapering at least eight weeks before baby is expected.

Bonus: Check out safekids.org to signup and receive the latest children’s product recalls.