Nursery proofing tips to keep your baby safe

While you can’t wrap your baby in bubble wrap to keep them safe, there are a few simple things you can do at home to avoid accidents, and the first place to start is the nursery.

Following a few tips can help keep your baby healthy, happy, and safe. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Fitted sheets should always be used

Only a fitted sheet should be in your baby’s cot; no pillows, toys, cot bumpers, or duvets should be present. You can keep your baby warm with a baby sleeping bag if it’s a little chilly outside.

Place the crib in the right spot

Avoid placing your child’s crib near a window. Not only are the curtains and cords choking hazards for small babies, but as your child grows older, he may try to leverage himself on the crib to climb out the window.

Heavy furniture should be avoided

If you’re decorating the nursery for your first child, make sure top-heavy furniture is secured to the wall with a strap or nails to prevent items from falling down onto your baby.

Make sure the area isn’t slippery

If your baby’s room lacks carpets, invest in some rugs with non-skid backing so you don’t slip and fall while carrying your baby.

Four other safety considerations 

1. All exposed electrical wires must be addressed. Take a walk around your house and make a list of any electrical hazards, then hire an electrician to repair them.
2. Crawling babies are prone to touching everything at eye level, which makes plug sockets especially appealing. To avoid any mishaps, invest in some protectors.
3. As a general rule, keep electrical appliances out of the bathroom and out of sight in general – a simple tug on a cord can injure your child. A switched-on hairdryer or iron could cause serious burns to your child.
4. Make sure all blinds and entertainment system cords are neatly tucked away, as they can strangle people. Mount your TV to the wall if possible so that your child cannot pull on any exposed wires and cause it to fall.