There is nothing quite as exciting as awaiting the birth of a baby, but this excitement can create a number of issues in ways you least expect. One of the first things many new parents-to-be do when learning that a baby is on the way is to begin decorating a nursery. Sometimes they wait until the gender of the child is determined and other times they just go for generic themes. Even so, décor should be the least of their considerations, although important, but safety always comes first. Here are some tips on how to plan and decorate a lovely nursery with safety always first and foremost in your design.
1. What You Should Know About Mobiles and Toys
Most parents love those musical mobiles that hang above baby’s cot. Not only are they lovely to look at, but they are soothing to infants who are lulled to sleep by the motion and gentle lullabies they provide. However, those cute little figures hanging from strings can pose a danger once your child reaches a certain age in his or her development. It is recommended that you remove all such mobiles and toys from baby’s cot as soon as they can push themselves up far enough to reach and grab for the strings. These can be choking hazards, and that’s something you want to avoid altogether!
2. Positioning of Baby’s Cot
Here’s a safety issue you maybe hadn’t thought of. When positioning baby’s cot in the room, always avoid placing it in such a way as to face any direct sunlight. Babies obviously don’t know not to look directly into the sun and of course, most babies will stare at bright colours or lights. Don’t let your baby suffer damage to their sensitive little eyes by positioning their cot in such a way as to give them direct line of vision to bright sunlight. If there is no way around it, check out window treatments and coverings on https://curtains.com/ that will provide maximum protection as needed.
3. Cords, Strings and Choking Hazards
Speaking of window coverings, always choose a kind that can be pulled down or across without the use of cords. Although your baby will probably not be toddling around any time soon, there will come a point when your little one will be playing in their nursery as you convert it to a toddler room. To ensure maximum safety for your child, ensure that all cords, strings and other choking hazards are removed from the room. This includes electrical cords from lamps and other electrical devices as well as drawstrings on curtains and small knobs on furniture which are not solidly attached.
4. Babyproofing Electrical Outlets
For many years parents have been using electrical socket covers to childproof any areas where children are likely to play. However, recent information has led to a huge controversy over whether these type of socket covers are as safe as we once thought they were. Just two years ago, the DoH provided guidance as to what types of outlets and safety assurances would best suit nurseries and baby play rooms, so it is advisable that you learn exactly what you can do to prevent children from sticking their little fingers and toys into those outlets. You can read about this latest guidance here https://www.nurseryworld.co.uk/nursery-world/news/1158900/doh-guidance-highlights-dangers-of-plug-socket-covers.
5. Choose Lamps and Decorations Wisely
Every parent knows that some children just naturally fear the dark. For this reason, they place lamps and other night lights in baby’s nursery or a toddler room. This can create a safety hazard in a number of ways. Firstly, lamps placed on tables and stands can be easily tipped and although LED lamps now in use pose less of a fire hazard than their incandescent predecessors, they can break, sending glass in all directions. The same goes for night lights plugged into sockets. Not only is a child in danger of electrocution if unplugging it (as children are inclined to do) but also because those tiny lamps are fragile and just one shard of glass can quickly cut your child.
6. Padding and Bedding
With so much concern over Sudden Infant Death Syndrome in the UK as well as abroad, medical research has led to the conclusion that padding on infant cots and soft, plush bedding on toddler beds can be a huge art of the problem. To learn more about SIDS, check out the NHS website for the most current statistics and guidance, but do know that plush animals, toys and bedding of any kind are thought to be a safety concern for young children. Children can suffocate quickly and this is more common in infants who can’t lift their heads yet.
Just remember that children don’t have the life experience their parents do and babies are not able to discern what is a danger and what is safe. They learn by touching and exploring at this young age so it is up to you to remove any dangers from their nursery or play areas. Start your safety standards with these six considerations and expand your search from there. Safety is always paramount when planning a baby’s room.
