Creating Your Nursery

Creating a nursery for your baby involves more than just picking out paint colors, hanging pictures and decorating with dinosaurs or butterflies. Parents can easily incorporate safety features that will help keep their little bundle of joy out of harm’s way. Here are a few tips to help make your baby’s room safe and sound.

Bassinets and cradles should have a sturdy bottom and wide, stable base. Cradles that swing need a button or level to keep them still once the baby is asleep. Select a mattress that fits snugly into the frame and is firm and smooth.

Crib corner posts should not extend more than 1/16 of an inch above the end panel. Avoid cut-out designs on end panels, and select a crib with slats not more than 2 3/8 inches apart (about the width of a soda can). Regularly check to see that screws and bolts are securely fastened. Lock the side rail in the raised position when the baby is in the crib.

Remove mobiles, crib gyms or toys strung across a crib when the baby is about 5 months old or pushing up on hands and knees. Remove plastic bags used to cover the mattress, as well as pillows, stuffed animals or other toys in a crib to safeguard against suffocation.

Changing tables should have a safety strap to help prevent the baby from falling. Never leave a baby unattended on a changing table. Keep all ointments, lotions, powders and diapers within your reach but out of the baby’s.

Select a baby gate with a straight-top edge and strong bars or mesh screen. Securely fasten to a doorway so it cannot be pushed over. The Consumer Product Safety Commission advises parents not to use accordion-style expandable enclosures with V- or diamond-shaped openings. Do not leave a baby in a playpen with sides in the down position.

Install latches on lower dresser drawers to prevent young children from climbing, and secure shelving units to the wall with angle braces. Toy chests should have ventilation holes and spring-loaded lid supports to prevent the lid from falling on a child. Use plug protectors that cover the entire plate of unused electrical outlets. Keep electrical cords out of reach by tucking them behind furniture or using cord shorteners. For more information about making your baby’s nursery safe, visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission website at www.cpsc.gov.