Tips for baby proofing your nursery

Baby Proofing Directory > Room By Room > Baby proofing the nursery 

Your baby will spend a great deal of time in the nursery, so it makes sense that a great deal of time and resources will go towards making this room as safe as possible. Many of the tips on this page are general safety tips, while others are specific to the room itself.

1. A safe crib should be free of paint (which could be lead-based) and the slats should be close together. You should not be able to place a soda can between the slats. The mattress should fit snugly into the base, allowing no more than two fingers between the mattress and the sides.


2. Place the crib in the right place. If you must place the crib by a window, make sure that all cords are tied up properly out of the babies reach and the windows are locked. Ideally, it is best to not place a crib anywhere near windows. Overhead shelves can also be a hazard, once your child begins to stand. Once your baby can stand, you should remove mobiles and bumpers from the crib as well as these can become hazards.

3. Bedding - While your sweet little baby bedding set may include a pillow and comforter, you should never place these things in with the baby. Wearable blankets are the safest for small children.

4. Bookcases, dressers, changing tables etc. All of these should be secured to the wall using L brackets to prevent tipping over. Toy chests should all have air holes in them in case your child becomes trapped inside.