Breastfeeding.com - Nursery Safety Tips

Babies are naturally curious about the world around them and often develop mobility more quickly than parents might expect. For many parents, the impetus for childproofing their home is the sudden realization that their baby is now mobile. This could include rolling, scooting, crawling, or cruising not just walking.

The nursery should be a warm and safe environment where a baby can learn and grow. An active baby naturally climbs and crawls, rolls and rummages and parents need to take precautions to make sure curious children avoid common home injuries. Consider the following tips from the Home Safety Council to ensure that your child's haven remains safe and welcoming:

	Young children need close supervision, even in the nursery.
	Remove all plastic bags from the nursery area.
	Keep baby monitors and other cords a safe distance from the crib.
	Store diaper products and medicines up high and purchase products with child-resistant packaging.

Never leave the baby unattended on the changing table and use harness straps to secure the baby from a fall injury.

	Purchase UL-listed nightlights and replacement bulbs.
	Use only safety nightlight styles that prevent children from pulling out the night light or gaining access to the bulb. Use the recommended wattage for the bulb and keep night lights at least three feet from bedding and other combustible materials.

Use child safety covers for electric outlets.

Repair or replace frayed cords or damaged lamps. Be sure to hide cords behind furniture.

All pictures should be secured out of reach. Don't hang pictures or other heavy decorations directly over a crib.

Blind cords can present a serious strangulation hazard for early walkers. Don't use blind cords that have continuous loops.

Install window guards with a quick-release mechanism that can be opened easily by an adult in case of fire.

Keep cribs, beds, chairs and other furniture away from windows.

Anchor unstable furniture, including dressers and bookcases.

Install a baby gate at the nursery door.

Choose toy chests with lid supports to prevent heavy lids from falling on children's fingers and necks.

Replace all door stops that have removable caps that can pose a choking hazard.

Install finger pinch guards on doors or drape a towel over the hinge side to prevent painful pinching injuries.