Baby safety in the nursery is paramount and should always be your first concern when designing you baby's nursery, as indeed it should be, around the house.
You might look around your house and think that is a safe place, but put a baby or toddler in there and you eyes will be opened.
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The problem is that babies and toddlers have no sense of danger and this is what makes everyday items, a possible threat to their safety.
Baby safety and child safety is really a matter of common sense and vigilance and the use of good recommended baby safety equipment.
Just to keep you on your toes, be aware, that
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The nursery is the room in which both you and baby will spend a huge amount of time, by adopting good baby safety practices, before your baby is born, you can create a safe environment in which you can relax and watch your baby play, rest and grow throughout their infancy.
When creating your nursery plan, make sure not to place any furniture near the window, as your child grows they might use items around the room as ladders to look out of the window, and what you think might happen next. It's worth spending some time rearranging the room now, rather than after an accident.
Your baby's cot is where he will initially spend most of his time, especially in those first few months.
When choosing a cot for your baby's nursery it is always preferable to buy a new one so that you can be sure it is equipped with the latest safety features, however this is not always practical. It's important that if you do have to get a second-hand cot, that its inspected thoroughly for wear and tear of fixtures and fastenings.
Although a second-hand cot may pass the baby safety test, please buy a brand new mattress for your baby.
Mattresses should be firm and fit snugly with less than the width of two fingers between the inner edge of the cot and the side of the mattress.
Don't allow pets in the room where your baby is sleeping. Sleeping babies in cots are lovely warm places for dogs and cats to sleep too. You don't want your baby smothered or scratched by the family pet.
Don't overdress your baby in bed either, newborns can't regulate their temperature and are vulnerable to overheating.
When placing your baby in their cot they should be placed on their backs (unless otherwise instructed by your healthcare professionals). You should ensure that their feet are placed near the bottom of the cot with the sheet tucked under the mattress, this will prevent your baby from wriggling under the covers.
Bumper pads can be secured, around the sides of the cot to protect your baby and prevent them from reaching through the bars. When your baby is able to stand, the bumper pads should be removed, so that they can't be used as a step to help him climb out of the cot.
Pillows, soft toys and comforters should also be removed from the cot before you put your baby down to nap.
Hanging mobiles should be out of your baby's reach and those that fit to the side of the cot must be firmly and tightly secured.
Installing a functioning smoke alarm in your baby's nursery or right outside the room, will give you peace of mind when you leave him to sleep.
If you are using a changing table, always fix your baby securely with the changing table's safety straps, they are there for a reason.
Curtains and blinds cords are a common cause of injury and any long cords used to draw curtains should not form loops, and should be tied well out of your baby's reach.
Cupboards and wardrobes doors are also possible hazards and there are many safety mechanisms to stop children from injuring themselves with them.
Get socket safety plugs for all accessible sockets in the nursery and around your home, as your baby will curiously try to stick his fingers in, then he will have a shock.
But of course you'll will need plenty of good safety tips for around the home as they become more mobile.