Creating a Safe Nursery

The nursery is your baby's sanctuary—a place for sleep, play, and growth. Creating a safe nursery is one of the most important things you can do before baby arrives. Many nursery hazards aren't obvious to new parents, from crib setup to furniture placement to decorative items. This guide will help you create a beautiful, safe space for your little one.

Safe Sleep Environment: The Foundation AAP

The crib is where your baby will spend the most time, and safe sleep practices are essential for preventing SIDS and suffocation.

Crib safety basics:

• Use a crib that meets current safety standards (CPSC certified)
• Never use a crib manufactured before 2011 (when stricter standards took effect)
• Drop-side cribs are banned—do not use them
• Check for recalls before using any crib

Crib specifications:

• Slats should be no more than 2⅜ inches apart
• Corner posts should be flush with end panels or very tall (over 16 inches)
• No cutouts in headboard or footboard
• Hardware should be secure with no missing parts

Mattress requirements:

• Must be firm and flat
• Must fit snugly—no more than two fingers width between mattress and crib sides
• Use only mattress designed for your specific crib
• Avoid soft or pillow-top mattresses
• Mattress surface should be flat (no incline)

The bare crib rule:

• No blankets, pillows, or comforters
• No bumper pads (all types, including mesh)
• No stuffed animals or toys
• No sleep positioners or nests
• Only a fitted sheet designed for the mattress

Why bare is safer:

• Soft items are suffocation risks
• Bumpers don't prevent injuries but can trap babies
• Items can cover baby's face
• Keeps airway clear

Crib Placement Safe Kids

Where you put the crib matters as much as what's in it.

Safe crib positioning:

• Away from windows (fall risk, cord strangulation, drafts)
• Away from blinds and curtains
• Away from wall decorations that could fall
• Away from radiators, heaters, or heating vents
• Away from electrical outlets and cords
• Not next to furniture baby could climb onto

Temperature and ventilation:

• Keep room at comfortable temperature (68-72°F)
• Ensure good air circulation
• Don't overheat the room
• Keep crib away from direct sunlight

Nursery Furniture Safety CPSC

Every piece of furniture in the nursery should be evaluated for safety.

Changing table safety:

• Choose one with guardrails on all sides
• Always keep one hand on baby
• Never step away, even for a second
• Keep diapering supplies within your reach, not baby's
• Consider floor-level diaper changes as safer alternative

Dresser and furniture anchoring:

• Anchor ALL furniture to the wall
• Dressers are especially dangerous—toddlers climb them
• Use anti-tip straps or furniture anchors
• Place heavy items in bottom drawers
• Choose dressers with drawer stops

Glider/rocker safety:

• Choose one with locking mechanism
• Keep away from walls (finger pinch hazard)
• Be aware of pinch points
• Don't leave baby unattended in or near glider

Bookshelf and storage:

• Anchor to wall
• Don't store heavy items on top
• Keep bottom shelves for heavy items
• Avoid tall, narrow bookcases that tip easily

Window Safety

Windows in the nursery require special attention.

Window treatments:

• Choose cordless blinds or shades
• If cords exist, keep them completely out of reach
• Use cord cleats or condensers
• Cut looped cords into two separate strings
• Never place crib near windows with cords

Window guards and stops:

• Install window guards or stops
• Windows should open no more than 4 inches
• Guards must have emergency release for fire safety
• Move crib away from windows

Window considerations:

• Keep crib away from windows for multiple reasons
• Prevent drafts on sleeping baby
• Block direct sunlight that can overheat
• Eliminate falling hazard as baby grows

Electrical Safety

Nurseries need special attention to electrical hazards.

Outlet safety:

• Cover unused outlets with outlet covers
• Use tamper-resistant outlets if available
• Don't overload outlets with baby monitors and other devices
• Keep cords out of reach

Cord management:

• Secure monitor cords at least 3 feet from crib
• Hide lamp cords behind furniture
• Use cord covers or run cords through walls
• Never let cords hang near crib

Monitor safety:

• Video monitors with cords are strangulation hazards
• Mount monitors high on wall with cords secured
• Never place monitor on crib rail or within reach
• Cordless battery-operated monitors are safer if placed nearby

Decoration Safety

Making the nursery pretty while keeping it safe requires thought.

Wall decor:

• Don't hang heavy items over the crib
• Secure wall hangings properly to studs
• Avoid frames with glass over crib area
• Consider wall decals as safer alternative to frames
• Move decorations as baby becomes mobile

Mobiles:

• Remove when baby can push up on hands and knees (around 5 months)
• Ensure secure attachment to ceiling or crib
• Keep out of baby's reach
• Choose mobiles without small parts

Rugs and flooring:

• Use non-slip pads under rugs
• Choose low-pile rugs for easier cleaning
• Avoid shag or very plush rugs near crib
• Ensure rugs won't cause tripping when carrying baby

Plants:

• Many houseplants are toxic if ingested
• Keep all plants out of nursery
• Or ensure they're completely inaccessible
• Research any plant's toxicity

Toy and Item Storage

How you organize the nursery affects safety.

Toy storage:

• Use bins without lids (prevents head/finger injuries)
• If toy box has lid, choose one with safety hinges
• Don't store toys in crib area
• Keep small items out of reach

Clothing storage:

• Use drawer stops to prevent drawers falling out
• Keep dresser anchored
• Store small items (buttons, bows) safely

General organization:

• Keep floor clear of items that could cause falls
• Store extra supplies out of reach
• Regular organization helps maintain safety

Temperature and Air Quality

The nursery environment affects your baby's safety and comfort.

Room temperature:

• Ideal: 68-72°F (20-22°C)
• Baby shouldn't be too hot or cold
• Overheating is a SIDS risk
• Dress baby appropriately for room temperature

Air quality:

• Don't smoke anywhere in the home
• Avoid strong fragrances, scented candles
• Use low-VOC paint
• Ensure good ventilation
• Consider air purifier if needed

Humidifiers:

• Can help with dry air
• Keep out of baby's reach
• Clean regularly to prevent mold
• Avoid cool mist near baby directly

Fire Safety

Basic fire safety applies to nurseries too.

Smoke and CO detectors:

• Working smoke detector near nursery
• Carbon monoxide detector on same floor
• Test detectors monthly
• Replace batteries twice yearly

Fire escape plan:

• Know two ways out of nursery
• Practice carrying baby in escape scenarios
• Keep pathway to exits clear
• Have plan for nighttime escape

As Baby Grows

Nursery safety needs change as your baby develops new skills.

When baby can roll (around 4 months):

• Stop swaddling
• Remove any items in crib
• Lower mattress if at highest setting

When baby can sit and pull up (6-9 months):

• Lower mattress to lowest setting
• Remove mobiles
• Move crib away from anything grabable
• Secure all furniture to walls

When baby can climb (around 18-24 months):

• Consider transition to toddler bed
• Never leave crib side down
• Remove items that could help climbing out
• Re-assess entire room for hazards at new height

The Bottom Line

A safe nursery combines proper crib setup, secure furniture, hazard-free decorations, and ongoing vigilance as your baby grows. The bare crib rule is essential—nothing in the crib but baby and a fitted sheet. Anchor all furniture, secure cords, and always supervise your baby in the nursery. With these precautions, you've created a safe haven for your little one.

Clara is here to help you create and maintain a safe nursery as your baby grows!