Keeping the baby safe features on the top of every parents' list of concerns.
Where do you start? Your baby's nursery is the first place you need to pay attention to.
You can take up the task of childproofing the rest of the home, one step at a time, after you complete designing the nursery.
Here are a few steps to ensure that your little one stays safe and sound in the nursery.
Pick cribs that adhere to safety standards.
Your first child's crib can work well for your second one.
But make sure it adheres to the current safety standards.
If it doesn't, you need to find a new piece that is safe for your little one.
Wider gaps between the crib slats can pose danger for an infant if his/her limbs get caught between them; so, can free blankets and pillows if they suffocate.
Keep them, and the stuffed toys, for later.
Make sure the mattress and sheets on the crib fit tightly.
Once your baby starts to sit up, remove mobiles from the top.
Fix each big piece of furniture to the wall.
Place the big furniture pieces such as the dresser and desk against the wall.
Put brackets to attach them to the wall.
This ensures that they don't topple over if your little one tries to stand with its support.
Make sure the kids' bedroom furniture has no sharp edges and corners.
Add pads to such surfaces to ensure that your kid doesn't get hurt.
Lids on storage boxes must be hinged.
Avoid using boxes with heavy lids that can trap the baby's head or hand.
Choose a raised-edge changing table that offers the option to strap your baby in.
Make sure there is a soft surface underfoot.
Your child would soon outgrow the crib (within 5-6 months).
He/she would soon start to crawl, sit, stand and walk and topple a hundred times in the room.
Carpet the entire room or place soft rugs to cover the floor.
Carpet tiles may be also be a good choice.
It gives you the option to replace a single stained or damaged tile instead of replacing the entire carpet.
A soft carpet underfoot also adds to the snugness of the space and makes it a little extra special.
Windows and window treatments may be a hazard.
Don't place any big furniture pieces near the windows.
Your child may try to crawl up on it.
Window screens cannot protect your baby; choose window guards for the room instead.
Window treatments with loops and cords may pose as a safety hazard.
Opt for simple blinds that you can fix at specific points.
Little ones often have the tendency to put everything in their mouths to get a taste.
Make sure everything - the curtains, the wall decals and decorations - are toxin-free.
Lights need to be selected with care.
Cheerful lights create a bright space.
But you also need to make sure that your baby has an appropriate place to snooze.
The light fixtures of the nursery must cater to both these requirements.
Switch on the bright lights when your little one is awake.
Utilise the blackout curtains when it is your baby's naptime.
Install dimmers in the nursery; they come in handy to create the right environment.
Low lights installed at knee level can ensure that you don't bump into things even when your baby's sleeping and the other lights are out.
Attention to small details can make it easier to create a safe nursery.
You also need to keep yourself up-to-date about the safety guidelines.
Talk to other parents, join online forums or ask any elderly relatives about their experience of planning and designing the nursery for their kids.