Planning for the baby’s homecoming is an exciting time. The nursery should be safe and include basics the baby and mother will need. The basic nursery checklist includes a crib, changing table or dresser with pad, rocking chair or glider for feedings and storage for clothes, toys and supplies. The recent changes in regulations and the ongoing announcements of product safety news makes consumer research very important. Know what is needed and how to find the safest, best suitable options for the nursery.
Cribs
There are several types of cribs and it is important to find one that is sturdy, secure, fits within the nursery budget and meets Federal guidelines.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), “Beginning June 28, 2011, all cribs manufactured and sold (including resale) must comply with new and improved federal safety standards. The new rules, which apply to full-size and non full-size cribs, prohibit the manufacture or sale of traditional drop-side rail cribs, strengthen crib slats and mattress supports, improve the quality of hardware and require more rigorous testing."
Purchase the crib from a reputable retailer and check that the crib has not been recalled. Inspect all hardware pieces (for example: screws and bolts) of the crib before use and on a regular basis while the infant uses it. Each time the sheets are changed, make sure there is not a gap larger than the size of two fingers. Wiggle the crib to make sure it continues to remain sturdy.
Cribs are categorized as standard, convertible, round, combination and portable.
The standard crib serves as only an infant bed. It stands alone without additional drawers or attachment furniture pieces. Many times the standard crib is the most economical option because of its lack of add-ons. This crib fits all standard crib mattresses and linens.
The convertible crib doubles as another type of bedding. It may transform into a toddler, day or single bed. The transformation may require a conversion set that is available for purchase separately.
The round crib is just as it sounds, in a round shape. It requires special accessories such as a round mattress and sheets. These cribs are generally chosen for aesthetic purposes.
Combination cribs combine the crib with a changing table. They make good use of space and users find the set up handy when moving the baby the short distance from the crib to the changing area.
Portable cribs fold away or are on locking wheels. They are usually not used as main crib in a nursery and can often be found in hotels and daycare centers. Play yards are sometimes used as portable cribs. A child product safety organization called Keeping Babies Safe offers tips on play yards, “Make sure mesh weave is no larger than 1/4 inch. Babies may get buttons, fingers and toes caught in large weave holes causing injury. Check the mattress pad: In a mesh /fabric crib must not exceed one inch. Child will suffocate when caught between mattress and the side of the crib.”
The CPSC instructs parents, “Position cribs away from windows, blinds and curtains with draw strings and baby monitor cords. Do not place pillows, quilts or blankets in the crib. Do not use sleep positioners as they are suffocation hazards. Use a firm mattress.” Keeping Babies Safe has produced the video “Safe Sleeping Environments for Babies.” The twelve and a half minute video is available in English and Spanish.
Changing Table
The changing table may stand alone or be part of a dresser or crib. Changing tables may come with open shelves or drawers. Open shelves allow items to be stacked within arm’s reach or may be organized with baskets. Drawers may be useful when the child ages and is more likely to pull things off of low shelves. Drawers can be secured with baby proof locks.
Choose a sturdy changing table that supports a child’s weight through the toddler years. A weight limit of at least 45 pounds is useful. The changing table should offer guard rails that will secure the changing pad, snaps to hold the changing pad in place and a security belt or straps to help manage a squirming child. Changing pads can be contoured, flat or disposable. The importance of a waterproof changing pad and washable covers cannot be underestimated.
While there is little in terms of federal guidelines or safety recommendations on changing tables compared to cribs, it is important that the baby is never left alone, even if secured with belts.
Rocking Chair and Glider
The rocking chair is equally important for soothing the baby with a steady motion and for providing the mother a comfortable place as she nurses and coos her baby to sleep. A modern take on the rocking chair, the glider, is now found in many nurseries.
Rockers and gliders make different kinds of movement – rocking up and down or gliding back and forth – hence their names. They should be chosen based on the available space in the nursery, comfort and style. Some chairs are more compact than others and it may be important to make sure that the chair is comfortable for both the mother and father/partner. When choosing a chair, sit in it and see how the armrests feel, check to see if the seat is too low or high and if the cushioning is a comfortable firmness.
Closet Space
Storing clothing in an organized fashion will be paramount. The baby will grow quickly and move through several sizes of clothing within the first year. Organize the closet and wardrobe with clothes so smaller sizes are most accessible and larger sizes are available as growth spurts hit.
Many baby closets use smaller nursery hangers that fit baby clothes. Baskets and storage shelves within the closet help with efficient use of space. This cuts down the lack of dead space and helps keep sizes and seasonal items separated. Closet organizing systems may be helpful.
Additional Storage
In a nursery, storage can take on many functions. In addition to storing clothes and diaper changing materials, it is important to find appropriate storage for toys, linens and books. A large toy box and an area to keep clean sheets are helpful. Book storage near the rocking chair is also helpful. Storage of extra wipes, creams and lotions may be needed in the nursery if there is room.
When choosing a toy or storage container, the CPSC gives the following guidelines: have a hinged lid that can support itself open, make sure there are ventilation holes in the box and ensure there is not a latch or lock on the outside of the container. If the toy chest has a free falling lid, remove the lid from the container.
Other items are not necessary in the nursery but may be helpful.
Nightlight or Dimmer Switch
A light with a dimmer switch allows nighttime checks without waking the baby. Various nightlights are available, including ones that turn on in the dark, are sensitive to touch or are motion activated.
Mobile
A mobile hung above the crib or changing table offers visual stimulation and a fascinating distraction. The mobile may have a motor in it to make movements or play music, or the mobile may be light enough to casually move with the air flow in the room.
When securing a mobile, place extreme importance on how it is hung. The CPSC warns parents to ensure that any crib toy or mobile is secure and will not fall down, creating a strangulation or choking hazard. Further, they report mobiles and any other toys that hang over a crib or playpen should be out of reach of a child. Read the labels that come with the mobile. Many say that the mobile should be removed by five months of age or when the baby can extend their hands up.
Window Coverings
Use noise and light dampening window coverings. As mentioned before, be careful of placing the crib next to any cords that may be attached to the window coverings.
Diaper Pails or Diaper Disposal System
Diaper pails and diaper disposal systems are specialized trash cans that lock in odors and contain germs. The most popular versions have hands-free foot pedal openers, specialized trash bag liners, are childproof and can hold several diapers before an emptying is needed. The CPSC reminds parents to never keep liquids in diaper pails as they can pose a drowning hazard. Diaper pails can cause head injuries to babies trying to pull themselves up, as they are not secured to the floor.
Hamper
A separate hamper from the other family members is helpful as baby laundry tends to accumulate quicker and have spills and leaks that may need more regular washing. Separating laundry will also help with organization.
There are many other components that mother’s find helpful in nurseries. Much of this is personal preference. Enjoy building a safe nursery!
Sources:
- “A booklet to help avoid injuries from nursery furniture and equipment.” U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
- “Portable Cribs/ Play yards.” Keeping Babies Safe.
- “Crib Information Center.” U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
- “Crib Recalls and Product Safety News.” U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
- “Federal Register: Safety Standards for Full-Size Baby Cribs and Non-Full-Size Baby Cribs; Final Rule.” U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Vol. 75, No. 248 / Tuesday, December 28, 2010.
- “A Safe Sleep For All Babies: CPSC and Child Safety Partners Launch National Education Campaign on Crib Safety For New and Expectant Parents.” U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. October 22, 2010.
- “Safe Sleeping Environments for Babies.” Keeping Babies Safe.
