Safety at Bedroom.

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Baby Safety » Safety at Bedroom/Nursery

Where you baby sleeps is a very personal choice. If you decide to have him share the same bed as yourself you should consider how you could protect him from rolling out of the bed. A bedguard could be put up on the side of the bed that he usually sleeps on or you may find it easier to temporarily move to a mattress on the floor. It can be very difficult to sleep with a baby in anything smaller than a queen size bed. It is highly unlikely that parents will roll over a baby and suffocate them although you should never sleep with a baby in your bed if you are intoxicated through alcohol or drugs.

If you choose to have your baby sleep in a cot you must make sure that the slats are close enough that your baby cannot get his head caught between the rails. Bumper pads may be used to pad the sides of crib rails. Ensure the hinges are secure, the paint used is lead-free and the wood is smooth and unchipped. Once the toddler who has been sleeping becomes capable of climbing out of his cot, it is time to put the cot away and move him to a bed or a mattress on the floor.

Beware of anything that can suffocate or strangle a baby in the crib. To avoid accidental strangulation do not put pacifiers on a chain or ribbon around the baby's neck when sleeping.

Have supplies for nappy changing within easy reach of the changing area so you can always keep a hand on the baby while you change him. A child who is able to roll can flip over without warning and fall.

As your child grows older, make sure that light switches, pictures, wall hangings and curtains are all well out of reach. Mobiles should be hung high enough so he can't grab them and injure himself. Don't place furniture or cribs under or near unlocked or open windows; screens will not prevent a child from falling.

If you are using a bunk bed, check that it is sturdy and well constructed with a good ladder and secure railings on both decks. Never put a small child on the upper deck.