The first thing to fit to a new nursery is a smoke detector, for a few pounds (or free from your community fire prevention officer) these essential alarms must be your initial purchase. When your child begins to wander it's important that any unused electrical outlet is sealed with a dummy plastic socket protector to prevent your curious baby from sticking his fingers. Whenever possible, attempt to disguise electrical leads and outlets with nursery furniture your toddler doesn't use, like changing tables.
The next most important item is your child's cot since this is the place they will initially spend most of their time in those early months. Cots are also one of the primary causes of infant harm and fatalities so it is essential to ensure your cot abides by the appropriate safety regulations. The cot must be deep enough so your baby is unable to climb out. Check that the spacing between the rails is not capable of permitting the baby to trap their head. Check that if the cot has drop down sides that they have suitable locks to stop them from being accidently released by your baby. If using a used cot ALWAYS purchase a brand new mattress for each child. Your mattress must leave a gap of no more than 4cm around the outside of the cot to stop your baby from becoming trapped.
Head the 'back to sleep' campaign targetted to reduce sudden infant death syndrome and always lay your baby down on his back. If using a nightlight make sure it is located away from the cot and any other soft furnishings
Try to position your nursery furniture in a way that prevents positioning things in front of windows. Never place squat nursery furniture your toddler one may use to clamber on or things like cots or changing stations beneath windows to stop him from possibly falling out. Keep the windows in the nursery properly secured. When opening a window for ventilation make sure it is firmly fixed and ideally never open more than 5cm.
Changing stations can also be a cause of injury but this more often than not is a result of adults believing their toddler to be secure and walking away. Always fix your baby firmly with the changing table's safety straps and never leave him on the changing surface alone. Keep your changing supplies out of baby's grasp. An accidental talcum powder spillage can have detrimental effects to an infant.
Window dressings are a major cause of injuries and death in young children. Avoid using long curtains or drapes that may ensnare and suffocate a young baby and never hang blinds with lengthy cords in your baby's nursery. When installing blinds make sure the cords are sucured up to keep them short and are never within a child's reach.
It's always good to have storage for the plethora of toys baby will no doubt collect but choose cautiously. Look for toyboxes that have no lid or have very lightweight or safety hinged lids. As your baby gets older, he might clamber inside the toy chesttoy box and a heavy lid could trap her so it's important they be fitted with safety hinges or lightweight lids. You should also attempt to select nursery furniture with lids and drawers that won't crush your child's fingers. Cupboard and wardrobe doors are also a possible danger to your child and you must think about fitting safety mechanisms to stop your youngster from hurting themselves
By following straight forward information and ensuring their furniture meets the European legislation new parents can design safe, warm and welcoming bedrooms for children and babies for their new arrival.
Gary is an authority on nursery furniture [http://www.monkeyshine.co.uk/nursery-furniture-18] and writes for a range of sources including his website.With years of experience advising customers about selecting nursery furniture he is able to supply sound advice on all manner of purchases from your little one's first cot to what to look for when buying a changing mat [http://www.monkeyshine.co.uk/parent-and-child-36/at-home-44/memory-foam-changing-mat-46011.html].
Author: Gary Swift
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Mobile device news
