Protecting your child - Buying quality baby furniture

Navigation: Main page » Babies & Parenting

 Print this page Submit articleComment article

Author: jonathan swift

Article source: http://www.articledeshboard.com/. Used with author's permission.

The initial thing to fit to a new nursery is a smoke alarm, for a few pounds (or free from your community fire prevention officer) these life saving devises must be your paramount purchase. When your child starts to crawl it's important that any unused electrical outlet is sealed with a simple plastic plug protector to stop your curious baby from inserting his fingers. Whenever possible, try to obscure electrical leads and outlets with nursery furniture your toddler can't move, like wardrobes.

Your child's cot is the piece of nursery furniture where she will spend the most time during his initial months. When choosing a cot it's essential to make sure they conform with the all important safety standards (BS EN 716 in the UK). Check the cot is deep enough to stop your baby from climbing out as they grow. Ensure that the distance between the rails is not capable of allowing the baby to trap their head.Confirm that cots with lowering sides lock automatically and can't be worked free by the child. If you have a used cot ALWAYS buy a brand new mattress for each child. It's also vital to ensure the mattress is a tight fit and leaves not more than a 4cm gap all around to prevent your baby from becoming trapped.

Remember the 'back to sleep' advice targetted to prevent sudden infant death syndrome and always lay your baby down on his back. If using a nightlight make sure it is placed away from the cot and any other soft furnishings

Try to place your nursery furniture in a way that prevents placing furniture in front of windows. Also steer clear of placing anything that can allow your toddler to balance on to peer out of a window. Keep the windows in the child's room properly locked. If you need to open the window to allow ventilation make sure the window is secured and never open more than 5cm, there are products on the market that stop windows from being opened too far.

Another piece of baby furniture to blame for many infant injuries is the changing station. Always fasten your baby firmly with the changing station's safety straps and never leave her on the changing surface unattended. Changing equipment must be stored well out of reach in a drawer of on a shelf. Babies and toddlers are instinctively curious and nappy sacks or rash creams can be potentially harmful.

Window dressings are a major reason of injuries and death in babies. It's important that short curtains are used that small children can't become entwined in and that the cords on Venetian blinds are kept short. When using blinds make sure the cords are tied up to keep them short and are never within a child's reach.

It's essential to have storage for the masses of playthings your child will invariably amass but select cautiously. Toy chests must be fitted with safety hinges or lightweight fabric lids to stop little fingers from becoming trapped. As your youngster gets bigger, she may clamber inside the toy chesttoy box and a heavy lid may trap her so it's important they be fitted with safety hinges or lightweight lids. Drawers are also possibly dangerous and ideally should have a soft close action. Wardrobe and cupboard doors are also a possible danger to your baby and you must think about fitting child safe mechanisms to stop your baby from injuring themselves

By following sensible advice and following common sense, new parents can make sure they select the correct choices when selecting baby furniture and build the perfect bedroom for their youngster.

Gary is an authority on baby nursery furniture and writes for a variety of websites including his blog.Whether it's a crucial purchase of a whole nursery or a humble travel changing mat Gary and his customer service team at www.monkeyshine.co.uk spend time to make sure the parent is given the best advice possible.