Protecting your newborn - Selecting appropriate baby furniture

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Author: jonathan swift

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

Make sure to install a functioning smoke alarm in your child's nursery or outside the room. Plug covers to seal any spare electrical sockets are also a great idea when your baby starts to play and move about. Whenever possible, try to hide electrical cords and sockets with nursery furniture your toddler doesn't use, like dressers.

The second most important thing is your baby's cot since this is the place they will initially spend most of their time in the first few months. Cots are also one of the major causes of infant injury and death so it is very important to make sure your cot abides by the appropriate safety standards. Ensure the cot is deep enough to stop your youngster from climbing out as they get older. Ensure that the spacing between the bars is not capable of permitting the baby to trap their head. Check that if the cot has drop down sides that they have proper locks to stop them from being accidently released by your child. If using a second hand cot ALWAYS buy a brand new mattress for each child. The mattress should have a gap of not more than 4cm around the perimeter of the cot to stop your child from becoming trapped.

Remember the 'back to sleep' advice designed to prevent cot death (SIDS) and always lay your baby down on his back. When using a nightlight ensure it is placed away from the cot and any other fabrics

When designing your nursery plan make certain no furniture is placed adjacent windows, as your child grows they might try to climb up and have a look out. Also avoid positioning anything that can permit your youngster to stand on to look out of a window. Keep the windows in the nursery securely secured. If you need to open the window to permit ventilation ensure the window is secured and never open more than 5cm, there are fastenings on the market that stop windows from being opened too far.

Another item of baby furniture responsible for many baby injuries is the changing table. Always fasten your baby firmly with the changing station's safety straps and never leave her on the changing surface unattended. Changing paraphernalia should be positioned beyond the child's grasp in a drawer of on a shelf. Babies and toddlers are naturally curious and nappy sacks or rash creams can be potentially harmful.

Rather disturbingly one of the most common reasons of injury in a baby's room are curtains and blinds. Avoid using long curtains or drapes that may trap and asphyxiate a small baby and don't hang blinds with lengthy cords in your baby's nursery. When using blinds ensure the cords are tied up to keep them short and are never within a child's grasp.

It's essential to have storage for the masses of playthings your youngster will soon amass but select carefully. Toyboxes should be fitted with safety hinges or lightweight lids to stop fingers from becoming trapped. As your baby gets older, he might clamber inside the toy chesttoy box and a weighty lid may trap her so it's important they be fitted with safety hinges or lightweight lids. You should also try to pick baby furniture with lids and drawers that won't crush your youngster's fingers. Wardrobe and cupboard doors are also a potential danger to your youngster and you should think about fitting safety catches to stop your youngster from injuring themselves

By following sensible advice and following common sense, new parents can ensure they make the right choices when choosing baby furniture and design the perfect room for their youngster.

Being a parent of two kids and a accomplished writer on parenting issues Gary gives common sense advice about nursery bedroom furniture in articles, his parenting blog and at his e-commerce site.With lots of knowledge Gary is able to offer advice on anything from furnishing a nursery to a simple travel changing mat.