Prioritize Safety When Decorating Kids' Rooms

Parents and those anticipating parenthood have numerous considerations in mind when it comes to nurturing their children. However, every parent must remain conscious of child safety, and this responsibility commences within the confines of the home.

A prime area of concern is the children's rooms. As advised by child safety experts, the customary focal points for embellishing a child's room — windows, cribs, and bedding — concurrently pose the highest potential risks to a child's safety.

To ensure the safety of your child's room, take heed of the following guidelines:

Window Areas

Avoid situating a crib, playpen, bed, or any low-standing furniture near a window. In their exploration, young children may inadvertently tumble through an open window or window screen, or become entangled in a nearby window covering cord with tragic consequences. Whenever feasible, position cribs and furniture against a wall without windows. Dangling or easily accessible cords on window coverings can present a potential strangulation hazard to infants and young children. For the sake of safety, consider replacing older corded window coverings with contemporary, safer alternatives.

Cribs

Ensure that the crib you are using is robust, correctly assembled, and adheres to the most recent safety standards. It is crucial that crib mattresses fit snugly, headboards and footboards lack decorative cutouts, and any corner-post extensions

are removed. Be cautious with heirloom cribs or hand-me-downs, as they may not conform to the latest safety guidelines and may have dangerously loose or missing components. We advise consumers to replace any crib that is 10 years or older with one that meets current safety standards. Place the crib against a wall without windows. Once a child can push up on their hands or knees or reaches 5 months of age, we recommend removing any crib toys strung across the crib or playpen to prevent accidental strangulation.

Bedding

While crib comforters, bumpers, and baby pillows may appear charming, they can pose a safety risk. Safety experts advise parents against placing fluffy, soft comforters or pillows in the crib, as they could potentially smother a baby. Instead, consider alternative decorative focal points for the baby's room, such as a colorful mobile suspended from the ceiling, wallpaper borders, a patterned window valance, or a cheerful wall paint color, which are not only visually pleasing but also safer.

Other Room Elements

Ensure that all electrical outlets are adequately covered. Opt for open bins when storing toys, as hinged toy boxes can pose injury risks to children. When using a toy chest, invest in a spring-loaded lid-support device to prevent the lid from falling on a child's neck or inadvertently closing and trapping a child playing inside. Additionally, confirm that the changing table is equipped with safety straps. While baby-care products like baby powder and diaper ointment should be easily accessible to the caregiver, place them well out of the child's reach to prevent unintended access.