Designing a nursery these days is a lot more complicated than it seems. There are so many products available, and that can be overwhelming. Between personal recommendations, the internet, and social media, it can become overwhelming. I always tell my clients that the most important thing about the nursery is its safety, first and foremost. My new book, Your Perfect Nursery, has a whole chapter dedicated to nursery safety for this very reason! Here are my top 5 tips for creating a safe yet stylish, functional, and comfortable nursery.

 

 

1. Invest in a Good-Quality Crib

The crib will be used very frequently in your nursery, so it’s important that it holds up well and looks great. It might be tempting to look online for a used crib or hand-me-down, but I highly recommend purchasing new ones. Safety regulations on cribs are stringent for a reason. It’s super important that you use a very sturdy crib that maintains its structural integrity—a single loose screw can be a problem! You can also lookup which brands have had safety recalls in recent years (at www.CPSC.org) and avoid those. Choose a crib that’s well-made and fits your style so you can get the most out of it!

 

 

2. Choose a Versatile Dresser

While the crib may end up getting switched out after a few years, the dresser is something that you can potentially use for a lot longer. I always suggest going with the furniture with a transitional look. Meaning that your item will effortlessly flow with your child as they grow and can work with different colors and themes if you change things down the line. The dresser/changing table should always be attached to the wall so it won’t tip over if the drawers are pulled out or climbed on.

 

3. Watch Out for Cords

Cords are a big issue in nurseries since so many items in the nursery require electricity. Cords are unsafe and ugly, so hiding them gets two birds with one stone. Tuck the lamp cord behind the dresser (far enough so baby can’t reach), install outlet safety covers and attach loose cords to the baseboard. Also, watch out for cords that may be hiding in your window treatments. I recommend cord cleats or safety covers installed high up for those, but always keep an eye on things since your toddler may figure out a way to climb or reach.

 

4. Get a Non-Toxic Mattress

If you only choose one organic/non-toxic item for the nursery, it should be the crib mattress. The baby’s face will be right up against it for hours at a time, so it mustn’t be giving off any fumes or toxins. There are a ton of amazing organic mattress brands out there now. One of my favorites is Naturepedic. You can also check out Babyletto or Avocado crib mattresses. I also like to recommend organic crib sheets and suggest washing them a few times before use.

 

5. Choose Zero VOC Paints

Paint fumes are no joke and can linger for weeks. If you’re repainting your nursery, make sure to choose zero VOC paint. This is a safety tip that comes into play well before the baby is born. I’m a big fan of Clare paints since they are zero VOC, Greenguard Gold certified, and have a completely transparent website. Most large paint brands will have a low VOC formula as well, so ask! It’s also a good idea to open up all the windows to help air out the room after painting, even if you’re using non-toxic paint.

 

Bonus tip: Think Outside the Nursery Too

Remember that the nursery certainly needs to be safe. But the rest of your home does, too, especially when the baby becomes mobile. Start researching home safety items like baby gates and furniture corner pads early, so you are ready when the time comes to install them. You’ll need a safe place for the baby to sleep, play, or be put down in other areas of the home like your bedroom or living room as well, and a bassinet or playard are great options. 

 

Takeaway: Safety is at the Forefront!

My biggest safety tip is to pay attention. Your baby will change, and your home will change, so keep an eye on their progress and habits. Be aware of any new items that come into your home that you may have to address. Join our IG LIVE Q&A Friday, September, 3rd with Naomi so she can answer all of your questions!