There are few events in your life as exciting as bringing your baby home for the very first time. The thrill of seeing him or her in the crib or on the changing table, cooing and smiling up at you, builds happy memories that will last a lifetime. It’s common to start planning and decorating the baby’s rooms months before the big event, and safety is paramount. Things like crib placement, air conditioning, the reliability of the baby furniture, and the safety of the paint and other decorations should be planned out carefully. Here is how to safely decorate your baby’s room.
Furnishings
Before purchasing any baby furniture, like a dresser, crib, or changing table, read consumer reviews and check for safety recalls. This is especially important if you’re buying anything secondhand or using items passed on from friends or family members. Placement of baby furniture is equally important, as you will want to make sure the baby will be out of the direct sunlight and won’t be able to grab onto other items that could pose a danger, such as curtains or anything hanging on the walls.
Air Conditioning
Most pediatricians recommend keeping the temperature in your baby’s room at around 70 degrees. A heat pump, or other HVAC system that enables you to set the temperature at a setting that feels natural and hold it there, is your best option. Make sure to place the crib away from the vents, so the air is not blowing out directly onto the baby. Also, be sure that you schedule regular maintenance and repairs for your HVAC system, so the baby stays comfortable.
Decorations
Decorating your baby’s room in a fun and personal way is ideal, but make sure your decorations are safe. Avoid any little pieces that could pose a choking a hazard. Make sure that things will not fall over if a child begins to pull on them, push on them, or climb on them. Even stuffed animals can be a threat to your baby’s safety and health if they aren’t cleaned regularly. Wall hangings should be hung out of the baby’s reach and secured to the wall so they won’t fall onto the baby.
Paint
Paint fumes can be harmful to anyone, especially an infant because an infant’s respiratory system is still developing. If you are painting the baby’s room, do it months ahead of time and use a zero VOC paint. You will probably have to do a good deal of research on the topic because paint that is listed as zero VOC can legally contain up to 1 percent of its content by weight with VOC-emitting substances. Also, take note that the manufacturer is not required to list any proprietary ingredients in the paint.
Decorating can be a labor of love, but the final result will make it all worth it. Just think of the wonderful times you will have rocking your baby asleep next to the window or listening to him or her laugh or play with favorite stuffed animals.
