Tips to help make a nursery that’s safe for a baby
Some tips for making room for a new arrival
ALMOST ALL BUILDING MATERIALS EMIT SOME VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS (VOCS). THESE FUMES WILL EVAPORATE OVER TIME, BUT A ROOM THAT’S BEEN COVERED IN A FRESH COAT OF PAINT, BRAND NEW CARPET, AND NEW FURNITURE, WELL, THAT’S A LOT OF OFF-GASSING.
Have you ever noticed how more babies are born during the month of September? It’s true, and if you take a look at your Facebook friend list, you’ll likely see a large group of your networks are September babies. I guess that’s why it makes sense that September has been designated as National Baby Safety Month.
Things have come a long way since my kids needed a nursery, but helping my daughter prepare for the arrival of her children a few years ago, I got to take another crack at planning a nursery — this time, to make it right for my grandkids.
Here are some of my tips to making a nursery that’s safe for baby, while making a functional space that can grow up with them.
MAKING BABY’S ROOM CURRENT
Each year in the U.S., an estimated 2,400 children are treated for injuries caused by electrical outlets — a number that’s far too high. If you live in a new build, you’re in luck! Code has been updated to require tamper-resistant receptacles. For older homes, upgrading all your outlets (on average, each home has around 75), is fairly inexpensive — and definitely worthwhile. Note that they’re called tamper-resistant, not tamper-proof. While the risk of a shock is not eliminated (you would need to stick objects in both prongs), it is severely lowered from those old-school outlets.
Beware using receptacle covers — at least the smaller ones. If your child learns how to remove them, they could be a choking hazard.
Once your outlets are ready to go, think about the layout. Cords can be a hazard, especially when those little feet start running around! Keep electronics close to their outlet, fasten loose cords to the walls, and leave electronics (like a baby monitor), out of baby’s reach.
A ROOM THAT GROWS
I always say the true mark of a forever home is one that can age with its residents. Usually I’m referring to a home’s oldest residents, but it applies to the youngest, too.
Think about how the nursery will be used. Are you only planning for one child, or do you want a bigger family? For one-child families, you’ll want a nursery that can grow with the child. Pure white carpets and drapes might work well when the baby’s still in the crib, but think how much of a mess a rambunctious seven-year-old can cause (I should know, I raised three of them).
My son and daughter recently completed a nursery for a brand new baby where they used natural wood, neutral (but still fun) colours, and a mural as a focal point and it looks great for an infant, but will look just as good for a five- or six-yearold. That means the parents won’t need to upgrade the room year after year.
Furniture that can pull double duty makes a great investment — for example, a crib that can evolve into a toddler bed. In place of a rocking chair (where little feet may run the risk of getting squished), a plush chair and ottoman make a great nursing station, while giving Jr. something soft to sit on later in life. Bookshelves and storage spaces are great investments, but always ensure they’re properly anchored.
HELP BABY BREATHE EASY
Almost all building materials emit some volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These fumes will evaporate over time, but a room that’s been covered in a fresh coat of paint, brand new carpet, and new furniture, well, that’s a lot of off-gassing.
Shop for your nursery carefully. Look for paints that contain fewer, or no VOCs. Keep the floors bare instead of installing new carpet. Consider adding an air purifier to your registry.
The best advice for dealing with VOCs is to get the baby’s room ready as far in advance as possible.
For those of you with a new arrival on the way, I wish you the best — and hopefully, a good night’s sleep every once in a while (grandparents are a godsend for this).