Tips on Setting up the Nursery and Safety tips for Baby

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This Page Includes Information on Cots, Change Tables, High Chairs and Baby Monitors

Congratulations!

Reaching the point where you are making decisions on your baby's nursery is a milestone indeed, and a very special time for the parents.

It is a good idea at this point to also put some thought into the issues of safety. This does not need to be difficult or boring, but it is well worth considering setting this part up now- to give you both peace of mind, as well as the knowledge, and comfort that your baby will have the safest possible environment around him.

As babies can spend a large percentage of their time in the nursery, it is desirable that they are given equipment in the nursery that conforms to the highest possible safety standards.

It should be noted that while their may be a sense of history in using grand Dad's cot, it may not have been designed with much thought to safety.

This is of course, only an example, but I hope to make the point that saefty is very important.

Babies have small fingers and toes, and they can get cought, twisted, or worse, in the apertures on some equipment like cots.

The Cot

When it comes to cots, it is important to ensure that your country's minimum standards are met.

An example of suitable standards would be the Australian Standard AS/NZ 2172.

This standard, in part, sets out that the cot has design features whereb the likelyhood of the bay's limbs would not be trapped, or cought in parts of the cot, like the gap in the slats, or in a case where the side could pull down, and injure the baby.

Another example is that if wheels are fitted to any of the legs, they should only have two wheels, or if more are fitted, that the option of breaks, to stop, or lock the wheels should be included.

The gaps between the mattress and the edge of the cot need to be very small, so that there is a reduced chance that the limbs of the baby could be cought.

In addition, the mattress should be new, to prevent infection, from previous babies use.

Further more, the locks on the cot need to be very firm, where it is clear if a lock is on or off, and also, it should be very difficult, if not impossible for the baby to activare.

Naturally, parents should always assume that kids and babies are very agile, and can do almost anything with regard to over riding safety- so please, never be complacent in this area.

I am not trying to frighten you, but rather insure you are well aware that safety is one area not to be complacent about.

Your baby is too precious to take any chances with.

In addition, no pillows should be used where the baby is under two years of age, and it is also advisable to set the base of the cot at its lowest level, so the child does not have any assitance to accidentaly climb out. (the lower the base is, the higher the top of the side for the baby).

I realise this may not always be comfortable for the parents, but again, I regularly recommend safety and security, sometimes before convenience.

It is also a good idea to keep the cot way from windows, and away from direct sources of heat, like heaters.

Mobiles should be above, and visible to the baby, but not able to be touched by the baby for safety at this point.

A recommended site for safety tips is kidsafe. Please click here for more cot safety tips.

I have included more information below on change table recommendations.

I have also included links below for places to purchase and get advice on some of these nursery items.

The Change Table

Please remember a change table is not designed to catch your chaild if they fall.

My point here is that the child or baby needs to be supervised at all times when on the change table. Babies can wriggle around in an incredible way- and move a great distance in little time. Just turning away for a short time can be the time when the child injures themselves.

I realise I may seem very negative, but please know I have your best interests and safety at heart.

With a change table, it is worth looking out for the following:

It's a good idea if there is a restraint fitted to the table. Further, I advise you always use it, for increased safety.

Choose a change table that has some form of roll-off protection such as raised sides and ends at least 100 mm high.

Babies tend to wriggle around quite a lot.

Ensure collapsible frames are locked securely in place before use.

Never leave your baby unattended on a change table - even to grab something just across the room - always take them with you. Also be aware of older siblings climbing on change tables.

Keep everything needed to change your baby close at hand but out of their reach.

Ensure the change table is free from small objects that can cause choking.

Consider a towel or change mat on the floor or in the middle of a double bed as an alternative - but this may not be comfortable for you.

The High Chair

The high chair, should if at all possible, be set to the lowest hight that is workable for you, as the lower the chair is, the more stable it is.

Always make sure that baby is strapped in securely.

I really would prefer not to sound like a preacher, but want to emphasise the important safety tips.

If you are a new parent, the number of high chairs you have to choose from may make your head spin. Here are some answers to some of the most common questions about high chairs.

What's available?

There are basically two types of high chairs - standard high chairs and wood high chairs.

A standard high chair style is the heavy-duty plastic style.

They typically feature a basic design, but may be equipped with several deluxe feature options.

While wood chairs may lack the deluxe features the standard ones offer, they do provide a classic and timeless look that makes them very popular. In addition, they are very durable and often become a family heirloom that can be passed from generation to generation.

What should I look for?

When shopping for high chairs, focus on comfort, durability, clean up, and portability. Once you have found a couple of high chairs that meet your requirements, then you can begin to think about the styles and colors.

What's available for toddlers and older children?

Booster high chairs or booster seats are a good option for toddlers and children that are too old for high chairs, but still need a little extra help. They provide toddlers with a safe and secure way to learn how to properly sit in a chair.

How should I expect to spend?

Most basic high chairs start around $70. Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for ones with more deluxe features.

I have included a link below to a site with more information on high chairs and other baby nursery products.

In addition, there is another link here to a high chair product and site that I recommend.

Monitoring Your Baby

For many parents, whilst they realise a baby monitor is not a substitute for checking on their baby, they find the idea comforting, so they may be able to hear their baby, when they are not in the same room as they are.

There are numerous styles of baby monitors on the market, but essentially, the majority will work over a distance of 100 to 300metres.

Some are also able to be powered by mains power and/ or batteries, but if you have the choice, I recommend mains power, as they are more reliable at transmitting over longer distances.

Furthermore, they are also available in different configurations.

Some are multi channel, which can be good if you either are receiving interference from other appliances in your home, or find some frequencies simply do not work as well.

From our experience, we found that if you are going to use one, it is better to buy a slightly better quality one, as the cheaper ones we bought did not work very effectively, and we ended up not using it at all.

Some also are able to measure the temperature in the bay’s room, and may sound a warning to the receiver (the parent’s monitor), if the temperature falls below a set limit.

The units are usually one way only, but the higher end models can work both ways, so you could send a reassuring comment to your baby.

Whilst I feel monitors have a use, we preferred to have the baby near us, but if you are in a place other than your usual home, they may be useful.

It is a very personal choice.

As we have had experiences with our monitors, I felt it appropriate to include this page on the site, as a monitor can form a part of many nurseries.

Some monitors also have a light audio meter, so you can turn down the sound, but ‘see’ if your baby is making any noise.

I have included some links below to websites about monitors.

Click here for the guide on Baby Monitors

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