The room where your baby sleeps and spends a lot of their time. A safe nursery starts with a compliant crib, a firm mattress, and no loose items in the sleep space. Anchor all furniture, secure cords, and keep small objects out of reach. Think of it as your highest-priority room to childproof.
Related Terms
A safe crib meets current safety standards with slats spaced no more than 2 3/8 inches apart, a firm mattress that fits snugly with no gaps, and no drop sides. Keep the crib free of pillows, stuffed animals, and bumper pads. Check for recalls before using any secondhand crib.
A set of practices that reduce the risk of sleep-related infant deaths. The basics: put your baby on their back on a firm, flat surface with no blankets, pillows, bumpers, or toys. Room-sharing without bed-sharing is recommended for at least the first 6 months.
A strap or bracket that secures heavy furniture to the wall to prevent tip-overs. Dressers, bookshelves, and TVs are the biggest risks. Most come with simple L-brackets or nylon straps that screw into the furniture and wall stud. You can get earthquake-rated ones for extra security.
Never leave a baby unattended on a changing table, not even for a second. Falls from changing tables are one of the most common infant injuries. Always keep one hand on your baby, and have everything you need within reach before you start a diaper change.