Creating a Safe Nursery for Baby

January 29, 2017

updated December 6, 2025 Designing the nursery is a wonderful way to connect with baby before birth but the most important part of nursery planning is safety. Creating a Safe Nursery for Baby shows you how to make a nursery that is as cute as your newborn but still practical and safe.

Creating a Safe Nursery for Baby

In our Essential Guide: How To Prepare Your Home for a Newborn parents learn all about how to make a safe and organized home set-up when they arrive home with their newborn. Setting up the nursery is something you’ll want to do well before your baby is born because you’ll actually have time to do it and some things, like airing out mattresses and furniture, need to be done before baby uses them. Here’s a breakdown of everything that needs to happen in the nursery:

Toxic Fumes

• You should paint your nursery with low-odor interior paint, and do so early enough so any odors can fade. The same is a good idea with the nursery furniture. Put it together with plenty of time to spare and be sure that only non-toxic paint has been used.
• Air out the new crib mattress until baby needs to sleep there.
• Leave all furniture drawers open to air them out until needed.
• Consider hardwood flooring vs. carpeting to reduce dust and odors. Purchase an area rug that is sturdy and practical, as it will likely be a play area for tummy time.

Window Safety

• Childproof all nursery windows with window stops or window guards.
• Hang curtains or other wall dressings with properly secured materials, installing them into wall studs and/or with dry wall anchors. Never use tension rods!
• Secure blinds with long, exposed cords to reduce risk of strangulation.

Furniture

• Anchor all furniture to the walls to make sure it doesn’t tip over, including the changing table. Materials for this are very inexpensive but potentially life-saving. Be sure to anchor into wall studs.
• Night Doula Tip: Consider floating shelves instead of bookcases. Even if it’s anchored, floating shelves become a ladder to toddlers!
• Cribs should have only a fitted sheet. No stuffed animals, breathable crib bumpers only and be set up following 
  American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines. 

Safe Sleep for Infants Age 0-1 Year Old

Safe sleep recommendations mean baby will sleep in the same room, but not in the same bed, as a parent for 6 months. After 6 months and for the times they take naps in the nursery here are the basics of Safe Sleep. Learn more at 10 Steps to Safe Sleep for Baby

• Back to Sleep – Sleeping flat on their backs is the safest sleep position for babies.
• Flat, clear surface: Place baby on a firm, flat surface clear of toys, crib bumpers, blankets  & other items.
• Room Sharing: Keep baby in the same room as you, but not the same bed for at least 6 months.
• Avoid Smoking: in the home and around baby. There’s no risk-free amount of smoke for your baby. This includes secondhand smoke. Additionally, parent and infant exposure to nicotine, alcohol, marijuana, opioids, and illicit drugs should be avoided.
• Breastfeeding: If you can, giving breastmilk for at least 2 months has been shown to reduce the risk by 50%.
• Vaccinate: All reputable national and worldwide health agencies agree, and the data proves that immunizations reduce the risk of SIDS.
• Don’t let baby overheat: Dress appropriately for the temperature.
• Give a pacifier: As the AAP has noted sucking on a pacifier requires forward positioning of the tongue, thus decreasing this risk of oropharyngeal obstruction. Be sure not to use a string or other attachment device when using a paci.
• Avoid products that go against safe sleep guidelines: no crib wedges, sleep positioners or other items in the crib

Creating a Safe Nursery for Baby – More Tips

• Never hang a mobile too close to the crib, as little fingers can pull on them and potentially injure themselves.
• Childproof all electrical outlets with plastic outlet protectors.
• Avoid floor lamps, which can tip over or be pulled over.
• Install and regularly check smoke detectors.
• Install a baby monitor.
• Remember that twins and multiples need to sleep in their own cribs to adhere to safe sleep guidelines.

➡️ Download and edit your own Nursery Safety Checklist here

A Word About Emergency Prep and First Aide

While safety in the home is this article’s main focus, unexpected events happen and you can be prepared for these as well. Power outages or weather related emergencies for example, can make for a sudden change of plans. In this case Emergency Preparedness with Infants shows you how to create 72 hours of diapers, food and gear so you’ll be ready in case of emergency.

Another part of creating a safe nursery and home is understanding how to react in case of an accident or a medical emergency. Essential First Aid Skills for New Parents can help with the basics of how to help if baby is choking, burned, bleeding or experiencing a fever.

Having these safety measures in place will reassure you that your little one is secure, comfortable, and safe. Whether you’re in the home or not, you can have peace of mind that your baby is safe and sound.

Safe Nursery Setup for New Parents

How long should I air out a new crib mattress?
Most crib mattresses should air out for 48–72 hours in a well-ventilated room to allow odors and VOCs to dissipate.

How long should I air out new nursery furniture?
Allow new furniture to air out for several days to a week, leaving drawers open to release trapped odors.

Is it safe to use a tension rod for nursery curtains?
No. Tension rods can fall easily. Use hardware anchored into studs or drywall to hang curtains.

Do I need to anchor nursery furniture?
Yes. All nursery furniture should be anchored to prevent tip-overs, including dressers and changing tables. Ideally this should be done before baby arrives because we can’t predict when a baby will begin pulling up.

What should go in a baby’s crib for safe sleep?
Only a fitted sheet on a firm mattress. No blankets, bumpers, toys, pillows or sleep positioners.

Should twins sleep in the same crib?
No. Twins and multiples need separate sleep surfaces to ensure safe sleep.

How far should a mobile hang above the crib?
Mobiles should hang at least 16 inches above the crib and out of baby’s reach.

How do I babyproof nursery windows?
Use window guards or stops, secure blind cords and mount curtain hardware with proper supports.

What temperature should a baby’s nursery be?
Keep the nursery around 68–72°F (20–22°C) to prevent overheating.

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