{"id":1586,"date":"2017-01-29T21:53:00","date_gmt":"2017-01-29T21:53:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/?p=1586"},"modified":"2026-04-26T18:57:05","modified_gmt":"2026-04-26T18:57:05","slug":"creating-safe-nursery-your-baby","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/2017\/01\/29\/creating-safe-nursery-your-baby\/","title":{"rendered":"Creating a Safe Nursery for Baby"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">A safe nursery requires addressing five areas before baby arrives: toxic fumes from paint and furniture, window safety, furniture anchoring, safe sleep setup and electrical hazards. Here is a complete checklist and guide covering each. Updated April, 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3913\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:cover;width:434px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Creating a Safe Nursery for Your Baby<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-regular-font-size\">Creating a Safe Nursery for Baby<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">In our <a href=\"https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/2024\/10\/26\/essential-guide-how-to-prepare-your-home-for-a-newborn\/\">Essential Guide: How To Prepare Your Home for a Newborn<\/a> 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&#8217;ll want to do well before your baby is born because you&#8217;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&#8217;s a breakdown of everything that needs to happen in the nursery:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-regular-font-size\"><strong>Toxic Fumes<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-regular-font-size\">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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-regular-font-size\">Air out the new crib mattress until baby needs to sleep there.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-regular-font-size\">Leave all furniture drawers open to air them out until needed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-regular-font-size\">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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-regular-font-size\"><strong>Window Safety<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-regular-font-size\">Childproof all nursery windows with window stops or window guards.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-regular-font-size\">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!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-regular-font-size\">Secure blinds with long, exposed cords to reduce risk of strangulation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-regular-font-size\"><strong>Furniture<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-regular-font-size\">Anchor all furniture to the walls to make sure it doesn\u2019t tip over, including the changing table. Anchoring supplies are inexpensive, and only take a few minutes to install, but they are potentially lifesaving. Be sure to anchor into wall studs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-regular-font-size\">Night Doula Tip: Consider floating shelves&nbsp;instead of bookcases. Even if it&#8217;s anchored, floating shelves become a ladder to toddlers!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-regular-font-size\">Cribs should have only a fitted sheet.\u00a0No stuffed animals, blankets or crib bumpers, and be set up following\u00a0<br>American Academy of Pediatrics<a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthychildren.org\/English\/ages-stages\/baby\/sleep\/Pages\/A-Parents-Guide-to-Safe-Sleep.aspx\">\u00a0guidelines<\/a>.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Safe Sleep for Infants Age 0-1 Year Old<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">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 <a href=\"https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/2025\/09\/30\/10-steps-safe-sleep-baby\/\">10 Steps to Safe Sleep for Baby<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-regular-font-size\"><strong>Back to Sleep<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 Sleeping flat on their backs is the safest sleep position for babies. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-regular-font-size\"><strong>Flat, clear surface:<\/strong>&nbsp;Place baby on a firm, flat surface clear of toys, crib bumpers, blankets&nbsp; &amp; other items. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-regular-font-size\"><strong>Room Sharing<\/strong>: Keep baby in the same room as you, but not the same bed for at least 6 months. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-regular-font-size\"><strong>Avoid Smoking:<\/strong>&nbsp;in the home and around baby. There\u2019s&nbsp;no risk-free amount&nbsp;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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-regular-font-size\"><strong>Breastfeeding:<\/strong>&nbsp;If you can, giving breastmilk for at least 2 months has been shown to reduce the risk&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/publications.aap.org\/pediatrics\/article\/140\/5\/e20171324\/37852\/Duration-of-Breastfeeding-and-Risk-of-SIDS-An\">by 50%<\/a>. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-regular-font-size\"><strong>Vaccinate:<\/strong>&nbsp;All reputable national and worldwide health agencies agree, and the data proves that immunizations reduce the risk of SIDS. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-regular-font-size\"><strong>Don\u2019t let baby overheat<\/strong>: Dress appropriately for the temperature. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-regular-font-size\"><strong>Give a pacifier:<\/strong>&nbsp;As the AAP has noted sucking on a pacifier requires forward positioning of the tongue, thus decreasing this risk of oropharyngeal obstruction.&nbsp;Be sure not to use a string or other attachment device when using a paci.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-regular-font-size\"><strong>Avoid products that go against safe sleep guidelines<\/strong>: no crib wedges, sleep positioners or other items in the crib<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-regular-font-size\">Creating a Safe Nursery for Baby &#8211; More Tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-regular-font-size\">Never hang a mobile too close to the crib, as little fingers can pull on them and potentially injure themselves.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-regular-font-size\">Childproof all electrical outlets with plastic outlet protectors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-regular-font-size\">Avoid floor lamps, which can tip over or be pulled over.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-regular-font-size\">Install and regularly check smoke detectors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-regular-font-size\">Install a baby monitor.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-regular-font-size\">Remember that <a href=\"https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/2022\/12\/01\/so-youre-having-twins-virtual-baby-care-class\/\" title=\"twins and multiples \">twins and multiples <\/a>need to sleep in their own cribs to adhere to safe sleep guidelines.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Let-Mommy-Sleeps-Nursery-Safety-Checklist-683x1024.png\" alt=\"newborn nursery safety checklist by let mommy sleep\" class=\"wp-image-5859\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.6669921875;width:496px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Let-Mommy-Sleeps-Nursery-Safety-Checklist-683x1024.png 683w, https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Let-Mommy-Sleeps-Nursery-Safety-Checklist-200x300.png 200w, https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Let-Mommy-Sleeps-Nursery-Safety-Checklist-768x1152.png 768w, https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Let-Mommy-Sleeps-Nursery-Safety-Checklist.png 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">\u27a1\ufe0f  <a href=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1b1xRZfSVGUuB76FWiIH0ArVJ3rJU4CEA\/view?usp=share_link\" title=\"Download and edit your own Nursery Safety Checklist here\">Download and edit your own Nursery Safety Checklist here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-regular-font-size\">A Word About Emergency Prep and First Aid<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">While safety in the home is this article&#8217;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 <a href=\"https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/2015\/01\/25\/emergency-preparedness-creating-72-hour-emergency-kit-infants\/\">Emergency Preparedness with Infants<\/a> shows you how to create 72 hours of diapers, food and gear so you&#8217;ll be ready in case of emergency. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Another part of creating a safe nursery and home is understanding how to react in case of an accident or a medical emergency.  <a href=\"https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/2023\/05\/18\/essential-first-aid-skills-new-parents\/\">Essential First Aid Skills for New Parents<\/a> can help with the basics of how to help if baby is choking, burned, bleeding or experiencing a fever. <br><br>Having these safety measures in place will reassure you that your little one is secure, comfortable, and safe. Whether you&#8217;re in the home or not, you can have peace of mind that your baby is safe and sound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-regular-font-size\">Safe Nursery Setup for New Parents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How long should I air out a new crib mattress?<\/strong><br>Most crib mattresses should air out for&nbsp;48\u201372 hours&nbsp;in a well-ventilated room to allow odors and VOCs to dissipate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How long should I air out new nursery furniture?<\/strong><br>Allow new furniture to air out for&nbsp;several days to a week, leaving drawers open to release trapped odors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Is it safe to use a tension rod for nursery curtains?<\/strong><br>No. Tension rods can fall easily. Use hardware anchored into studs or drywall to hang curtains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Do I need to anchor nursery furniture?<\/strong><br>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&#8217;t predict when a baby will begin pulling up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What should go in a baby\u2019s crib for safe sleep?<\/strong><br>Only a fitted sheet on a firm mattress. No blankets, bumpers, toys, pillows or sleep positioners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Should twins sleep in the same crib?<\/strong><br>No. Twins and multiples need separate sleep surfaces to ensure safe sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How far should a mobile hang above the crib?<\/strong><br>Mobiles should hang&nbsp;<em>at least<\/em> 16 inches above the crib&nbsp;and out of baby&#8217;s reach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How do I babyproof nursery windows?<\/strong><br>Use window guards or stops, secure blind cords and mount curtain hardware with proper supports. If you&#8217;ve purchased your blinds after June 2024, they are now by law, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cpsc.gov\/gocordless\" title=\"cordless\">cordless<\/a> or have inaccessible cord systems.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What temperature should a baby\u2019s nursery be?<\/strong><br>Keep the nursery around\u00a068\u201372\u00b0F (20\u201322\u00b0C)\u00a0to prevent overheating. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@graph\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": [\"BlogPosting\", \"MedicalWebPage\"],\n      \"@id\": \"https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/2017\/01\/29\/creating-safe-nursery-baby\/#article\",\n      \"mainEntityOfPage\": {\n        \"@type\": \"WebPage\",\n        \"@id\": \"https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/2017\/01\/29\/creating-safe-nursery-baby\/\"\n      },\n      \"headline\": \"Creating a Safe Nursery for Baby\",\n      \"alternativeHeadline\": \"Nursery Safety Checklist: Everything to Do Before Baby Arrives\",\n      \"description\": \"A safe nursery requires addressing five areas before baby arrives: toxic fumes from paint and furniture, window safety, furniture anchoring, safe sleep setup, and electrical hazards. Includes a downloadable nursery safety checklist reviewed by Let Mommy Sleep's RN Advisory Board.\",\n      \"image\": {\n        \"@type\": \"ImageObject\",\n        \"url\": \"https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Let-Mommy-Sleeps-Nursery-Safety-Checklist.png\",\n        \"width\": 1200,\n        \"height\": 630\n      },\n      \"datePublished\": \"2017-01-29\",\n      \"dateModified\": \"2025-12-06\",\n      \"author\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Person\",\n        \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Q137178582\",\n        \"name\": \"Denise Iacona Stern\",\n        \"url\": \"https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\",\n        \"sameAs\": [\n          \"https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Q137178582\",\n          \"https:\/\/papers.ssrn.com\/sol3\/cf_dev\/AbsByAuth.cfm?per_id=7769352\",\n          \"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Author\/Denise-Stern\",\n          \"https:\/\/www.usatoday.com\/story\/special\/contributor-content\/2025\/03\/06\/let-mommy-sleep-founder-denise-iacona-stern-named-2025-titan-100-women-in-business\/82168058007\/\",\n          \"https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/pictures\/eilh45ehgji\/denise-stern-let-mommy\/#54d5e78251a2\"\n        ],\n        \"jobTitle\": \"Founder and CEO\",\n        \"worksFor\": {\n          \"@id\": \"https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/#organization\"\n        }\n      },\n      \"publisher\": {\n        \"@id\": \"https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/#organization\"\n      },\n      \"about\": [\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n          \"name\": \"Nursery Safety Checklist\",\n          \"description\": \"A complete checklist of nursery safety requirements covering toxic fumes from paint and furniture, window safety, furniture anchoring, safe sleep setup, and electrical hazards \u2014 to be completed before baby arrives.\"\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n          \"name\": \"Infant Safe Sleep\",\n          \"description\": \"AAP-recommended safe sleep practices including back sleeping on a firm flat mattress, room sharing without bed sharing for 6 months, no crib bumpers, no loose items in crib, and separate sleep surfaces for twins and multiples.\"\n        }\n      ],\n      \"medicalAudience\": {\n        \"@type\": \"MedicalAudience\",\n        \"audienceType\": \"Patient\",\n        \"healthCondition\": {\n          \"@type\": \"MedicalCondition\",\n          \"name\": \"Infant Safety and SIDS Prevention\"\n        }\n      },\n      \"specialty\": \"Pediatrics\",\n      \"citation\": [\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"ScholarlyArticle\",\n          \"@id\": \"https:\/\/dx.doi.org\/10.2139\/ssrn.6137406\",\n          \"name\": \"The State of Newborn Care in the United States\",\n          \"author\": {\n            \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Q137178582\"\n          },\n          \"url\": \"https:\/\/dx.doi.org\/10.2139\/ssrn.6137406\",\n          \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Q138167269\"\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"WebPage\",\n          \"name\": \"AAP Safe Sleep Guidelines\",\n          \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.aap.org\",\n          \"publisher\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n            \"name\": \"American Academy of Pediatrics\"\n          }\n        }\n      ],\n      \"mentions\": [\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n          \"name\": \"American Academy of Pediatrics\",\n          \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.aap.org\"\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n          \"name\": \"Cribs for Kids\",\n          \"url\": \"https:\/\/cribsforkids.org\"\n        }\n      ],\n      \"keywords\": \"nursery safety checklist, baby nursery safety, nursery safety, safe baby nursery, how to babyproof a nursery, nursery safety guidelines, safe sleep nursery setup, where to place crib in nursery, are long curtains safe in nursery, anchor nursery furniture, twins nursery safe sleep\",\n      \"isPartOf\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Blog\",\n        \"name\": \"Let Mommy Sleep Blog\",\n        \"url\": \"https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/\"\n      },\n      \"inLanguage\": \"en-US\"\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n      \"@id\": \"https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/#organization\",\n      \"name\": \"Let Mommy Sleep\",\n      \"url\": \"https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\",\n      \"logo\": {\n        \"@type\": \"ImageObject\",\n        \"url\": \"https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/images\/logo.png\"\n      },\n      \"sameAs\": [\n        \"https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Q136724249\",\n        \"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/letmommysleep\",\n        \"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/letmommysleep\"\n      ],\n      \"foundingDate\": \"2010\",\n      \"founder\": {\n        \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Q137178582\"\n      },\n      \"areaServed\": \"United States\",\n      \"serviceType\": [\n        \"Newborn Care\",\n        \"Night Nanny\",\n        \"Night Nurse\",\n        \"Postpartum Support\",\n        \"Overnight Newborn Care\"\n      ]\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n      \"@id\": \"https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/2017\/01\/29\/creating-safe-nursery-baby\/#faq\",\n      \"mainEntity\": [\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"What is on a nursery safety checklist?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n            \"text\": \"A complete nursery safety checklist covers five areas: toxic fumes (paint with low VOCs, airing out mattress 48-72 hours, airing out furniture drawers), window safety (window guards or stops, secured blind cords, no tension rods), furniture (all pieces anchored to wall studs, no floor lamps), safe sleep setup (firm flat mattress, fitted sheet only, no bumpers, no loose items, room sharing for 6 months), and electrical safety (outlet covers, smoke detectors, baby monitor). Twins and multiples need separate cribs.\"\n          }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"How do I babyproof a nursery for safe sleep?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n            \"text\": \"For safe sleep, the crib should have only a firm flat mattress with a fitted sheet \u2014 no bumpers of any kind, no blankets, stuffed animals, pillows, or sleep positioners. Baby should sleep on their back. The AAP recommends room sharing without bed sharing for at least the first 6 months. Keep the room between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent overheating. Anchor all furniture to walls, childproof all outlets, and secure blind cords. Twins and multiples need separate sleep surfaces.\"\n          }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"Where should I place the crib in the nursery?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n            \"text\": \"Place the crib away from windows to avoid direct sunlight, drafts, and blind cord hazards. Keep it away from wall-mounted shelves or furniture that could fall. Avoid placing it directly under a mobile that hangs too low \u2014 mobiles should be at least 16 inches above the crib and out of baby's reach. The crib should be on a flat stable surface away from heating vents or radiators.\"\n          }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"Are long curtains safe in a baby nursery?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n            \"text\": \"Long curtains can be safe if installed correctly. Never use tension rods in a nursery \u2014 they can fall and become a hazard. Use hardware anchored into wall studs or drywall anchors. Secure all blind cords to eliminate strangulation risk \u2014 this is one of the most serious nursery hazards. Keep curtain fabric away from heat sources and out of baby's reach once they begin pulling up.\"\n          }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"Do I need to anchor nursery furniture?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n            \"text\": \"Yes \u2014 all nursery furniture should be anchored to wall studs before baby arrives. This includes dressers, changing tables, bookcases, and any other freestanding furniture. Furniture tip-overs are a serious injury risk once babies begin pulling up, which can happen earlier than parents expect. Anti-tip straps are inexpensive and widely available. Consider floating shelves instead of bookcases \u2014 even when anchored, a low bookcase becomes a ladder for toddlers.\"\n          }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"How long should I air out a new crib mattress?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n            \"text\": \"Air out a new crib mattress for 48 to 72 hours in a well-ventilated room before baby uses it. This allows VOCs and manufacturing odors to dissipate. New nursery furniture should also air out for several days to a week with drawers left open. Paint the nursery with low-VOC interior paint well in advance of baby's arrival.\"\n          }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"Should twins sleep in the same crib?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n            \"text\": \"No. Twins and multiples need separate sleep surfaces to comply with safe sleep guidelines. Each baby should have their own firm flat mattress with a fitted sheet only, sleeping on their back. Sharing a crib increases the risk of suffocation and does not comply with AAP safe sleep recommendations regardless of the babies' age or size.\"\n          }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"What temperature should a baby nursery be?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n            \"text\": \"Keep the nursery between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 22 degrees Celsius). Overheating is a risk factor for SIDS. Dress baby appropriately for the room temperature \u2014 the rule of thumb is one more layer than you would be comfortable in. Avoid electric blankets, sleep positioners, or heavy swaddles that could cause overheating.\"\n          }\n        }\n      ]\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"BreadcrumbList\",\n      \"@id\": \"https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/2017\/01\/29\/creating-safe-nursery-baby\/#breadcrumb\",\n      \"itemListElement\": [\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"ListItem\",\n          \"position\": 1,\n          \"name\": \"Home\",\n          \"item\": \"https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\"\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"ListItem\",\n          \"position\": 2,\n          \"name\": \"Blog\",\n          \"item\": \"https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/\"\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"ListItem\",\n          \"position\": 3,\n          \"name\": \"Creating a Safe Nursery for Baby\",\n          \"item\": \"https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/2017\/01\/29\/creating-safe-nursery-baby\/\"\n        }\n      ]\n    }\n  ]\n}\n<\/script>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A safe nursery requires addressing five areas before baby arrives: toxic fumes from paint and furniture, window safety, furniture anchoring, safe sleep setup and electrical hazards. Here is a complete checklist and guide covering each. Updated April, 2026. Creating a Safe Nursery for Baby In our Essential Guide: How To Prepare Your Home for a [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":5859,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[101],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1586","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-safety-and-gear"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1586","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1586"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1586\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5859"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1586"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1586"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1586"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}