There are many things to consider when having a baby, but one of the most important is the baby’s room. Your little one will spend most of his time sleeping for the first few months, and his bedroom environment can make the difference between peaceful slumber and constant fussing. Here are four tips to set up a safe and comfortable bedroom for your new baby.
Control Sunlight Exposure
Your baby has spent the past nine months in a dark environment, so her eyes and skin are very sensitive to sunlight. Reduce your baby’s exposure to the sun’s rays by tinting the nursery’s windows and using light-blocking blinds. Darken the room completely when your baby is sleeping and let a little light in when she’s awake to help develop her circadian rhythms.
Pad Sharp Corners
As your baby becomes more mobile, common nursery objects like dressers and changing tables can pose a hazard. Some of the most dangerous injuries occur when babies hit their heads on the corners of hard furniture. Mitigate the risks by padding the corners of all furniture in your baby’s room. However, one place that should not be padded is your baby’s crib. Avoid crib bumpers because they increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.
Watch the Thermostat
Although you might enjoy sleeping in the cold beneath a blanket, your baby sleeps most safely without any covers. Make sure the temperature in the nursery is comfortable without sheets or blankets. Consider getting your heating system checked by a heating services professional before you bring baby home to ensure that he sleeps warmly and comfortably. If your baby is born during the summer, make sure your air conditioning thermostat isn’t set too low and use a fan to circulate cool air.
Make Room for Crawling
Your baby won’t stay confined to her crib for long. Before you know it, she will be ready to crawl around and play. Make her room a safe and cozy play environment by making sure there is plenty of open floor space. Cover the floor with a soft carpet, rug or carpet tiles. Consider getting soft furniture like foam chairs and bean bags for her to climb on and explore.
If you’re short on space, remember that your baby’s bedroom doesn’t have to be fancy to be safe and comfortable. Many new parents opt to use part of their own bedroom for baby, which saves space and makes late night feedings more convenient.
