Safe Natural Baby Nurseries (tips & swaps)

A safe nursery is both calming for babies and parents, and with just as few simple swaps, you can transform a bedroom into an oasis for little ones.

This organic cotton rattle conforms to European safety standards (hand wash). Never leave babies unattended with rattles or toys.

Read tips on natural pregnancy/childbirth and green baby care skincare.

Important aspects for a safe natural children’s nursery include:

Help to reduce risk of SIDS

The Lullaby Trust has info on the safest ways for babies to sleep, to reduce risk of crib death (they do not recommend cot bumpers).
Cots should contains one fitted sheet, with no pillows, toys or blankets.
Lay babies on their backs, and maintain a comfortable temperature (not too hot or cold). Remove hats when babies are in warmer temperatures (including in cars).

The Lullaby Trust has information on dressing your baby safely for sleep. In summary:

It does not recommend weighted swaddles, blankets or sleeping bags for babies under one year, due to risk of overheating or head covering, and they can also restrict breathing by pressing on the delicate chest of a baby. Do not use if a child’s head can pass through the neck opening, when fastened. Nor if a child can climb out of a cot.
If you use a sleeping bag, don’t add extra blankets on top. Add an extra layer of clothing or choose a higher tog sleeping bag, if your baby feels cold.
Ensure sleeping bags fit well around the neck and shoulders, so babies can’t wriggle down inside, and follow the maker’s tog guide to ensure you use the right tog for the right temperature. Items should follow British Standards to not fall apart and be fire-safe.
One blanket doubled over counts as two (this could increase overheating, so ensure if you use an extra blanket, it’s lightweight. Air trapped between layers increases warmth (using two 1.0 sleep bags could be dangerous).
Hats should be removed indoors, as babies lose heat through their heads.

Safety tips for natural nurseries

Ensure cots meet British safety standards like slat spacing and have firm mattresses that fit snugly between the mattress and cot sides. Drop-side rails are now banned. Ensure the cot is sturdy and does not wobble.
Organic cotton firm mattresses and bedding are breathable and healthier for sleeping. Use with sustainable wood or bamboo furniture, with nontoxic paints.
Avoid furniture with sharp edges (use corner guards).
Choose changing tables with wide bases and robust construction (test by giving a gentle nudge, to ensure it does not tip over easily). Use safety locks and straps that are sold with most changing tables, and anchor tall dressers to the wall.
Keep cords and outlets out of reach, and remove any small items that could fit in a baby’s mouth.
Choose rugs with non-slip backing, and low-allergen textiles. Keep the nursery free from clutter and unnecessary items.

Best colours for a calming nursery

Ideal calming colours for a baby nursery are soft blues, pale greens, warm greys, gentle pinks and muted lavenders. The expert at Natural and Organic Paint Co has a useful post on paint for nurseries and cots.

Use a gentle night light, to comfort a waking baby, without being harsh on the eyes. Some night lights have motion sensors. Warm LED bulbs and dimmer switches are best.