Safe baby nurseries (tips from The Lullaby Trust)
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.
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).
- 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).
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.
A note about babies and hats
According to The Lullaby Trust, babies should wear hats outdoors in cold weather. But hats, socks, cardigans, and other extra layers should be removed as soon as you move indoors or into a warm car.
Babies mainly regulate their body temperature through their heads. Leaving a hat on indoors can make them overheat, which increases the risk of illness and is one of the factors linked with sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
It recommends indoor temperatures between 16°C and 20°C for sleeping.
If you think a baby may be too warm, check the temperature of their chest or back, rather than their hands or feet, which often feel naturally cooler.
Signs that a baby may be overheating include:
- Sweating
- Damp hair
- Flushed skin
- Rapid breathing
- Being unusually restless or crying intensely
If these signs appear, remove a layer of clothing and move the baby to a cooler environment if necessary.
Parents and carers can also read more about safe clothing, bedding, and sleeping arrangements to help reduce the risk of overheating.
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.
