Your baby’s nursery should be a safe and serene space, but as your little one grows they might have other ideas.
From turning furniture into obstacle courses to slamming doors and exploring plug sockets, it can be hard to ensure bedrooms are completely safe for youngsters without spending a fortune. Thankfully, parenting expert Kirsty Carroll is on hand to help.
Kirsty, who works at nursery retailer Kiddies Kingdom, has shared these five tips on how to babyproof your nursery room furniture while keeping costs down…
While magnetic safety locks are helpful ways to prevent little ones trapping their fingers in drawers and doors, our parenting expert has a DIY suggestion that costs as little as 94p. “Pool noodles or pipe insulation are a super simple, quick fix to stop your doors slamming in your home,” said Kirsty.
“Simply cut a 30cm length of noodle lengthwise to create an opening and fasten it to the top of the door. This will stop the door from slamming, preventing any unnecessary accidents. Just make sure that this is placed at the top of the door so that it can’t be removed.”
Another top tip for preventing babies accessing dangerous plug sockets, which can prove irresistible to curious fingers, costs nothing. “This simple trick is a completely cost-free safety solution for your nursery,” said Kirsty. “When arranging your baby’s room, position larger furniture pieces like wardrobes, drawers, or bookshelves to naturally block access to sockets while still keeping the space functional.”
Even if your tot is tiny, the expert urges parents to “secure heavy dressers, bookshelves, and changing tables with anti-tip furniture straps”, just in case. “If you’re short on space in your nursery room, wall-mounted shelves keep essentials within reach while removing climbing hazards,” she added. “Just make sure these are positioned high enough away from your child’s reach.”
It’s a catchy rhyme that could save a life – for when it comes to cots and newborns, less is more. “Whilst we know that babies look adorable cuddled up with teddies, pillows and loose blankets, it’s important to keep the cot bare during the first year, with nothing inside except a mattress and your baby,” said Kirsty. “If it’s cold and your little one needs an extra layer, a baby sleeping bag is a good option. We also recommend that you keep the cot away from any windows, radiators, lamps, or cords.”
Nursery rugs and mats tend to be quite pricey – but foam play tiles are a more than adequate alternative and cost a fraction of the price. “It’s nice to have an area in your nursery where baby is free to roam and explore, without worrying about hard floors and surfaces,” said our expert. “These are also great for tummy time and play areas as your little one grows.”