Let me guess, the moment you found out you were pregnant you instantly began searching for Nursery Inspo?
Many parents want to create magical spaces for their baby, often inspired by trends on social media. With all these beautiful furnishing trends on social media platforms it is important to be aware that some baby decors and furnishings can be highly dangerous for a baby.
Here are some considerations when planning your baby’s nursery.
- Garlands and buntings
Many instagram posts have images of beautiful garlands and buntings on or around where the baby sleeps. Despite being a beautifully simple decorative touch they are a strangulation risk to children. Some buntings can have small attachments such as tiny bells, buttons and other decorative items on them that also present a choking risk if they fall or are pulled off by little ones.
- Fairy Lights
Fairy lights can provide a feeling of magic and warmth to the nursery but it is another trend to avoid for multiple safety reasons. The string the lights are attached to can be grabbed by a baby or toddler creating a strangulation risk. If a light becomes dislodged from the string it can be easy for an infant to choke on. In addition fairy lights are often powered by batteries which present choking and poison hazards if consumed.
- Canopies
A soft flowing canopy over a cot has become a popular baby room trend in the last few years. Unfortunately they too are a strangulation risk to babies and small children. The ACCC has recalled these items previously due to reports that children have been caught up and sadly strangled by these items when they have tried to climb out of their cots.
- Shelves, picture frames and other wall decorations
Shelving, name plaques and cute nursery themed photo frames should not be hung above or near a cot as they are a risk of slipping from the wall and causing serious injury to a baby .When hanging items in other areas of the nursery consider the functionality of the space below and ensure they are secured firmly.
- Wicker or Moses baskets
Red Nose Australia has noted that “the most frequent accidents associated with bassinets are falls and suffocation”. When it comes to Moses and wicker style bassinet baskets, they typically lack breathable zones on the sides, which increases the risk of suffocation if a baby rolls . The typical material of this style of bassinet is quite limited in the weight it can support of a baby, as it can weaken and break over time. If the basket is placed on an unsecured stand or bench top there is a risk of fall.
- Pillows, throws and decorative soft toys in the cot
A cute pillow propped in the corner, a soft teddy sitting next to the pillow and a cosy throw blanket hanging over the edge of the cot are charming nursery decor. However, leaving these items in a cot with a baby increases the risk of suffocation. Red Nose Australia recommends children don’t sleep with a pillow until over the age of 2 and children under 7 months should not sleep with soft toys or comforters.
- Baby mobiles
Baby mobiles are also a strangulation risk due to the strings of the mobile and the risk of the mobile falling if not installed securely. A baby should not be able to reach the mobile and once your baby can push up on their hands and knees (usually around 4 to 5 months), it’s time to take down the mobile.
