Your baby's room is the first space he can call his own in the world. It should be neatly arranged so that all of his needs can be easily met: feeding, changing and comforting. However, the baby's room should also be arranged for the safety of your baby and you.
Step 1
Place the crib at least 1 foot away from walls, windows and other furniture. Place it out of direct sunlight and drafty areas in such a way that you can easily see into it when you open the room's door slightly.
Step 2
Install the crib's mattress securely in place at a height that will allow you to reach the baby easily but without risk of her falling out. Follow the crib manufacturer's instructions to do so.
Step 3
Place the changing table adjacent to the crib so you can quickly move the baby from crib to changing table and back with a minimum of movement. Put all of the supplies on the changing table out of the reach of the baby and her small siblings.
Step 4
Place a rocking chair near the crib so that you can easily take the baby and begin feeding or comforting him with a minimum of effort, especially during the night. The chair should be away from drafty areas and far enough from the walls to prevent scratching.
Step 5
Position the dresser or chest of drawers in any remaining space to store baby clothes, extra diapers and other items. Be sure all drawers and openings are easily accessible.
Step 6
Install a lamp or nightlight near the crib/changing table so that you can easily see during the night but without fully waking the baby or the entire household.
Step 7
Position a baby monitor so that you can easily hear and/or see the baby without having to open the door to the room.
Step 8
Install electrical outlet covers in all outlets not in use.
Step 9
Install a smoke detector near or in your baby's room. Test it and change the batteries twice a year.
Tips and Warnings
- The choice of colors/themes is strictly a matter of personal preference. According to Adoption.com, color patterns do not influence how well baby sleeps, however bold patterns may stimulate the baby's eyes and soft patterns may be considered more soothing. Carpeting or a throw rug with a nonslip backing will provide warmth for caregivers' feet. When you have placed all the furniture and supplies, mimic baby-care activities to see whether all items have been placed in the best configuration for safety and convenience. Change as necessary. Do a crawl test to ensure hazardous items, such as pull cords and electrical cords, are out of baby's reach.
- Keep toys off the floor to avoid tripping hazards for yourself, and keep unnecessary items out of the baby's crib. Newborn babies only need a crib mattress and a crib sheet. Don't hang heavy artwork above the crib, use lightweight or cloth items. Take down mobiles when the baby can pull himself up. Bumper pads may be used until your baby can pull himself up but they must fit completely around the crib and be secured in place with snaps or ties. Remove the pads once your baby can pull himself up or he may use them to try to climb out of the crib. The Institute of Child Health and Human Development also warns that bumper pads are a suffocation risk. The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission discourages utilizing used cribs because they may not meet current safety regulations and may have deteriorated over time. Make sure clip slats are no more than 2 3/8-inches apart. Don't expose the baby to freshly painted walls. Always allow paint to dry for several days before using the room for your baby.
Things You'll Need
- Crib
- Changing table
- Rocking chair
- Dresser
- Lamp
- Baby monitor
- Outlet covers
- Smoke detector
