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How To Build A Baby-Safe Bedroom

Written by James Kicinski-McCoy

Photography by Photographed by James Kicinski-McCoy

We, as mothers, all know how fast our babies grow up—one day they’re immobile and the next, they’re scaling the crib walls and learning how to escape their rooms in the middle of the night. Not to mention, most rooms are filled with innocent-looking hazards that taunt curious little ones, like lamps, furniture, and basic decor. That’s why it’s important to be on guard of all items, no matter the size or use. Just in time for Baby Safety Month, we’ve partnered with Munchkin to show you how to keep your child protected with this simple bedroom-safety checklist.

Supervision. The most important precaution you can take is always keeping an eye on your babe. Of course, during bedtime and naps, you won’t always be in the room, which is why it’s important to invest in a great baby monitor. We prefer one like the Infant Optics Monitor because it not only lets you hear your baby static-free, but also allows you to clearly and effectively keep watch.

Crib Check. Always triple-check that the crib is put together correctly and doesn’t have any decorative pieces or corner posts exposed. Search for a great mattress to encourage sleep, and invest in a water-resistant mattress pad. Not only does it protect your crib from nighttime leaks, it also encourages a comfortable night’s sleep, extra support, and enhanced air circulation. Up until 6 months of age, be sure to never leave any blankets, pillows, or toys in the crib with baby, as they can lead to suffocation. Once the baby is old enough to stand, remove all toys from the crib, as little ones can use these objects as stepping stones to climb out.
Munchkin Deluxe Mattress Pad, $32, Munchkin

From Crib To Big Kid Bed. Once your child is over 35 inches tall (or can climb out of the crib on his own), it’s time to move her to a big kid bed. Keep in mind that he’s used to sleeping in an enclosed space, so it’s important to keep him secure with bed rails to ensure they stay put, while tossing and turning at night. We love sleep rails, which can attach to any size bed and allow kids to easily climb in and out for bathroom runs and sunrise.
Munchkin Sleep™, $60, Munchkin.

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Secure All Furniture and Windows. Dressers, stands, and TVs might seem heavy enough to stay put, but when your little guy climbs up or tugs on them, his body weight alone can cause the whole thing to topple over, which can cause great injury or even death. This is why it’s important to make sure everything from tables to lamps are secure with safety straps. Cabinet and door locks can also save your tot from punctures and accidents in the bedroom.
Munchkin Door & Cabinet Latches (12 Pack), $6, Munchkin.

Covers, Covers, and More Covers. Babies and kids love to stick their fingers and toys into electrical outlets, which is a big no-no. Keep those tiny holes covered with plug covers, which block out little fingers and objects. Doorknobs are another danger—kids can leave rooms unattended, lock themselves in, and much more. Place some simple knob guards on the doors in your house to keep your child safe.
Munchkin Xtraguard Safety Lock Plug Covers, $3, Munchkin.
Munchkin Door Knob Covers, $4.50, Munchkin.

Toy Storage and Changing Tables. It’s important to do a sweep of your child’s bedroom regularly to make sure no objects are dangling or haven fallen to the floor, as these can pose strangling or chocking hazards for small children. Avoid old-school toy boxes with heavy-hinged lids that can slam down on a child’s fingers and choose an open-top box or store toys in a safe basket. Instead of bulky, dangerous drawers and stands, opt for a soft, protected storage option like a nursery organizer. Make sure your baby’s changing table has three raised sides with a restraining strap and never leave baby unattended during diaper changes to avoid accidental falls.
Munchkin Nursery Organizer, $34, Munchkin.

Block-Off Doorways, Stairs, and Other Areas. Once your kiddo is on the move, it’s nealry impossible to keep him or her in one room, which is why we suggest installing a sturdy, well designed, and high-quality baby gate to block-off all non-baby-friendly areas in the home. Choose one that easily installs in any door frame, big or small, with a simple click and press method. It not only protects your little one, but also allows you to see them at all times.
Munchkin Loft Aluminum Gate, $140, Munchkin.

A Little Light at Night. As kids move into their big kid beds, it’s important to keep a nightlight on or near the bedside table, just incase she needs to get up in the middle of the night to use the restroom. It also helps for those times when she might need a gentle reminder that there are no monsters under the bed! Choose one that gives off a subtle glow in a calming shade of light that will be relaxing and not keep kids awake.
Munchkin Light My Way Nightlight, $12, Munchkin.

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This post is brought to you by Mother + Munchkin, which rids the world of the mundane by developing clever, innovative solutions that make family life safer, easier, and more fun. You can find Munchkin products at Munchkin.com, Target, and Amazon. It’s the little things!

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