Designing your baby’s nursery is a joyful and meaningful step in welcoming your little one. At Storkcraft®, we know that safety and peace of mind are just as important as beautiful design. This nursery safety checklist blends expert safety guidance with thoughtful choices you can feel confident about. From safe sleep to furniture stability and breathable indoor environments, these tips are designed to help you create a secure, nurturing space where your family can grow together.
What to Keep in Mind
- Review current crib and safe-sleep guidelines well before your baby arrives.
- Anchor tall or heavy furniture securely to the wall to help prevent tipping.
- Check for potential hazards such as cords, outlets, and small objects.
- Test nursery furniture and accessories for stability and proper assembly.
- Safety needs will evolve as your baby becomes more mobile.
Crib and Safe Sleep: The Foundation of Nursery Safety
The safest sleep space is the heart of a well-prepared nursery. Follow these trusted practices:
- Choose a crib that meets the latest safety standards, like those tested and verified by independent, accredited laboratories. Storkcraft® cribs, mattresses, and changing tables are certified to meet or exceed mandatory and voluntary safety standards.
- Use a firm, correctly sized mattress with a snug fitted sheet.
- Always place your baby on their back to sleep, and keep bumpers, blankets, pillows, and toys out of the crib.
While cozy decor may look inviting, simplicity and clarity of sleep space are what keep your baby safest. Soft, plush bedding has no place in a crib at sleep time, and reducing risk is always worth it.
Furniture Safety: Stability, Anchoring, and Tested Design
As babies grow and start pulling up or exploring, furniture stability becomes vital:
- Anchor dressers, bookcases, and storage units to the wall using included anti-tip hardware.
- Even pieces that look sturdy can tip when tugged, climbed, or leaned on — anchoring minimizes that risk.
- Storkcraft® dressers and chests are engineered with safety-focused interlocking drawer systems and include tip-over restraint kits, helping reduce hazards.
Taking the time to do this during setup — before your little one becomes mobile — gives you added peace of mind.
Indoor Air Quality: Cleaner, Healthier Breathing Environment
The air your baby breathes matters. Indoor air can contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released from materials, finishes, and paints, especially in a newly furnished room. Storkcraft® goes further with safety by offering GREENGUARD Gold Certified products — tested for emissions of over 15,000 chemicals and VOCs to help support cleaner indoor air.
GREENGUARD Gold Certified nursery furniture and mattresses help reduce VOC levels in your child’s environment, contributing to a healthier breathing space for your baby, toddler, and family.
Changing Station Safety
Whether you choose a dedicated changing table or a changing pad on a dresser, always:
- Keep one hand on your baby at all times — even a moment unattended can be risky.
- Store wipes, diapers, and creams within easy reach so you never have to turn away.
- Use safety straps on changing pads as an added precaution, not a replacement for your supervision.
Careful setup and smart organization make changes smoother, safer, and more comfortable.
Small Objects and Choking Hazards
Curiosity is part of childhood — and mouths are a baby’s first tool for exploration. To reduce choking risk:
- Scan the nursery floor and surfaces regularly for loose buttons, small parts, coins, or lint.
- Choose age-appropriate toys without removable pieces.
- As babies grow and reach new heights, reassess what’s within grasp.
Using simple tools like a toilet paper roll to test toy size helps remind you what may be a choking hazard.
Windows, Cords, and Outlets
Windows let in light, but cords and accessible openings can pose risk:
- Use cordless blinds where possible, or secure cords well out of reach.
- Install window guards or locks to limit how far windows can open.
- Cover electrical outlets with tamper-resistant safety plugs and keep cords tucked away to help prevent little ones from pulling or playing with them.
Visual checks from your child’s eye level help uncover hidden hazards early.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most important nursery safety priority?
Ensuring a safe sleep environment — firm mattress, fitted sheet, and nothing else in the crib — is the most crucial beginning step.
When should I start babyproofing?
Start before your baby arrives with crib safety and furniture anchoring. As mobility increases (around 6–9 months), expand babyproofing to outlets, cords, and reachable items.
Are GREENGUARD Gold Certified products safer?
GREENGUARD Gold Certification means furniture and mattresses have been independently tested for low chemical emissions, supporting healthier indoor air quality for sensitive environments like nurseries.
Should I use a baby monitor?
While not a safety device in the same way as a firm sleep surface, a baby monitor can help you check in without entering the room — just be sure cords stay out of reach.
How do I confirm my nursery furniture is up to standard?
Look for products that meet current safety certifications. Storkcraft® products undergo rigorous testing to meet or exceed safety benchmarks, and certifications provide third-party assurance of quality and safety.
Final Thoughts on Creating a Safe Nursery
A safe nursery isn’t built in a day — it grows with your child. As each milestone arrives, revisit the nursery setup and evolve your safety measures. When safety, thoughtful design, and trusted quality come together, you create more than a room — you create a sanctuary where your family can rest easy and thrive.