DEAR MAYO CLINIC: We’re expecting our first child and are so excited. We want to make sure the nursery isn’t just a sweet space for our baby, but also safe. Do you have recommendations for us as we start our nursery project?

ANSWER: After months of anticipation, you’re getting ready to welcome your child into the world. Your main priority now is to keep your little miracle safe. Your baby will be spending a lot of time in the nursery, so it’s important to check for and correct any potential safety hazards.

As you create this space for your baby, take a few minutes to evaluate each part of your nursery with these tips in mind:

Crib and bassinet safety

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the unexplained death of an infant under the age of 1. While the exact cause of SIDS remains under investigation, research has shown that a safe sleeping environment can help prevent SIDS deaths.

To help reduce the risk of sleep-related infant death, these safe sleep guidelines are recommended:

General nursery safety

Overall safety recommendations in the nursery include:

Window safety

Windows can pose a threat, no matter how high they are above ground.

To ensure your children’s safety around windows in the nursery and other parts of your home, it’s recommended to:

Safety outside the nursery

While it’s important to keep furniture inside the nursery safe for infants, you also should pay attention to hazards related to other furniture in your home. You should:

Car seat safety

The best protection for your child in a vehicle crash is a properly secured child safety seat. However, buying and installing the correct seat for your child can be confusing. Car crashes are the leading cause of injury and death in children, and 4 out of 5 car seats are not properly installed.

Car safety seats aren’t one-size-fits-all for children. The type of seat your child needs depends on several factors. These include your child’s age, size and developmental needs. Be sure to read the vehicle owner’s manual and the car safety seat manual each time you install the seat.

Organizations such as local health departments, law enforcement agencies, family resource centers and car dealerships may offer free car seat checks by trained technicians. Call a location near you for more information. The National Safety Council also offers free virtual car-seat checks.

Take this time before the baby arrives to create a safe, welcoming space for your child.

—Kathy Errthum, certified nurse midwife, Obstetrics/Gynecology, Prenatal Care, La Crosse, Wisconsin

(Mayo Clinic Q & A is an educational resource and doesn’t replace regular medical care. This Mayo Clinic Q&A represents inquiries this healthcare expert has received from patients. For more information, visit www.mayoclinic.org.)

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