Baby Room Safety
How to keep the nursery hazard-free
Photo: E. Andrew McKinney
With a safety gate mounted on the outside, a terrace door can be opened for fresh air without any worry that the terrace's wrought-iron railing will be climbed. The knob cover provides an extra measure of security.
When evaluating safety equipment, remember that in order to be effective it must be used. Is installation relatively simple? Will the device work on the intended door, cabinet, or drawer? Is it easy enough for older siblings to use and resecure? Assume your toddler will test the device: Will it withstand these assaults? If the answer to any of these questions is no, choose another model. And keep your receipts: Safety devices are notorious for working in a limited range of situations.
The gear recommended on these pages is limited in scope to nursery safety; consult baby-care books or the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's Web site (www.cpsc.gov) for information on the rest of the house.
Safety latches and locks are for cabinets, closets, and drawers, or anywhere you keep items that could be hazardous to babies, including medicines, scissors, fire ladders, and so on. Doorknob covers are another way to keep small children out of closets.
Safety gates can be used to keep a baby from wandering during a play period or after a nap (if the crib no longer does the job). They can also be installed in window frames above the first floor to prevent dangerous falls (or look for special window guards). When evaluating a safety gate, be sure slats are vertical so they can't become toeholds. Those that are mounted onto the walls are safer than pressure gates, especially in windows and at the tops of stairs. The latch should be easy for an adult to operate. Look for a seal of approval from the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA).
A smoke detector should be installed just outside the nursery (in fact, outside every sleeping area in the home). Be sure to check the battery monthly and replace it annually, or use a 10-year battery.
A carbon monoxide alarm should be placed outside the baby's room if you have gas or oil heat or an attached garage. Be sure the device meets requirements of the most recent UL standard 2034 or International Approval Services standard 696.
