Nursery
Setup
The most important part of any nursery is the crib. You
want to make it safe and cozy. No matter what type of crib you get, make sure it
conforms to all safety guidelines and standards. Make sure the crib mattress
fits snugly against the rails, so the baby can’t get wedged between them. You
also want to be sure the crib sheet fits snug and tight, nothing loose or
bunched up.
Until the baby is at least a year old, you don’t want to
use sheets or blankets. A comforter or quilt should be for decoration only in
that first year. Make sure the baby’s sleepwear is clean and soft and
appropriate for her age and for the weather. You don’t want them too warm or too
light, as babies can’t regulate their own body temperatures at first.
The only crib accessory that you want inside the crib when
the baby’s sleeping is perhaps a small, foam wedge that you can use to keep the
baby from rolling on her stomach. Sleeping on her back or on her side is the
position many experts recommend at first.
The sheets should always be fresh and clean; use unscented
detergent in case your baby’s sensitive to fragrances.
Keep the room dust-free and the space underneath the crib
clutter-free, so it won’t accumulate dust. If your baby’s sensitive to dust, you
don’t want to trigger a bout of sneezing and a runny nose at bedtime or naptime.
Make the room and bed sheeting colors soft and restful. Too
much color and contrast will stimulate the baby’s vision and keep her alert,
just when you want her to wind down for bedtime or a nap. The baby’s room and
crib should be soft and inviting places to be. She has busy days – there’s so
much to learn and do! The crib needs to be a place that’s calm and restful for
her.
