Nursery Safety Checklist
A Beautiful Nursery Should Be a Safe One.
From the crib to the changing table, from furniture placement to electrical cords, every corner of your baby's room deserves a thoughtful look. Use this room-by-room guide to prepare a nursery that is ready for the days, nights, and milestones ahead.
Think Like a Parent. Inspect Like a Planner.
A nursery is more than a collection of furniture. It is a space where you'll feed, change, comfort, dress, and care for your baby every day. A little planning now can help prevent common hazards later.
Give Every Area a Purpose.
Before arranging furniture, picture your everyday routine. You should be able to move comfortably while carrying your baby, reach supplies without stretching, and keep the sleep area clear of nearby hazards.
Leave enough room to open drawers, access the closet, and move safely around the crib and changing area.
01. The Sleep Zone
Keep the crib away from windows, cords, heaters, and hanging decorations. Maintain a clear sleep space with only the approved mattress and fitted sheet.
02. The Changing Zone
Keep diapers, wipes, and everyday supplies within your reach, but never leave your baby unattended on an elevated changing surface.
03. The Storage Zone
Secure dressers, wardrobes, bookcases, and shelving to the wall. Store heavy objects low and keep small items out of your child's reach.
04. The Comfort Zone
Arrange the glider or rocking chair so you can sit and stand comfortably. Keep cords, lamps, and other potential hazards away from the seating area.
Walk Through the Room. Check Every Detail.
Use the checkboxes below as you prepare the nursery. You can check items off as you complete them. Revisit the list whenever you rearrange furniture or your child reaches a new developmental stage.
The Crib & Sleep Area
Your baby's sleep space deserves the closest attention. Keep it simple and follow the crib and mattress manufacturers' instructions.
Keep the crib clear.
Do not hang heavy objects or place shelves directly above the crib. Keep the sleep area free of loose items and follow current safe-sleep recommendations.
The Bassinet & Newborn Area
If your baby will begin sleeping in a bassinet, make sure it is assembled and used exactly as its manufacturer specifies.
Dressers & Nursery Furniture
Furniture tip-overs can cause serious injuries. Secure furniture before your baby becomes mobile, not after.
Anchor it before you need it.
Children may climb furniture as soon as they become mobile. Do not wait until your baby is pulling up or walking to install anti-tip devices.
The Changing Table
Diaper changes are part of everyday life. Set up this area so supplies are convenient and your attention can stay on your baby.
Never leave baby unattended.
Keep one hand on your baby during changes. If you need to step away, take your baby with you or place them in a safe, appropriate location.
Windows & Wall Décor
Window coverings and wall decorations can create hazards if they are loose, accessible, or improperly secured.
Electrical & Cord Safety
Electrical cords can become reachable much sooner than parents expect. Plan where devices will be placed before plugging them in.
Toys, Storage & Organization
A tidy nursery is easier to navigate. Choose storage that is stable and appropriate for your child's age and abilities.
Air, Temperature & Lighting
Think about the room environment as well as the furniture. Keep the nursery comfortable without introducing avoidable hazards.
Baby Monitor Placement
A monitor can help you keep an eye on your baby, but the device and its cords must be positioned safely.
Keep monitor cords away from the crib.
Place monitors and their cords at least three feet from the crib, bassinet, or other infant sleep area. Follow the product's installation instructions.
Fire & Emergency Readiness
Emergency preparation is part of a safe home. Make sure the nursery is included in your family's overall safety plan.
One Nursery. Many Stages of Growing Up.
A nursery that is ready for a newborn may need changes as your child learns to roll, sit, crawl, stand, and walk. Make safety checks part of your regular routine.
Newborn: Prepare the Basics
Complete the crib and bassinet checks, secure furniture, organize the changing area, remove sleep hazards, and position monitors and cords safely.
Rolling & Sitting: Recheck the Sleep Area
Keep the crib clear, follow the crib manufacturer's mattress-height instructions, and remove hanging items or accessories that are no longer appropriate.
Crawling: Inspect the Reachable Areas
Secure cords, protect access to electrical hazards, check storage, and make sure furniture is anchored. Look for small objects and choking hazards.
Pulling Up & Walking: Revisit the Entire Room
Check furniture stability, drawers, shelves, window coverings, gates, and anything your child may climb or pull. Remove mobiles and hanging décor when your baby can reach them.
Make Nursery Inspections a Regular Habit.
Even well-prepared nurseries need occasional attention. Hardware can loosen, products can wear, and children develop new abilities quickly.
Check the Room Regularly
Stay Current on Product Safety
Where to check for recalls
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) provides official recall information for cribs, furniture, baby products, and household items. Check the database and follow the instructions for any affected product.
Nursery Safety FAQs
Helpful answers to common questions about preparing and maintaining a safe nursery.
When should I complete my nursery safety checklist?
Ideally, complete the main safety checks before your baby arrives. This gives you time to assemble furniture, secure heavy items, organize supplies, and correct potential hazards without rushing. Continue checking the room as your baby grows.
Should every dresser and bookcase be anchored?
Yes. Dressers, chests, wardrobes, bookcases, and other furniture that could tip should be secured to the wall using appropriate anti-tip hardware installed according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Can I hang pictures above my baby's crib?
It is best to avoid hanging heavy frames, mirrors, shelves, or other objects above the crib. A falling object could injure your baby. Keep decorations securely mounted and away from the sleep area.
Where should I position the crib?
Position the crib away from windows, blind cords, curtain cords, heaters, radiators, and hanging decorations. Keep the surrounding area clear and make sure there is comfortable access to the crib.
How far should a baby monitor be from the crib?
Keep monitors and their cords at least three feet away from the crib, bassinet, or other infant sleep area. Follow the manufacturer's mounting and installation instructions, and make sure cords cannot be reached by your child.
Do I need to childproof the nursery before my baby can crawl?
Yes. It is much easier to prepare ahead of time. Secure furniture, address electrical and cord hazards, and review storage and window safety before your baby becomes mobile.
How often should I inspect nursery furniture?
Check furniture regularly and whenever you notice wobbling, loose hardware, damage, or signs of wear. Recheck after moving furniture or changing the nursery layout.
Are organic or low-emission nursery products safer?
Some families choose products with material and emissions certifications as part of their nursery planning. These features do not replace basic safety requirements. Always check that furniture and sleep products meet applicable standards and are used according to their instructions.
What should I do if a nursery product is recalled?
Follow the official recall instructions for the specific product and model. Stop using the product if directed, and contact the manufacturer or follow the CPSC's stated remedy process.
Trusted Nursery & Home Safety Resources
For detailed product-safety recommendations and additional guidance, consult these established organizations.
Build a Nursery That Grows With Your Family.
From cribs and mattresses to the furniture that brings a nursery together, explore carefully selected essentials at Bungle Nursery Cribs. Start with the pieces that help make your baby's space comfortable, functional, and thoughtfully planned.
Explore Cribs Visit the Sleep & Safety Center