Getting your baby’s room ready can be one the most enjoyable parts of preparing for your tiny new addition. Whether you’re pumped to choose a theme and pick out felt animal heads, or you’re keen on a less-is-more approach, above all you’ll want to make sure that your baby’s space is safe.

When should you baby-proof?

“You can’t get prepared too early,” says founder of CPR Kids and paediatric nurse, Sarah Hunstead. “Before you bring your baby home, you need to think about the space they’ll occupy.” And once your baby is on the move, it’s important to check that the whole room is safe for your brand-new explorer.

How to set up a safe nursery for your baby

There are common safety traps in nurseries that can be easily overlooked, but with a bit of planning you can make the nursery a safe place for your baby to sleep, play and grow.

1. Make sure the cot is safe

Check that that the cot you choose meets Australian safety standards. Ensure that the locking devices are safe and the cot has no horizontal bars. The gap between the vertical bars should be between 50-95mm and no wider, to prevent little heads from getting stuck.

2. Mattress size matters

The mattress should be firm and flat. Whether you place your baby in a bassinet or a cot, make sure the mattress fits it well. It should not be too big, or too small, but just right.