They used to call it a nursery. Now, most folks refer to this place as simply the baby's room. It's where babies spend a great deal of time—naps, nighttimes and assorted other moments.

Bedroom safety starts with protecting infants while they sleep, and suffocation and choking are big concerns. Minimize the risks by placing babies in bed alone on their backs and on a firm mattress, says the American Academy of Pediatrics. AAP also recommends removing soft bedding, pillows, toys and stuffed animals from the crib—even if they were baby gifts. 

Use sleepers instead of blankets and make sure the crib's hardware is secure. To prevent accidents, keep a tight fit on the crib sheet and mattress. And keep cribs away from windows and window-blind cords.

Published 08/28/09