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9 nursery decoration ideas that are actually dangerous

How to find nursery design ideas that are both beautiful and safe. - by Laura Barry
  • 01 Oct 2019
9 nursery decoration ideas that are actually dangerous

Consumer watchdog Choice has just released an analysis of popular nursery decoration trends, and has found that many Pinterest-worthy baby rooms are actually riddled with safety risks. The Choice reports cites the Victorian Injury Surveillance Unit, noting that – on average - between 2013 and 2018, 708 children presented at the Victorian emergency department per year due to injuries caused by nursery furniture.

Clearly, Instagram and Pinterest are not always the best resources for finding nursery design themes that are both beautiful and safe.

Choice created a list of the most common and most dangerous nursery decorations.

1. Wall decorations

Items such as mirrors, framed prints, hanging decorative objects should be hung on walls away from the cot.

2. Unsecured furniture

Furniture should be fixed or bracketed to walls, especially if within arm’s reach of the cot.

3. Cots next to windows

Cots located by windows with curtains or blinds pose a fall and strangulation risk to the infant.

baby sippers and baby clothes in nursery
Getty

4. Cot canopies

Cot canopies have such a poor reputation that the ACC actually recalled them due to the strangulation risk. 

5. Fairy lights, garlands & bunting

These items may look pretty, but they can pose a choking and strangulation hazard to children.

6. Pillows, throws and soft toys in the cot

Throw blankets should be removed from cots when a child is put to bed as they can pose a suffocation risk. Red Nose recommends that children shouldn’t sleep with a pillow until they reach two years old, and toys should be kept out of the cot.

baby room nursery decorated with printed wallpaper
Getty

7. Sheepskins & cot bumpers

Sheepskins and cot bumpers can pose suffocation, overheating and strangulation risks.

8. Sleep pods

Sleep pods are used to pad out a cot or bassinet, however these items can pose a suffocating risk if the child’s face becomes pressed against a sleep pod or positioner.

9. Moses baskets

Unfortunately, there is no official Australian Safety Standard for wicker or woven baby beds, As such, Choice doesn’t recommend them. Once children are able to roll over or sit up, the basket case pose suffocating risks, the hand a strangulation risk, and – if unsecured to the stand – can pose a fall risk.

RELATED: WHERE TO DONATE YOUR BABY ITEMS RESPONSIBLY

Top tips for nursery decoration

  • Always choose baby products that meet official Australia Safety Standards
  • Choose for visual interest by choosing printed bedding and a colourfully painted room, or wallpaper on the walls.
  • Baskets are best used for storing items.
  • Never hang items above on the wall above the cot
  • Always secure furniture to the wall
  • Keep soft toys in chairs, in baskets or on shelves – never in the cot.

Want to know what the most popular baby names are among millennial parents? Watch the video below. 

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Laura Barry
Laura Barry
Laura Barry is a writer, bookworm and interior design enthusiast with a love for reporting on all things homes, travel and lifestyle. When not tapping away at her keyboard, Laura can be found making endless cups of tea or perusing the shelves of Sydney’s many bookstores.

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