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.
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.
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.
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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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