• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

The Interiors Addict

Heart Your Home

@interiorsaddict on Instagram   @interiorsaddict on Facebook   @interiorsaddict on Pinterest  
Subscribe
  • Job Board
  • About
  • Before & Afters
  • RENO ADDICT
  • Kitchens
  • Bathrooms
  • Kids Rooms
  • Bedrooms
  • Living Room
  • Shopping
  • Expert Tips
  • Recipes
  • Parenting
  • Travel
Interiors Addict
  • Job Board
  • About
    • Our Story

      Australiaโ€™s largest interior design, styling and renovation blog for the everyday Aussie. By former journalist and magazine editor Jen Bishop, the original interiors addict!
      READ MORE

      Weโ€™re big on Instagram!
      @interiorsaddict

      • About
      • Contact Interiors Addict
      • Work with Interiors Addict
      • Advertise / Find a job in Interiors
      • Press
      • Get Your Free Ebook

        This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
    • bookcover-jens-reno
  • By Room
    • Browse by Room

      Where you can search for all our posts about a specific room. Only interested in kitchens and bathrooms? We got you!

      • Kitchens
      • Bathrooms
      • Kids Rooms
      • Bedrooms
      • Living Room
      • Home Office
      • Dining
      • Laundry
      • Outdoor & Exteriors
      • Renting
    • bookcover-jens-reno
  • Before & Afters
    • Before & Afters

      Who doesnโ€™t LOVE a good before & after? If you want to be inspired by the whole reno process, and not just the shiny photos at the end, this is the place for you!

      View Articles

      • Before & Afters
      • Jen’s reno
      • Real Renos
      • RENO ADDICT
    • AFTER-kitchenArt Deco: Emma Blomfield shares her own apartment before & after
    • AFTER kitchenFrom run down 1950’s home to modern Australian cottage
  • Reno Addict
    • RENO ADDICT

      Looking for reno inspo? Find it all here, from other peopleโ€™s projects to the latest trends, tools and products, whether youโ€™re DIY-ing or employing trades.

      View articles

      • Reno Products
      • The Block
      • DIY
      • Reno Trends
      • Before & Afters
      • Real Renos
    • Calypso2Choosing flooring: you need to understand undertones! + 25% off
    • AFTER-kitchenArt Deco: Emma Blomfield shares her own apartment before & after
  • Shopping
    • Shopping

      Want to know where to buy the latest furniture, homewares, rugs, art and more? Weโ€™re always sharing our latest finds and telling you where you can buy them.

      View Articles

      • Furniture
      • Homewares
      • Art
      • Smart Home
      • Appliances
      • Reno Products
    • Calypso2Choosing flooring: you need to understand undertones! + 25% off
    • Screen-Shot-2023-11-06-at-1.22.04-pmI may have discovered the best Australian Christmas tree decs!
  • Inspiration
    • Inspiration

      While Jenโ€™s a legitimate interiors addict, sheโ€™s no design professional, so she calls on an army of the countryโ€™s best to share their expertise with you. Be inspired by their stories too!

      View Articles

      • Decorating 101
      • Interviews
      • Expert Tips
      • Before & Afters
      • House Tours
      • Designers
      • Styling
      • Renovating
      • Real Renos
      • Covet my coffee table
    • Humphrey's HotelAre these Sydney’s prettiest bathrooms? The people think so!
  • Lifestyle
    • Lifestyle

      Weโ€™re mostly about the home but Jen also likes to share other things she thinks youโ€™ll love, like food and travel.

      • Recipes
      • Travel
      • Parenting
    • HQxRiverviewFarms-KoreanStylePorkBowl-LR-6Foodie Friday: Hayden Quinn’s Korean style BBQ pork rice bowl
    • Bali-tour2The dream Bali buying trip to source homewares for your business
  • Jobs
    • Advertise on our job board
    • Job Board FAQs for advertisers

Safe nursery design tips: it’s not all about the pretty

By Guest Poster โ€ข

FacebookPinEmailTweet

By Adrienne Biscontin

Baby rooms have come a long way from just the cot, change table and nightlight. These days,ย nurseries are often the most stylish room in theย home, with Scandinavian furniture, designer toys, organic bamboo linen,ย personalised lighting, and interior designers who specialise in putting it all together!ย Yep, styling nurseries has become a booming industry.

Nursery with a bed

However, having a beautifully styled nursery is one thing, but providing a safeย nursery for your baby to sleep, and eventually play in, is entirelyย another.

Most of the images you’ll come across on my page, Interiorsย Addict, Pinterest and elsewhere on the web have been styled for the photo; carefullyย placed items to showcase the products, the style and the furniture you canย have in your baby room. It’s not actuallyย how the room should be. Though the trend is now for more pared back nurseries with beautiful art, furnishings and simple details, safety is still as important as it ever was.

We can’t expect stylists to make all their photographs health and safety compliant, but as parents we do have a responsibility to make sure our own real-life nurseries are safe places for our children.

Practically speaking, there are a few dos and don’ts when setting up yourย nursery:

Location of the cot

There are several factors to consider when placing the cot in your baby’sย room. It should not be under or against a window where a baby could easilyย climb out or push against the window (away from light peeping in will also help them sleep better). It should not be near blinds whereย cords are hanging, or curtains that could be pulled. There must be goodย air flow around the cot, so ideally it shouldn’t be in the corner of theย room — ensure at least three sides are exposed. Likewise, keep the changeย table away from windows, and do not rest any frames or heavy items on the change table that the baby could easily pull down. And never leave your baby unattended on theย change table.

Around the cot

The Animal Print Shop by Sharon Montrose
Those tassles and cushions look fab but they’re a big safety no-no. Image credit: The Animal Print Shop

Babies sleep a lot (or so you hope!)ย so it’s crucial that theirย bassinet or cot is in the safest place for them to sleep. Do not haveย anything hanging over or on the cot. Lighting, mobiles, garlands,ย bunting — these all look gorgeous in a baby’s room, but just not over (within reaching distance) orย on the cot. Babies will grab things before you know it and anythingย near the cot just isn’t safe.ย A securely fasteend mobile a safe distance above a cot, is fine.

On the cot

Do not have any blankets, doonas, wraps or throws hanging over the end orย the side of the cot. These are a popular feature in stylists’ images ofย nurseries, but are there to show the style and products, theyย are not to be left there for sleeps. Anything hanging over the end of the cot that could fall off, or be pulled off, isn’t safe for your baby. Picture frames should not be leaning against the cot, or resting on the cot against the wall. One small bump and they could easily fall. Soft toys and dolls should be well away from the cot, not resting on the end or the side.

In the cot

Indi Nursery 2
Perfect for a photoshoot but not for a newborn. Image credit: Vivid Wall Decals

Safe sleeping is the main focus of organisations like SIDS. They state veryย clearly that pillows, doonas/duvets, soft toys, cot bumpers or lambswools shouldย not be anywhere in, or near the cot. Pillows, cushions and soft toys look lovely in photos,ย but can be a dangerous suffocation risk if they fall over a baby’s head, or they wriggle up against them. They also affect the air flow within the cot. Cot bumpers (those padded cushions that tie right around the inside of theย cot to the cot bars)… forget it! Theyย just restrict air flow and if your baby pulls them down over their head, orย wriggles their head up against, or under them, it can be dangerous. The tiesย are dangerous too, and some are so padded that an older baby could useย them as leverage to climb up, then fall out of, the cot.

If you want to use anything around your cot bars to prevent little armsย and legs poking out, only use Australian Safety Standard approved AirWrapsย by The Little Linen Company.ย They also provide a visual shield if you want to pop your head in to see if your baby’s asleep! This is what I use and they’re great.ย 

Sheepskins have also become common in nursery images with the popularity ofย Scandi-style interior design, but any lambswool or sheepskin should neverย be in the cot. Babies will overheat very quickly if they’re left to sleepย on a sheepskin. Only use them as rugs on the floor, as throws or on chairs.

Only use bedding that is lightweight, breathable 100% cotton or bamboo. It is better to add more layers of blankets than have one thick, heavy blanket. SIDS recommends against using a PVC-backed mattress protector as they can cause your baby to overheat. I use Bambi 100% cotton mattress protectors and they’re fantastic for protecting my mattresses against spills, vomits and wet nappies.

The cot itself

When purchasing a cot, ensure that it’s compliant with Australian Safety Standards with the correct gap (between 50 and 95 mm) between the cot bars for maximum air flow. This is particularly important if you are using a secondhand cot. If you can, purchase a cot that has all sides exposed, not enclosed ends. Cot mattresses are sold separately, so ensure you have a firm and well-fitting mattress with no gaps between the cot and the mattress. Press your hand firmly down on the mattress then remove it — if you can still see your handprint then the mattress is too soft for a baby to sleep on.

Image credit: La De Dah Kids
Image credit: La De Dah Kids

Elsewhere in the nursery

Nightlights or lamps should be kept well away from blinds and curtains,ย and out of reach of little hands. Keep baby monitors well out of, and offย the cot. These days, baby monitors are very sensitive and will pick up anyย noise from the room if you sit them beside the cot on a table, shelf,ย bookcase, or any surface safely out of your baby’s reach. Ensure cords areย hidden, even taped, well out of sight behind or under furniture. Exposedย powerpoints should be blockedย with a safety plug (Ikea sell them in bags ofย 12) and ensure you have a working smoke detector in, or close to, the room.

If you would like more information on safely purchasing furniture andย setting up your nursery, read the ACCC’s Keeping Baby Safe Guide — it hasย excellent information on everything you need to protect your baby in theย home.

Enjoy your ‘nesting’ time at home when preparing for your baby. Setting up your nursery is such a fun and exciting process, just make sure it’s safe.

ย — Adrienne Biscontin is a mum of three and blogger atย Stylish Bump.ย 

FacebookPinEmailTweet

March 3, 2015

Primary Sidebar

Popular This Week

  • The best Christmas finds at Kmart: Our top 10
  • Art Deco: Emma Blomfield shares her own apartment before & after
  • Australian kitchen dimensions: standard sizes for every last detail
  • Win the latest video doorbell and home security cameras from Arlo
  • The best places to buy Australian bed linen online

Follow us on Instagram

Victorians, are you still allowed to have gas in y Victorians, are you still allowed to have gas in your home? We share the ins and outs on what you need to know about the new rule in Victoria when it comes to your energy.

The good news is, for most people nothing will change, however if you are planning a new build/renovation that requires a planning permit โ€“ you will need toย speak to your builder toย get your permitย lodgedย before 1 January 2024!

ย Weโ€™re here to answer all your questions with the help of @australiangasnetworks!ย Read more via link in bio now.

ย #cookingongas #gaspower #gasconnection #australiangasnetworks #australiangas #australiangasnetworks #gasappliances #gascooker #gasfireplace #gasbarbecue #gasfire #gasstove #gashotwater #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #realrenos
Our ever popular top places to buy Australian bed Our ever popular top places to buy Australian bed linen online post has been updated for 2023! Head to the blog now via link in bio to get some bedroom inspiration!

Whether you liked classic stripes, fun florals, moody linen or cotton covers, we have something for you!

#bedroomstyle #bedlinens #bedroomrefresh #bedlinen #bedroomgoals๐Ÿ˜ #bedroomstyling #bedsheet #bedsheetonline #bedsheetlovers #duvetcover #doona #freshsheets #freshsheet #newbedroom #bedroomstyle #interiorsblog #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome
The owner of Noosa homewares and furniture mecca @ The owner of Noosa homewares and furniture mecca @coastalvintage, Sally Oulton travels the globe looking for amazing interior finds. And now you can join her on one of her bespoke interior sourcing tours to Bali where youโ€™ll be taken far from the crowds to discover the best homewares and furniture that the Indonesian paradise has to offer. Read all about it via link in bio.

#baliindonesia #balishopping #balishop #balisourcing #balihomewares #balihomedecor #balitrip #balistyle #baliinteriors #baliinterior #baliinteriordesign
Just capturing Mr 5 here before he stops going to Just capturing Mr 5 here before he stops going to daycare and preschool next month and becomes a school boy. All the feels ๐Ÿ˜ญโค๏ธ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿป
Need a great housewarming gift under $200? Bonus, Need a great housewarming gift under $200?

Bonus, you can use these as inspiration for Christmas gifts too, for the interiors Addict in your life.

Trust us, they'd be delighted to receive any of these and there are even more ideas with links on the blog too, via link in bio now.

You're welcome!

#housewarminggift #housewarminggift
#housewarming #housewares #aฤ“sop #menugrinders #kellywearstler #coffeetablebooks #alivebody #rudienudie #sageandclare #sageandclarebathmat #christmasgiftideas2023 #housegift #housegifts
At home with interior stylist @emma.blomfield Sw At home with interior stylist @emma.blomfield 

Swipe for a sneak peek of the before and afters and head to the blog now via link in bio to see how Emma transformed her Art Deco apartment on Sydney's lower north shore.

#artdecoapartment #artdecointerior #artdecointeriors #sydneyapartments #sydneyapartment #apartmenttherapy #apartmenttour #apartmentkitchen #apartmentbathroom #artdecokitchen #artdecobathroom #artdecobuilding #artdecorenovation #emmablomfield #interiordesignerhome #interiordesignersathome #australianinteriordesigner #interiorsaddict #jenbishop #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop

Photos by @joe_cheng
Christmas scents are an integral part of festive d Christmas scents are an integral part of festive decorating for me!

It's time for our annual Christmas candle roundup and I swear what's on offer gets better by the year! The packaging too! All of these would make wonderful gifts (hint hint ๐Ÿ˜‰).

I always treat myself to a Christmas candle and buy a few as gifts. You can't go wrong!

Whether you like a more traditional fir kind of fragrance or something more reminiscent of Aussie summertime, we've got you covered. There's even a fragrance free beeswax option.

Head to the blog via link in bio to find all these with pricing and links to buy.

Do you treat yourself to a Christmas candle each year? If not, we really think you should start!

#christmascandle #christmascandles #christmascandlelight
#scentedcandle #candlejar #candlegift #christmasdecoratingideas #christmasgiftideas2023 #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #luxurycandle

Enjoy!
This giveaway has now closed. The winner is @jenny This giveaway has now closed. The winner is @jennymccown ๐Ÿฅณ

Win a year's supply of laundry AND dishwashing detergent sheets!๐Ÿšจ

@lucentglobe is the Aussie startup run by Queensland twins Brodie and Roger Cook. Designed for both people and planet, their detergent sheets have no nasty chemicals, no plastic packaging and no water, which is often wasted in liquid based detergents. 

And they work! In fact their new dishwashing sheet formula is 3 times more powerful using protease enzymes (made from coconuts)!

One lucky follower can win a year's worth of laundry and dishwashing sheets worth almost $650! Wouldn't that be a great help with the old cost of living?!

For your chance, simply tag 2 friends below by midnight AEST on Monday 27 November 2023. 

One entry per person. Australian residents only. This giveaway is not endorsed by or affiliated with Meta. 

Good luck!

#singleuseplastic #lowtoxswaps #lowtox  #lowtoxlifestyle #lowtoxliving #lowtoxlife #ecofriendlyhome #ecofriendlyhouse #ecofriendly #sustainablelivingtips #lowtoxlaundry #dishwashertablets #dishwashercleaning #laundrysheets #laundrydetergent #laundrysoap #laundryhacks #interiorsblog #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome  #aussiestartup #startupbusinessess
Give your bathroom a makeover without a full reno. Give your bathroom a makeover without a full reno.

Great ideas from @missapriltowels on the blog today via link in bio.

Do you consider your bathroom a room where you can style and accessorise like you do elsewhere in your home? What are some of your favourite brands and products for zjooshing your bathroom or powder room?

You can also search on the website for our top hand soap pump finds!

#handtowel #handtowels #handsoaps #handwash #bathroomstyling
Follow on Instagram
Visit Jen's profile on Pinterest.

Get Your Free Ebook

Ebook cover

Never miss the latest renovating and interiors products, news and inspo again! Sign up for our newsletter and we'll send you the best bits from the blog, direct to your inbox. Plus you'll get our latest eBook: Just One Thing To Elevate Your Interior, featuring Australia's top design talent.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Avatar

About Guest Poster

If you have high quality, original, relevant content to share, we might be interested in publishing your guest post on Interiors Addict. Please email [email protected] with your submissions.

More from Bedrooms

The best places to buy Australian bed linen online

The 4 sleep essentials you need to dream soundly

New modular bedhead design is adaptable and stylish

Linen House latest: Our top picks for spring

Steph & Gian’s almost perfect Block master bedroom score

Victory Blinds

Bedroom mistakes: Common styling errors and how to avoid them

The Block 2023 studio reveals: pretty over practical

Go on a (virtual) summer escape with Linen House’s new range

Kip & Co and Ken Done collab again after successful range

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. AvatarMelissa Berry says

    March 4, 2015 at 9:23 am

    So refreshing to hear the truth about a perfectly styled babies room. I remember listening to Shana Blaze at a Design Fair in Melbourne, advising mothers to be on decorating a babies room. She gave examples of beautiful versatile day beds that could be pushed up to the wall and be used as a cot!! Looked wonderful but did not meet Australian standards.

  2. AvatarKerry says

    May 10, 2015 at 8:12 pm

    It sounds silly but I’ve always had an issue with decals/stickers that could fall into a cot and busy little hands and mouths finding them. Too much pretty and not enough forethought.

Footer

Interiors Addict

Interiors Addict

  • About
  • Contact
  • Work with Jen
  • Press
  • Jobs
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure Policy

Browse

  • RENO ADDICT
  • Jen’s Reno
  • House Tours
  • Real Renos
  • Interviews
  • Styling
  • Designers
  • Bedrooms
  • Covet My Coffee Table
  • Expert Tips
  • The Block
  • Art
  • Furniture
  • Recipes

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RENO ADDICT

Copyright © 2011–2023 Addicted Media Pty Ltd
Website care by ClickWP ยท Log in

Share this ArticleLike this article? Email it to a friend!

Email sent!