Setting up your baby’s nursery is one of the most exciting parts of preparing for your new arrival. Picking the colour scheme, choosing the cot, and arranging all those teeny-tiny clothes — it’s a pretty special time. But beyond the cute decor and Instagram-worthy layout, nursery safety should be at the top of every parent’s checklist.

Doesn’t matter if you're setting up for your first bub or doing a refresh for number two or three, making sure the nursery is safe, secure, and sleep-friendly is absolutely essential. Here are Baby Gifts Australia’s 07 essentials to guarantee nursery safety — so you can sleep a little easier too!

1. A Safe Cot & Mattress

Let’s start with the big one: the cot. Your baby will spend a lot of time here, especially in those early months, so it needs to meet Australian safety standards (AS/NZS 2172). That means:

• No drop-down sides (these are no longer considered safe)
• Gaps between bars no wider than 50–95mm to prevent bub getting stuck
• A firm, well-fitting mattress (no more than a 20mm gap on any side)
• No pillows, quilts, bumpers, or stuffed toys in the cot — these can pose a suffocation risk

Stick with a fitted sheet and maybe a sleeping bag, and keep it simple. Remember, in this case, less is definitely more.

2. Secure Furniture & Tip-Over Prevention

As your baby grows and starts to pull themselves up, climb, and explore, unsecured furniture quickly becomes a hazard. It might surprise you how easily a curious toddler can tip over a chest of drawers or bookshelf by using it to pull themselves up.

Here’s what you can do:

• Anchor all tall furniture (like drawers, change tables, and shelves) to the wall using anti-tip kits
• Keep heavier items on lower shelves to reduce top-heaviness
• Avoid placing tempting items (like toys or remotes) on top of furniture that could encourage climbing

It’s a quick job but an absolute must for injury prevention — and it gives you serious peace of mind.

3. Cord-Free Window Coverings

Curtain and blind cords can pose a serious strangulation risk to babies and toddlers. If your nursery has blinds, make sure they’re cordless or that the cords are secured out of reach using a cleat or tension device.

In Australia, there are strict safety regulations for window coverings — and with good reason. If you’re installing new blinds or curtains, choose cordless options or have them professionally fitted to meet safety standards.

Alternatively, shutters or fabric curtains without cords are a stylish and safe option that still block out plenty of light for nap time.

4. Safe Sleep Temperature & Airflow

Overheating is a known risk factor for SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), so keeping your nursery at a safe and comfortable temperature is super important. The ideal room temp for a baby is between 18–20°C.

Tips to keep things cool and safe...

• Use a digital room thermometer if your nursery doesn’t have a built-in thermostat
• Dress bub in light layers and opt for a TOG-rated sleeping bag instead of blankets
• Position cots away from heaters, direct sun, or air conditioning units
• Use a fan (ceiling or pedestal) to improve airflow if needed

It’s all about balance — not too hot, not too cold — just right for a safe and restful sleep.

5. Power Point Covers & Cable Management

Babies love poking fingers into places they shouldn’t. Once they’re on the move, power points and cords become magnets for their attention.

Here’s how to stay a step ahead:

• Cover unused power points with safety plugs
• Use power board covers if you need multiple devices plugged in (like nightlights, monitors, or white noise machines)
• Keep cables tucked away and secured — cord holders or cable sleeves work well
• Don’t leave chargers or cords hanging within reach of the cot or change table

These small tweaks make a big difference and help prevent electrical injuries or strangulation hazards.

6. Baby Monitor Placement

A baby monitor gives you a little extra peace of mind, but it needs to be used safely. While it’s tempting to mount it close to the cot for a better view, the cord can be a real danger if it’s too close.

Safety tips for monitors:

• Always mount video monitors at least 1 metre away from the cot
• Secure the cord along the wall or use a cord cover
• Opt for a wireless model if possible to reduce cord-related risks

Also, remember to regularly check that your monitor hasn’t shifted — especially if it’s wall-mounted or attached to furniture.

7. Change Table Safety

Nappy changes can go from calm to chaos in two seconds flat, so a safe change station is a must. Whether you're using a dedicated change table or a mat on top of a dresser, the key is being prepared and never leaving your bub unattended — not even for a second.

Keep in mind...

• Always have one hand on your baby while changing
• Store nappies, wipes, creams, and spare clothes within arm’s reach
• Use a safety strap if your change mat has one, but don’t rely on it entirely
• Avoid placing the change station near windows or blinds

Better still, set up a “grab zone” for all your essentials to avoid last-minute scrambling mid-change.

Always Remember, Keep It Simple

We all love the idea of a beautifully styled nursery, but safety should always come first. Avoid overfilling the space with too many items, especially near the cot. Mobiles, shelves, and artwork should all be well out of reach from where your baby sleeps.

Keep decorations light and securely attached to walls, and avoid anything that could fall or be pulled down. That adorable canvas above the cot? Best moved to another wall, just to be safe.

Creating a safe nursery doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style or personality. With just a few thoughtful choices and a bit of prep, you can design a beautiful space that’s also practical, safe, and perfect for your growing bub.

Safety isn’t about perfection — it’s about being proactive. These seven essentials will help you feel confident that your nursery is ready for whatever stage your little one is in, from newborn snuggles to curious crawling and beyond.

Take a deep breath, make a checklist, and enjoy the process — you’re building a safe little haven for your bub, and that’s something worth celebrating.