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If you’re a new parent and are preparing for the arrival of the little one, one thing that you begin to tediously plan and work on is the baby’s nursery.
In the process, one of the main decisions you’ll have to make as a couple is the location of the crib.
While ensuring ample ventilation, and making sure your baby gets enough space and a good dose of nature and colorful scenery, the window might seem like the ideal place to put the crib.
Unfortunately, placing the crib in front of a window is a BAD idea. In this post, I’ll tell you exactly why it’s not a not place and where you should place the crib instead.
Why You Shouldn’t Put The Crib In Front Of The Window
Here are 4 reasons why you should avoid putting a crib in front of windows:
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Risk Of Strangulation And Asphyxiation From Cords And Curtains
One thing that babies and toddlers will always do is explore. They will slowly learn to hold onto the railings and reach out to things close to the crib.
And two things that are often put quite close to windows are wires and cords, which are at times attached to the wall but not always securely.
A toddler can pull on these and get tangled in them, which can lead to strangulation if the cords end up tightening around the neck. Ideally window fastenings should be secured.
Sometimes, long drapes and curtains pose the very same risk if they end up inside the crib.
The materials these curtains are made of can have varying textures and if they manage to cover the baby’s face, they might block the airways and asphyxiate the baby.
Harm From Natural Elements
One other risk of placing the crib close to the window is the exposure to direct sunlight and strong glare. This can be uncomfortable for your baby and can actually cause damage or other complications with their eyesight.
The direct heat from the sun also has the potential of creating serious problems with the baby’s skin, and can easily dehydrate the baby.
Furthermore, direct sunlight is NOT the only natural element that can pose a danger to your baby – the cold air, and at times rain, can seep in through a partially open window or the tiniest cracks and leave your baby feeling cold and uncomfortable!
Babies cannot regulate their body temperarture so if you want your baby to settle well in their crib avoid putting it underneath a window where it might be drafty.
Also Read: Will i break my baby’s crib if i get in
Broken Glass From Windows
Sometimes, windows can shatter due to accidents (a ball thrown in the wrong direction when playing catch, or lawn mowing can eject stones at windows).
And if your baby’s crib is right under one of these windows, a handful of broken glass could fall into it which is another reason why it’s best not to place your crib right under a window.
Animals And Bugs Can Get In
If you’re living close to a forest or far from the city, the bugs and occasionally roaming wild animals will not be new to you.
While nature in itself can be a beautiful thing to look at, sometimes these wild animals and bugs can lurk into your house looking for food.
Open windows and cribs placed right next to the windows can look like good opportunities for these creatures to get in, and you don’t want your baby to be bitten by a venomous insect or animal right?
How Far Away From A Crib Should A Window Be?
In an ideal situation, a crib should be AT LEAST 2 feet away from the windows in your nursery. And make sure the weather elements can’t reach the crib as well.
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The distance between your baby’s crib and the window will ensure that the baby will not reach at random objects, and will not be exposed to any creatures and bugs that might lurk below it on the outside.
Can You Put A Crib In The Middle Of The Room?
You can put a crib in the middle of the room. This will ensure that your baby is far away from any danger, and can also function as a stylistic choice.
Putting the crib in the middle of the room will also make it the center of attraction, and can provide ample space for all other necessary pieces of furniture to be placed neatly against the wall.
But make sure that there are NO hanging lights with heavy shades, and chandeliers, in the center of the room as they will be directly above the crib this way.
Can A Crib Be Against A Wall?
It is best NOT to place a crib against the wall. There are multiple dangers, mostly those related to electric shocks since plug sockets are often placed in the lower reaches of walls.
Since babies are inquisitive, they will meddle with these outlets and risk getting an electric shock which can be fatal.
Walls can also contain chemicals (even in very small concentrations) from the wallpapers or the paint, which your baby or toddler can accidentally ingest.
And at times, you may also find pictures with glass or heavy frames hanging on walls, which can be a danger to the baby or toddler if the crib is placed directly below them, against the wall. Ideally frames should have plastic or shatterproof coverings.
Final Thoughts
In the middle of the room away from lights, plug sockets, drafts and windows is the best place for a baby’s cot. If space is premium, keep your baby’s cot 2 feet away from the window at a minimum and away from anything that dangles, is electrical or where there is a direct draft.