Keeping your baby safe is a priority. When your child is in the nursery, be sure to follow these 12 tips to help keep him safe.

1. Always put your baby to bed on his back in a safe sleep space. A safe sleep space is a close but separate area for your child to sleep. This area can be a crib, bassinette or co-sleeper, depending on the size or age of your baby.

2. Remove all blankets and plush toys, pillows and bedding from the crib or sleep space. The mattress should be firm and there should be nothing loose in the crib with your baby.

3. Always have one hand on your baby while he’s on the changing table. Never leave your baby unattended on an elevated surface like a changing table or bed.

4. Keep the crib away from windows and be sure that all window blind cords are secured and tied up with a safety device.  If the cords have a loop, they should be cut to prevent strangulation.

5. Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors near the nursery and test the batteries regularly.

6. Use braces or anchors to secure dressers and other heavy furniture to the walls.

 7. Make sure that all electrical outlets have child safe covers on them to protect your child against accidental electric shock.

8. If your baby’s nursery is on the second floor, be sure to install a hard mounted gate to the top of the stairs.

9. Make sure there are no loose cords from lights, fans or other appliances within your child’s reach.

10. Use a baby monitor so that you can hear your baby should he awake or need your help.

11. Set the room temperature no higher than 70 degrees. Your baby’s room should feel comfortable to a lightly closed adult. Having a fan circulate the air has been linked to reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

12. Use a sleep sack, instead of loose blankets for your baby to keep him warm at night.

Taking precautions to protect your baby in his nursery will help minimize the risk of injury, illness or even death.