Are your kids' bedrooms lacking the fun factor? Many of us feel like it's impossible to design interesting, unique bedrooms for our kids without spending a fortune, but that's not true. By getting crafty to re-purpose old pieces of furniture, using inexpensive toys as novel decorations, and keeping a lookout for bargains, you can create a room your child will treasure for years to come. I hope this site gives you loads of great ideas for your next bedroom project — whether it's for a bouncing new baby, a boisterous toddler or a teen that's grown out of their current décor.
Children are without doubt the single most important part of a parent's life. From their impending arrival until the day they leave home and beyond, they never cease to become a priority, and parents will do all in their power to ensure their children are safe, healthy and happy.
A parent's worst nightmare is their child suffering any harm or injury, even more so when it has occurred in the one place they are meant to be safest, their own home. Luckily, there are lots of ideas to maximise a home's safety and do everything possible to ensure children are not put at risk. Even better, most can be executed without compromising on style or breaking the bank.
Below are a few handy and useful tips that can adapt any home into a secure, child friendly environment.
Cots/Cribs.
A crib or cot is the place in which a newborn child will spend most of it's time. It is vital that these sleeping areas are set up in a manner that is as safe as possible.
Always position a crib or cot away from anything that can fall or be pulled down. An ideal place is the centre of a room, but where space is limited, place a crib flush against a flat wall without pictures, shelves etc. Leave no gaps between the wall and crib.
Always choose a suitable mattress. Most cribs and cots will come with a mattress recommendation, but for replacements or older cribs, ensure the mattress is firm and leaves no gaps between itself and the crib walls. Any spaces cause a risk of suffocation, should a child become trapped.
Do not use bumpers. Cot bumpers may be decorative, but the material and ties with which they connect to the cot are a huge hazard. A child may become trapped and risk strangulation.
Always place your child on their back, at the bottom of the crib. This reduces the chance of suffocation and cot death. Do not use pillows or duvets if your child is under one years old. Use an infant sleeping bag or single cotton sheet instead.
Curtains And Blinds.
More and more children are dying as a result of tragic accidents involving pull cords on curtains and blinds. Curtains and blinds play an integral role in the decor of a room, but improperly erected curtains/blinds can result in a catastrophic tragedy. Always install the appropriate safety measures.
Ensure any pull cords or loops from curtains or blinds are out of reach of children. A curious child can easily become trapped and strangled in a matter of seconds. Most modern curtains/blinds have fail safe catches installed, but for extra security, wrap the cord high around the curtain pole and secure. For older curtains or blinds, safety kits can be purchased at local hardware/DIY stores.
Where possible, use a shorter length curtain that sits above ground level. This will prove a less enticing climbing frame to adventurous infants. If floor length curtains are a must, invest in curtain hooks with clips. These will give way easily and with little force should a toddler attempt to pull on them. As such there is a lesser chance of injury from heavy curtain poles or apparatus. Secure curtain poles correctly and provide extra reinforcement if possible.
There are wonderful designs and styles of curtains/blinds available to compliment different rooms in your home. Taking all reasonable safety precautions as listed above, will remove the need for a compromise on style and taste.
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