We try hard to protect our babies and toddlers from dangers outside of the home. However, some nursery products and baby toys can be just as harmful. This article gives you tips on what nursery items you might want to rethink before welcoming a new baby into your house.

Nursery Safety Tips -- September is Baby Safety Month

Having a baby is a wondrous and exciting time for new parents. You prepare the nursery, baby-proof your house, and receive baby gifts from friends and family. However, there may be a defective baby product lurking - even among your brand new toys and baby items.

In recognition of Baby Safety Month, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission has released nursery safety tips for new parents to read and review. From choking hazards to suffocation hazards to unsafe cribs, it is important for everyone who has a family to understand the dangers that surround your baby or toddler.

"Parents should be especially vigilant when preparing for a new baby," said CPSC acting Chairman Nancy Nord. "Babies represent our most precious and vulnerable population."

Check the CPSC regularly to review a list of the recently recalled products to ensure that your baby's toys and playthings are safe.
Know that pillows can be quite dangerous for young babies, both in their cribs and in your bed - they can lead to suffocation or entrapment. In the last 15 years, almost 600 infants have lost their lives due to pillow-related accidents.
Old, modified, or broken cribs can be extremely dangerous for young babies - beware of broken or wide slats as well as mattresses that do not tightly fit the crib. In addition, tighten the hardware that holds your crib together regularly to ensure that spaces are not created in the sides of the crib over time.
Don't place a crib near a window - blinds or curtains can strangle a baby and windows are generally dangerous for curious tots.
Use toys according to the manufacturer's directions. Altering these directions could lead to an unsafe plaything that is a danger to your child.
Anchor furniture to the wall if you are not convinced it is stable. Push your TV all the way to the back of the TV stand, and do not place enticing items on top of wobbly furniture that could be a pull down risk.
Put outlet covers on all empty sockets to prevent electrocution.
Use your common sense. Don't give young children toys that are small enough to choke on or that have sharp points or edges. Select toys that match the age and ability of your child!