Crib Placement in Nursery?

awhitworth926

Another one of those ... really? moments for me. We have been trying to figure out furniture arrangement in the nursery for a while. Two of the three optional walls are outside walls, which I've heard you shouldn't put the crib on, but it's hard to walk in the door if it's on the interior wall. Then, obviously you're not supposed to put a crib in front of or under a window, but what about a little over a foot away? From the edge of the crib, I am unable to reach the blinds and we have a valance curtain so that shouldn't be an issue. Is the problem when they start to climb that maybe they'll go for the ledge? I'm really not sure. Finally, I've heard you aren't supposed to place the crib over a floor vent, but again, what about if it's a little over a foot away? I'm told the risk is overheating leading to SIDS so we've talked about getting one of those air redirectors but I just feel like this is insanity ... we could put it on the biggest wall but it creates odd space, which I would do if necessary.

 

babylimas

I don't know why you couldn't put on an exterior wall. The only wall space available in our nursery is exterior, and we have no issues. In fact, I would prefer on an exterior wall because the interior walls would go up to other rooms that would have more noise.

As for the windows, it's usually for the curtains or blinds. If you have that safely done, there shouldn't be any issues. 

tsmith312

I didn't know there were so many rules for crib placement in a nursery ?! :-/

kstar83

I think most of what your are saying is to prevent drafts and air flow directly onto the crib. Except the window thing I can see the blinds and curtains, etc. being an issue. I have thought about this with the changing table being under our air vent, but its a small room, there aren't a lot of options.

clo1982

I have never heard of the outside wall thing. With curtains/blinds, you could just tie up the cord and it wouldn't be an issue. With vents, if it got warm/cold, you could probably just close the vent. Honestly, this is very much like everything else baby-related...if you read enough 'rules' you will quickly learn that every thing you do and every decision you make will ultimately cause extreme harm to your baby. Just do what you think is best, and if it doesn't work down the road just change it. ie, if you find your LO is constantly grabbing at the curtains, or seems cold/hot, just move the crib. Don't overthink it based on the rules.

VineyardMel

I wouldn't have any issues with an exterior wall and agree with PP that it could be quieter for them (mine will be on an exterior wall this time because that's just the best spot in the room). I wouldn't do under a window, but that's just because I think it's more light in their face when they're napping (assuming other safety things are addressed). And my kid LOVES windows so it would be a huge distraction for her during nap time. With DD's nursery, I didn't think forward to when she'd grow out of the crib and into a toddler bed/regular bed. I'm going to have to completely rearrange when the time comes, I think, to make the best use of space. This is only a big deal because it will mean moving some artwork and furniture that's been secured to the wall. DH is going to be oh, so happy about it...

SmittyPants

I think you're over thinking this. Put the crib where you want. If it is over a vent and you're not comfortable with that, then close the vent. If it's near a window, make sure any strings are very well secured- you could also just go with a roll shade. 

We did that for DD's room and this new baby's room:

 https://t.homedepot.com/p/Bali-Cut-to-Size-White-Room-Darkening-Vinyl-Roller-Shade-78-in-Length-Price-Varies-by-Size-37-4000-01/100523450/

SurpriseAt39

I've never heard of avoiding an exterior wall.
DS's crib is on an exterior wall, and so will this LO's crib.

It's away from the window and vent (which is below the window).

Put it where you have the space and it 'feels' right.

If you do put it near a window, ensure curtains can't be pulled down and cords for blinds are out of reach.

awhitworth926

Thanks, ladies! @SmittyPants trust me, I know I'm overthinking it. Like @clo1982 said, no matter what you do you'll hear that it's going to hurt them in some way. I just feel like every time I turn around someone is telling me something we've done is putting them in harms way and how could I have possibly not known that? It will probably stay on that wall and we'll do a redirect of the heat. The cord for the blinds is on the other side of the window from the crib so that's not a worry and the curtains can't be reached.

SmittyPants

awhitworth926 said:

Thanks, ladies! @SmittyPants trust me, I know I'm overthinking it. Like @clo1982 said, no matter what you do you'll hear that it's going to hurt them in some way. I just feel like every time I turn around someone is telling me something we've done is putting them in harms way and how could I have possibly not known that? It will probably stay on that wall and we'll do a redirect of the heat. The cord for the blinds is on the other side of the window from the crib so that's not a worry and the curtains can't be reached.

It's always something. I over thought EVERYTHING when DD was first born. Eventually though you relax enough to just trust your own judgement. It can be overwhelming though. Hang in there- you know more than you think. 

SassyFlats

Holy shit, I did not put that much thought into where we put the crib... I just did what seems convenient and looks good. Who the heck comes up with all these impossible "rules?"

pepperedmoth

SassyFlats said:

Holy shit, I did not put that much thought into where we put the crib... I just did what seems convenient and looks good. Who the heck comes up with all these impossible "rules?"

I KNOW. Women's magazines? Crazy grad students? Malicious monkeys? WTF "no exterior walls"? Unless my LO is going to go all X-Files and slither through them or something .......

AnonymousMotherOfOne

Honestly I don't understand why people think there are steadfast rules to how to put together a damn nursery in the first place. As long as LO's life isn't in obvious danger, and you do your best to make sure nothing *too* stupid could happen (i.e. a picture frame falling on baby in the crib, LO pulling the blinds down on top of him/herself, etc.) while your back is turned, I think we'll all do just fine. However, as I'm saying this, I'm rethinking a couple of things for my LO's nursery, and wondering how many complaints from my MIL and mother I'm going to have to field because of it...

KariB509

I think you're overthinking this. Placing a crib under a window is the only thing I've ever heard not to do. Not sure why it shouldn't be placed against an external wall, I guess unless there is no insulation and it's cold? Same with near a vent. If it's so hot near a vent that a baby could die then you would be uncomfortable too. As for a/c, I just closed the vent when DS was a newborn so his room didn't get too cold.
Place the crib anyway except right under a window if the window has blind cords. I prefer a spot that has a good view when I open the door and pop my head in.

awhitworth926

I didn't think of any of this before arranging the nursery, I just keep getting comments about it so I thought I'd throw it out there to see if anyone else had heard of this madness. I think you're right @pepperedmoth - it's the malicious monkeys. Damn them!

 

I'm leaving the crib where it is. If my arms can't reach, neither can baby's. And I'll redirect the heat if it gets too hot - end of story.  

LolaBelle11

well, might as well just put the crib in the middle of the room at this point. F*ck all the walls, windows and vents