Crib Near Window

MuffinMom14

I got one of the Bump's emails with the dos and don'ts list on it. One was don't place the crib near a window.

I understand if you have cords (we don't). Should we reevaluate anyway? I think another reason would likely be overheating in direct sun, but what if we drew the curtains?

We have space to put it against another wall instead, so it's not a huge deal, but I wanted to know the reason (which, of course, TB doesn't tell you) behind the whole thing.

themiss

I would be curious to know this as well.

I would assume it could also be because of temperature? Even with the blinds down, they can overheat from the sun. And if it's freezing outside, then it can leak through the window.

ohioloveyou

I think the idea is that when baby gets older if you have the window open, they may be able to push on the screen, pop it out and fall out the window.  If you never plan on opening the window, then I don't know what other reasons there would be.

MuffinMom14

ohioloveyou said:

I think the idea is that when baby gets older if you have the window open, they may be able to push on the screen, pop it out and fall out the window.  If you never plan on opening the window, then I don't know what other reasons there would be.

I'm pretty sure those windows have NEVER been opened. But they do have locks on them, so I'm gonna say we are safe there.

I'm rethinking because of the direct sunlight bit. (I searched around before posting, but I trust you guys and wanted to hear what you had to say) But I could just close them. I don't have a good picture of the room. I should take one and get people's opinions once we clear out the desks in there.

archi35

Hm I'm in a similar boat.  I too was thinking of a wall perpendicular to a window - so its not a matter of safety but more of light.  I guess with the right blinds and curtains its not so bad - we can just close them off as needed.  Would be interested in your pic once you get one to see if its roughly the same config. as mine!

SusieBW

I briefly considered putting DS's crib near the window, but then decided I would rather have the rocking chair there so I can look out the window while nursing or rocking or whatever.

MuffinMom14

@archi35 it will likely be a few weeks. Moving these desks downstairs is a huge undertaking.

It's weird to explain. It's an open area outside of our bedroom, more like a den, I guess? And it's set up partially in a dormer, so the windows are small. There is room on the other wall, but it would look weird. Not that I care, because I want whatever makes the most sense and is safest. I just saw this on the bump's list and I was like "wait, what?"

I could put the dresser/changing table under the window just the same.

MuffinMom14

@savagek7 the light is a good point. We have drapes, and they aren't sheer, but they aren't, like the light-blocking kind either.

It's on a 2nd floor, and we don't have break-ins around where we are, so that part is ok with me.

I think I need to take this photo and put it up for the jury to decide.

BreandMikewedding

I would think it is more so that if there was an emergency such as a fire the window wouldn't be blocked therefore blocking your exit. This would also be important if fire fighters had to go through that window to get your child out.

The other thought I had was that blinds or curtains could be pulled on and could fall on baby.

Those are the only reasons I could think of.

bumpuser10309732

I also had the thought of curtains being pulled down into the crib or LO getting tangled with the fabric. I don't know if that's weird, I do tend to over think.

mcclan03

I've been wondering the same thing. I thought about cords/blinds, and light coming through, especially at night because there are motion detectors outside our apartment.

Then my mind when crazy and I thought, what if a tree fell into our building and came through the window? Surely that isn't why it's on the "don't" list, but it did occur to me. We'll probably put the crib on a non-window wall, and the rocker near the window.

cozybluebear

I would definitely move the crib by the time your baby is a toddler. My little climber does everything he can to get to the window. Having the crib by the window would just be like giving him a step stool. Windows break... even tempered glass. I wouldn't risk it with a curious toddler.

Maggie6424

We put stick on tint on the windows in DS's room. Helps with nap time too.

I think the reasons are both the cords from the blinds and the direct sunlight. Also, the potential of them climbing out of the windows is there.. Obviously using common sense, you will be just fine putting babe by the window.

NavyFlyer

theresat858 said:

Windows are generally made of glass. Glass is breakable.  In the event of a strong earthquake (not a possibility in many parts of the country, but possible here), the glass could break.  I also refuse to hang pictures above my bed for this reason.

Yea, or a tree branch/debris in a storm. Or a nieghborhood kid's baseball/golf ball :0)

persephonerose

The top reasons we heard are

Temperature fluctuation, Possibility of getting tangled in curtains/pulling curtains down, window breaking for whatever reason, point of entry for criminals and rescue workers, and insects are attracted to windows.

ETA: forgot one. Sound travels easier through the window.

yoyopez

someone once told me to place the crib in the room so that if you open the the door to peek in, it's where you can see it w/o having to open the door all the way.  i know this doesn't work in all situations with windows and closet doors and such but something to think about.

MuffinMom14

yoyopez said:

someone once told me to place the crib in the room so that if you open the the door to peek in, it's where you can see it w/o having to open the door all the way.  i know this doesn't work in all situations with windows and closet doors and such but something to think about.

Depends. I it's from our bedroom, it's the window wall. If it's from coming up the stairs, it's the non-window wall. 

I'm going to have to take a photo in a month when we finish up and put things together (that's our goal--a month) and put it up for the jury to help me decide. I think the crib would look NICE there, but so would the dresser/changer, so that's fine, too. I'll let you guys Pimp My Nursery.