If you’re wondering if it’s safe to put your baby’s crib in front of a window, read this article for 5 reasons why you might want to avoid doing so.
The products mentioned on this page were independently selected by Babycious editors. As an Amazon Associate, Babycious may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
Photo by: storkcraftdirect.com
Setting up your baby’s nursery can be quite the challenge if you don’t have much space to work with. What if the best layout seems to be putting the crib right in front of a window?
A lot of parents wonder if it’s safe to put the crib in front of a window. The short answer is that it’s generally not a good idea, and not really because someone would come and snatch your baby in the middle of the night…
Reasons To Avoid Putting the Crib in Front of A Window
Here are 5 reasons why you might want to avoid putting the crib in front of a window:
Strangulation Risk from Cords
The biggest concern for putting the crib in front of a window is the cords that come with blinds. Blind strings are a major strangulation risk for a baby. Your baby can easily pull at them and end up getting tangled and stuck. If you do put the crib in front of a window, make sure to remove any cords or keep them well out of reach.
Long curtains are also an overall danger since they can eventually be pulled into the crib by an older baby and pose a suffocation risk, the same risk that comes with having loose blankets in the crib with your baby.
Glare and Sunlight
The sun can be very harsh, especially in the summer months. The last thing you want is for your baby to be trying to sleep with the sun in their eyes.
If you’re getting direct and strong sunlight through the window, it’s better to move the crib away from it. If your nursery is very small, you might not be able to get away from the direct sunlight even if you move the crib, so it can be helpful to add black-out treatments to your window to help your baby sleep when the sun is out.
Plus, babies’ skin is generally more sensitive than ours so you might want to limit their exposure to direct sunlight, which can dry out their skin and cause sunburns.
Temperature Fluctuations
Windows don’t always have the best insulation. Putting the crib right next to a window can cause the crib to get either too cold or too hot depending on the exterior weather.
In the winter, the drafts from a window can make your baby’s room too cold, and in the summer, the direct sunlight can make it too hot.
You might be able to combat this by adding a window treatment that helps with insulation, but ultimately you’ll have more control over the temperature if you don’t put the crib right next to a window.
Risk of A Window Shattering
While it’s very rare, a window can shatter due to differences between the inside and outside temperatures. This can happen especially during winter when there is a significant temperature between the inside of your home and the exterior.
Another rare incident that can happen is having a rock thrown through the window while mowing the lawn for example.
These incidents can be prevented by installing a peel and stick UV filter that can help to prevent glass shattering and also blocks UV radiation. It can also buy you some peace of mind if you live in an earthquake-prone area and you’re worried that your window might shatter in the case of an earthquake.
Bugs!
Yes, bugs. If the seal on your windows is not perfect, insects may be able to get in through the window frame and land on your baby’s crib, which is not ideal.
Even the tiniest crack around your window’s frame can allow insects to slip into the room so make sure that your windows are properly sealed or try adding a screen to the window.
How Far Should the Crib Be from The Window?
Ideally, you want the crib to be at least two to three feet away from the window. This way, your baby will not be able to reach it and there’s also less of a chance that they would fall out if the window was open.
One thing that I always keep in mind whenever I try to rearrange the furniture in my daughter’s nursery, is that my baby will be mostly on her own unsupervised in her crib during naps and at night. So I want to make sure that her sleeping area is as safe as possible.
Related: Mini Crib Vs Crib – Which One Is Best For You?
These guidelines for setting up a safe nursery sum up all the little things you should keep in mind to make sure your baby’s sleeping area is as safe as possible. Remember, even the tiniest risk can have disastrous consequences so it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
If you’re ever unsure about something, don’t hesitate to ask your pediatrician or another trusted source for advice.
If You Must Put the Crib in Front of A Window Do This First
Sometimes, you are really left with no choice but to put the crib in front of the window. If this is the case in your nursery, there are a few things you can do to make it safer:
Babyproof Your Windows
The first thing you want to check is the insulation and sealing of your windows. Make sure there are no cracks or gaps around the window frame that insects can slip through.
If it’s a drafty window, you’d probably want to get it fixed before winter rolls around, because that would significantly impact the quality of your baby’s sleep and their overall comfort.
You also want to make sure that your windows are double-paned and made of tempered glass, which is much less likely to shatter than regular glass.
Get Cordless Blinds
As we mentioned before, cords are a hazard in any nursery, but they are especially dangerous if they’re within reach of your baby’s crib.
When looking at blackout options for your nursery, opt for cordless blinds that can be easily raised and lowered without any cords.
There are a variety of cordless window blinds available like these ones on Amazon which are a quick fix for complete light blocking and don’t require any drilling.
Check the Height of Your Window
If your window is higher up, it would be less of a concern to put your baby’s crib in front of it. Simply because it would be less likely for your baby to reach it and there’s also less of a chance that they would fall out if the window was open.
But if your window is at a lower height, we would advise against putting the crib in front of it, just to be on the safe side.
Consider a Diagonal Crib Placement
If you’re in a pinch and have no plain wall in your nursery where you can put the crib against, consider putting the crib at a diagonal in a corner between two windows.
This way, the crib will be further away from both windows and it’s also less likely that your baby will be able to reach the windows. Also, it can be a very cute set up for your nursery!
Conclusion
We hope this article has given you some things to think about if you’re considering putting the crib in front of a window.
There are a few risks that come with it, but there are also ways to mitigate those risks by taking some precautions.
At the end of the day, you know your nursery and your baby best, so trust your gut and do what you think is best for your situation.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us in the comments below or contact us directly. We’re always happy to help! Thanks for reading!
The purpose of this article is informative and educational only. It’s not a substitute for medical consultation or medical care. We do not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss, or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here. Babycious may earn compensation from affiliate links in this content.
