Preparing for a new baby is one of the most exciting milestones — and one of the most important. Setting up a safe nursery gives your little one the best start in life. At iamspecial, we've put together the ultimate baby safety and nursery checklist to guide Nigerian parents through everything they need before baby arrives.
1. Choose a Safe, Certified Crib or Cot
Your baby will spend up to 16 hours a day sleeping, so a safe, sturdy crib is non-negotiable. Look for:
- Fixed side rails with no drop-side mechanisms
- Slat spacing no wider than 6 cm to prevent head entrapment
- A firm, flat mattress that fits snugly with no gaps at the sides
- Non-toxic, baby-safe finishes
Our nursery collection with cribs, dressers, changing tables and more is designed with infant safety at their core — perfect from newborn through toddler years.
2. Set Up a Clutter-Free Sleep Space
The safest sleep environment is simple. Keep the crib free of:
- Pillows and loose bedding
- Stuffed animals and toys
- Bumper pads
Baby should always sleep on their back on a firm surface — this significantly reduces the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
3. Anchor All Furniture
As your baby grows into a curious toddler, unsecured furniture becomes a tipping hazard. Anchor all wardrobes, dressers, and shelving units to the wall. Our nursery furniture collections come with clear assembly guides to make this straightforward.
4. Mind the Temperature
Nigeria's warm climate means overheating is a real concern. Keep the nursery between 20–22°C where possible, use lightweight cotton bedding, and ensure good ventilation. A ceiling fan (not blowing directly on baby) can help circulate air safely.
5. Baby-Proof Your Nursery
Before baby becomes mobile, go through this quick safety check:
- ✅ Cover all electrical outlets
- ✅ Secure cords from blinds and curtains out of reach
- ✅ Remove any small objects that could be choking hazards
- ✅ Keep changing supplies (wipes, cream, nappies) within arm's reach but out of baby's grasp
- ✅ Use a non-slip mat under your changing station
6. Your Complete Nursery Product Checklist
Here's a quick-reference list to tick off before baby arrives:
- ☐ Crib or cot with firm mattress
- ☐ Fitted cotton cot sheets (x3 minimum)
- ☐ Nursing or feeding chair
- ☐ Chest of drawers or wardrobe for clothing storage
- ☐ Baby monitor
- ☐ Night light (warm, dim)
- ☐ Changing table or mat
- ☐ Nappy bin / diaper pail
- ☐ Room thermometer
- ☐ Blackout curtains to support sleep schedules
7. When to Start Setting Up
We recommend beginning your nursery setup by Week 32–34 of pregnancy. This gives you time to assemble furniture safely, wash all bedding and fabrics, and make any adjustments before baby arrives — without the last-minute rush.
Shop Our Baby-Safe Nursery Range
At iamspecial, every piece of nursery furniture is chosen with Nigerian families in mind — durable, beautifully designed, and built to the highest safety standards. Explore our full range of cribs, cots, and nursery furniture and shop with confidence knowing your little one is in safe hands.
Free delivery on orders above NGN 500,000 available in Lagos. Fast nationwide shipping across Nigeria.