Is it Safe to Have a Baby Room in the Basement?

As long as you take precautions and construction guidelines have been met, your basement may successfully be used as a nursery. However, the basement may be a potentially hazardous place for your baby’s bedroom if you don't properly prepare the space 2. Before moving the baby to the basement, ensure you have taken all necessary steps to keep your baby safe.

Baby Proofing

Remove all potentially dangerous items from the basement, such as power tools, cleaning supplies, cat litter or chemicals. Also remove or secure any heavy objects or items on shelves that could fall and harm your child. Cover electric outlets with outlet covers and use door knob latches or covers on door knobs. To maintain a comfortable temperature, the basement should be fully insulated. Basement walls should be finished to cover any exposed insulation, wire or pipes. The basement floors should be covered with padding and carpet to help prevent bumps and bruises when the baby falls. You will be carrying the baby up and down the stairway often, so install a secure railing and a non-skid surface on the stairs for safety. Place a baby gate at the bottom and top of the stairs to prevent crawlers and walkers from attempting to climb the stairs.

Mold

Mold is a fungus that grows in damp conditions in all climates, so it’s no surprise that mold is most commonly found in basements. Some mold is harmless, while other mold can cause serious illnesses. Babies’ immune systems are very fragile, so get a complete mold inspection by a certified mold inspector before building the baby’s room in the basement. If mold is present, identify the source of water that is feeding the mold. Mold is killed with bleach, but you may need to hire a certified mold removal specialist to take care of the problem, depending the level of infestation.

Building Codes

Get familiar with your local building codes before putting a baby’s room in the basement. The codes are not only required for the safety of anybody in the basement, but also for firefighters or other rescue officials who respond during emergencies. The code requires emergency escape and rescue openings that must be located in the sleeping room. The code measurements are very specific, but building codes vary depending on where you live. However, according to the Bob Vila construction website, most codes adopt the standards of the International Code Council.

Other Considerations

When the baby is on a separate level in the home, it’s difficult to hear the child if he falls, cries or fusses. Purchase a baby monitor so you can hear and supervise your infant. Keep in mind that baby monitors are not foolproof. Another consideration is the number of times you will have to go up and down stairs for evening feedings or when the baby cries.