How Safe is Your Baby's Crib?

Each year between fifty and sixty-five deaths occur because of the use of unsafe cribs. Consumer agencies such as the US Consumer Product Safety Commission and the National Safety Council (NSC) have provided guidelines that help determine if the crib you are using for your baby is safe. Crib safety is common sense and if you are expecting a baby then you should be well informed about safety issues involving cribs. Crib safety guidelines have been established because not all cribs are safe. Some guidelines to follow include crib design, crib accessories, crib hardware, mattresses, and crib environment.

Crib Design: Cribs should not contain any lead based paints or corner posts. Antique cribs usually have decorative cutouts, corner posts, and lead paints and therefore, are not safe. Decorative cutouts on the headboard and footboard are dangerous because a baby's head can get caught in them. The slats can also be dangerous in this way and should be no more than 2-3/8 inches apart. This will prevent the baby from getting their head stuck between the slats. The corner posts should be about the same height as the end panels or less than 1/16 of an inch higher than the end panels.

Crib Accessories: The crib should be kept clear of plastic sheets, large stuffed animals or toys, and pillows. These are dangerous because they can suffocate the baby or even enable a baby that can lift him/herself up the opportunity to climb out of the crib. Once the child is able to begin to push him/herself up all mobiles and crib gyms, which are meant to be hung across or over the crib, should be removed to prevent possible entanglement. The entire inside perimeter of the crib should be covered with bumper pads that tie or snap into place. Bumper pads should have at least six straps or ties and any extra length should be cut off. Any teething rails that are damaged should be fixed, replaced, or removed immediately.

Crib Hardware: Check for detached, bent, broken or looses pieces in the hardware of the crib. Mattress support hangers and brackets should be checked often so they cannot drop. Make sure the entire hardware is smooth and free of rough surfaces, points, and sharp edges.

Mattresses: Mattresses should fit snugly next to the slats of the crib so that there is no gap. Your baby should sleep on his or her back or side in a crib that has a firm, flat mattress. Never use plastic packaging materials as mattress covers. Plastic can cling to a child's face and cause suffocation.

Crib Environment: Install smoke detectors near the crib. They should be checked at least once a month to make sure that the battery and the detector are functioning properly. Never place a crib next to a window. Drapery and blind cords create the possibility of entanglement.

Parents should thoroughly examine their baby's crib for anything that could be potentially harmful to the child. Infants and toddlers are at higher risk for injury, and even death, because they don't know what can hurt them. Practicing crib safety checks on a regular basis is a simple precaution that will ensure your child's protection.