Planning for the arrival of your baby can be exciting and overwhelming all rolled into one. As you think about all the things that you will need to get, the baby crib is the first on the list. The safety of your baby is of the utmost importance, so that is where your journey into baby crib safety begins.
Choosing a Crib
Let’s start first with the safety standards when buying a crib. The crib should have slats that are close enough together that a baby can not get his head through; no more than 2 3/8 inches apart. Make sure that your crib features adjustable mattress height. As your child grows and starts to stand in the crib, you will want to be able to lower the mattress.
As your child becomes more active, bouncing and jumping in the crib is sure to happen. Make sure that your crib is sturdy and that it is assembled properly. While looking at the floor models, shake the crib to get an idea of how well they are put together and how strong the frame actually is.
Make sure that the mattress fits into the frame of the crib tight enough so the baby can not get caught between the mattress and the crib. When the mattress is in place, make sure that the sides of the crib are tall enough to keep the baby safely inside. The same goes for when the baby learns to stand, making sure that the mattress is snug to the sides and adjusted in height.
Corner posts are an easy target for clothes to get hung up on. Rollers on the crib make it easier to move the crib around, but make sure that they are sturdy and have locks.
Using the Crib
Once you have made your crib choice, make sure that it is assembled properly, with all hardware installed securely and that no short-cuts are taken in the assembly process. It is important that there are no splinters or chipped paint and that the finish is smooth.
The same consideration should be given to the bed linens, blankets, bumpers and other decorative items that you choose. You should always use a fitted crib sheet that is secure around the mattress. Do not leave pillows or pillow like stuffed animals in the crib. The bumper pad should be firm and secured to the crib.
Over the past several years there have been many recalls on cribs with the drop-side feature. If you are using an older crib, make sure that you have all the assembly parts and hardware and that the crib has an excellent standard of safety.
