Crib Safety

Keep your baby out of harm

When choosing a crib for your new baby there is one thing above all else you need to consider: crib safety.  You don’t have to spend a fortune on a top-of-the range crib to get safety features; you just have to be aware of the possible dangers and make sure you use the correct measures to ensure crib safety.

It’s tempting to use an antique crib which has perhaps been passed down through the family. It’s not a good idea as crib safety features weren’t standard until relatively recently.  Antique cribs often have decorative features such as cutouts which a baby could get trapped in; they may also have bars which are too far apart. Current crib safety guidelines recommend the gap should be no more than two and three-eighth inches. Another possible health hazard with antique cribs is that many would have been painted with lead paint, highly toxic to a baby. It may be also that the fixings have come loose over the years on an antique crib, or that the wood has deteriorated.

Although most modern cribs will have standard safety features, there are some things you can check. The mattress should be firm, not soft, and fit snugly, with no gaps. It needs to be covered in strong material that won’t tear or loosen. Check the drop side latch is secure. Ensure the top of the rails is at least 26 inches above the lowest level of the mattress to allow for your baby growing.

When you get the crib home dispose of all the packaging safely. Think about where you place the crib – next to a large piece of furniture or the wall is not ideal in case the baby, when it grows, gets out of the crib and falls between the two things. Plus there is a real danger that the baby will be able to pull an item off a dresser which might cause him harm. Take care, also, not to have the crib near drapes or the cord from a window blind which could entangle the baby.

If you use bumpers around the side of the crib then make sure they are securely fastened and cut the ties right down. Never put a cushion, comforter, large stuffed toy or a padded quilt into a crib as these pose a serious danger to the baby through suffocation. Instead use lightweight blankets which are tucked in at the foot of the mattress. Current guidelines advise that babies should be laid on their backs to sleep.

As your child grows, inspect the crib regularly for defects such as splinters and loose screws. As they get bigger, adjust the height of the mattress accordingly.

As you can see, crib safety requires vigilance and thought. If you are unsure about what you’re doing then ask a health professional. Never compromise on crib safety; you could be putting your baby in danger.