Crib Safety Tips
Crib Design
Dispose of antique cribs with decorative cutouts, corner posts or
lead paint. The space between the slats should be no more than 2-3/8
inches apart to prevent infants from getting their head stuck between
them. Cribs manufactured after 1974 must meet this and other strict
safety standards. The corner posts should be the same height as
the end panels or less than 1/16 of an inch higher than the end
panels. No cutout areas on the headboard or footboard so a baby's
head cannot get trapped. The top rails of crib sides, in their raised
position, should be at least 26 inches above the top of the mattress
support at its lowest position. As soon as the child can pull himself
to a standing position, set and keep the mattress at its lowest
position. Stop using the crib once the height of the top rails is
less than three-fourths of the child's height.
Mattress
The mattress should fit snugly next to the crib so that there
is no gap. If two adult fingers can be placed between the mattress
and the crib, the mattress should be immediately replaced. Do
not use plastic packaging materials, such as dry cleaning bags,
as mattress covers. Plastic film can cling to children's faces
and should never be in or near the crib. Put your baby to sleep
on his or her back or side in a crib with a firm, flat mattress
and no soft bedding underneath. Talk to your pediatrician about
which sleeping position is best for you child. Crib Hardware The
drop side(s) of the crib should require two distinct actions or
a minimum force of ten pounds with one action to release the latch
or the locks to prevent accidental release by the child. The crib
hardware should be checked for disengaged, broken, bent or loose
pieces. Special checks should be made of the mattress support
hangers and brackets so they cannot drop. The hardware and the
crib should be smooth and free of sharp edges, points and rough
surfaces.
Crib Accessories
Bumper pads should cover the entire inside perimeter of the crib
and tie or snap in place. Bumper pads should have at least six
straps or ties and any excess length of straps or ties should
be cut off. Bumper pads should never be used in lieu of proper
spacing between the slats and should be removed from the crib
as soon as the child can pull himself to a standing position.
Teething rails that are damaged should be fixed, replaced or removed
immediately. To prevent possible entanglement, mobiles and crib
gyms, which are meant to be hung over or across the crib, should
be removed when the child is five months old or when he begins
to push up onto hands and knees or can pull himself up. Keep the
crib clear of plastic sheets, pillows, and large stuffed animals
or toys. These can be suffocation hazards or can enable youngsters
to climb out of the crib. Any cloth or vinyl items that are loose
or torn should be replaced or repaired immediately.
Crib Environment
Do not place crib next to a window. Drapery and blind cords pose
an entanglement hazard and window screens are not intended to
keep a child in, only insects out. Install smoke detectors. Follow
the manufacturer's directions for placement. Check at least once
a month to make sure battery and smoke detector are in good working
condition.
More information may be obtained
from the National
Safety Council
