Baby Crib Safety

The baby's sleeping environment should be a safe zone for a good night's sleep. Parents should invest time and research in the purchase and set-up of the baby's crib in the nursery. The American Academy of Pediatrics has issued guidelines for baby crib safety.

Crib Construction

Cribs should be certified by the Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association. The crib should be of solid construction and be free of lead-based paints. Rails on the crib should not be further than 2 3/8 inches apart. The drop side of the crib should have a locking mechanism that prevents the side from dropping accidentally. The sides should never be in the dropped position when the baby is in the crib.

Crib Bumpers

It is best if crib bumpers are not used in the crib to avoid a suffocation risk. If parents insist on using crib bumpers, bumpers should not be thick and fluffy. The crib bumpers should tie in multiple places around the crib and the ties should be out of reach of the infant. Crib bumpers should be removed when the child begins to pull up in the crib to avoid the child being able to use it as a step to climb out of the crib.

Crib Bedding

Loose blankets and top sheets should not be used in the crib. It is best for the baby to sleep in a wearable blanket. If blankets or a top sheet must be used, it should be tucked into the mattress and should not be above the baby's chest. This lessens the chance that the baby will bury his face in the blanket and suffocate from the lack of fresh air.

Crib Mattress

The mattress should fit snugly within the crib. If more than two finger widths can be placed between the crib sides and the mattress, either the crib or the mattress should be replaced. Mattresses need to fit tightly to avoid the baby becoming entrapped between the mattress and crib. The mattress should be firm and a tight fitted sheet should be used. No other padding should be added to the mattress to increase softness.

Crib Toys

Stuffed animals should not be in the crib with an infant. These could pose a suffocation risk for the infant. Mobiles and other hanging toys should be out of the baby's reach and should be removed when the child begins to pull up on his own in the crib.

References

• American Academy of Pediatrics