Safety Ratings on Baby Cribs

Each year, about 26 babies die and 11,500 babies are hospitalized for crib-related injuries. Of all products made for children, cribs are the ones most likely to lead to death. The statistics are frightening. But parents who follow crib guidelines put forth by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) are far less likely to have children injured or killed in their cribs.

Are All Cribs Safe?

It's true the CPSC sets federal standards by which all crib manufacturers must abide. However, the CPSC also issues periodic recalls for cribs that are sold on the market yet fail to meet to those guidelines. In fact, within two years, 5 million cribs were recalled by CPSC.

In addition, some parents use cribs that are family heirlooms or--in an attempt to save money--hand-me-downs. These cribs may or may not meet current safety standards and are most likely to cause injury to infants.

What Are the Safety Standards?

The CPSC calls for the slats or bars on cribs to be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart (to prevent a baby's head from getting stuck between them), that there be no cutout designs on the headboard or foot-board (a strangulation hazard), and that the corner posts not be over 1/16 inch high (to prevent injury if a baby tries to climb). To prevent a baby from falling, the crib rail must be at least 9 inches above the mattress when the mattress is in its lowest position.

The government also has standards for paint (to prevent lead poisoning) and insists on locks for castors. All new cribs also should have a safety certification seal on them.

Much is Left to Parents

Still, the CPSC and AAP admit parents need to use caution. Cribs should be assembled exactly according to manufacturer instructions; there should be no missing, broken or loose hardware; and a tight-fitting mattress is a must.

In addition, the CPSC and Consumer Reports recommend caution with cribs that have drop-down sides. The safest cribs have no drop-down sides. If you want drop-down sides, choose a crib that requires you to push your knee into the crib's side or that has a foot bar you must push in order for the side to come down.

SIDS Precautions

In addition to safety regulations on the cribs themselves, CPSC, as well as all the major American medical associations covering baby care, caution parents to follow current SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) guidelines. This means using well fitted sheets; banning pillows, blankets, bumper pads and stuffed animals from the crib; and placing the baby to sleep on his back. By following SIDS guidelines, crib deaths have decreased by 40 percent.

Recalls

To be informed of crib recalls, always register your baby's crib with the manufacturer. You can also sign up for recall notices to be sent to your email address at the CPSC's website.

References

• Crib Information Center
• Consumer Reports - Cribs
• Baby Crib Safety

Resources

• Sign Up for Recall Notices