Crib Age Safety

Crib age safety is important part of keeping your baby safe.

Your baby will spend lots of time during her first two years of development in her crib. Being aware of crib age safety standards, such as adjustable mattress height, frame size and stability, are all important features to consider when shopping for the right crib for your baby. The 2009 recall of 1.2 million drop side cribs in the U.S. was the largest crib recall in U.S. history. Suffocation, strangulation and other injuries can be avoided by making safety and research a priority.

Avoid Second Hand Cribs

The Federal Government established crib safety guidelines in 1973. The guideline were updated to include cribs made before 1992. It's best to use cribs made after that time. Any cribs made prior to 1992 are considered unsafe for infants. Crib slats should not be more than 2 3/8 inches apart to prevent your baby's head and body from getting stuck. The side bar should also be 26 inches higher than the mattress in its lowest position. Many older cribs were also painted using lead-based paint which can cause developmental delays in children who ingest it. Look for cribs that have the Juvenile Manufacturers Association (JPMA) certification seal.

Crib Bedding and Newborns

Even though you see crib ads that show newborn cribs all dressed up with coordinating sheets, bumper, quilt and pillows, in reality all of those adorable items are a potential hazard that could suffocate your baby. In order to keep your newborn safe, forget the frills. Keep it very simple using a fitted crib sheet and thin, porous blanket. Soft bedding like comforters are associated with Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Bumpers are considered a contributor to SIDS because they prevent fresh air from circulating throughout the crib causing them to keep breathing the same air until the oxygen is gone.

You can purchase "breathable" bumpers made from a mesh material or position the bumper so that there is a space between the bumper and mattress to allow for continuous airflow. Place your baby on his back so that his feet touch the end of the crib. Only pull blankets up to your baby's chest and tuck the sides in under the mattress.

Mobiles

Mobiles and crib gyms are often hung above cribs to provide your baby with visual interest and entertainment. They are fine when your baby is a newborn, but should be removed as soon as he is able to prop up on his hands and knees because it could lead to strangulation.

Remove the Bumper

Bumpers should be removed by the time your baby reaches five months old as part of crib age safety. As you baby becomes more mobile, the bumper is more of a safety hazard. A two or three month old baby may be able to wriggle her way into a corner and become trapped and suffocate. Babies around five months of age are starting to sit up, get on their hands and knees. They may try to use the bumper to climb out.

Lower the Mattress

When your baby can sit up alone or begins to pull herself into a standing position, it's time to lower the mattress. This will keep your baby from climbing or falling out and getting hurt. When your child reaches 35 inches in height she should no longer sleep in a crib.

References

• Families Online Magazine