The National Safety Council's Requirements for Cribs

Crib manufacturers who fail to meet the recommended standards set by the NSC risk lawsuits should injuries occur.

Cribs are essential in providing babies with a comfortable bed area that protects them from falling or from being able to escape and explore the house while the parents are occupied or sleeping. To ensure that cribs function effectively, and to help prevent any injuries from occurring as a result of faulty cribs, the National Safety Council has established recommendations that should be followed by all crib manufacturers and crib owners.

Hardware of the Crib

The drop side and the latch of the crib must be solidly built to prevent babies from accidentally being released from the crib. Thus, the NSC urges that the drop sides of cribs require two distinct actions (or one action that requires a minimum force of 10 lbs.) to open the latch or release the locks. Additionally, the crib hardware should be checked to ensure that no cracks, breaks or loose pieces inhibit the safety of the hardware, that the mattress support hangers and brackets are strong enough to prevent the baby from dropping and that the crib has no sharp edges or rough surfaces.

Design of the Crib

To prevent babies from getting their heads stuck or from squeezing through the space between the slats and falling out of the crib, the NSC recommends that slats should be placed no more than 2 and 3/8 inches from each other and that there should be no cutout sections in the headboard or the footboard. Furthermore, the corner posts should be the same height as the end panels or less than 1/16 of an inch higher than the panels, while top rails of the crib sides should be at least 26 inches above the top of the mattress support. In addition, when the baby is capable of standing, the mattress should be set at the lowest position possible.

The Mattress

The mattress must fit tight and snug into the crib so that there are no gaps between the mattress and the crib. According to the NSC, any mattress that allows for two adult fingers to squeeze between the padding and the crib should be immediately replaced. Furthermore, crib owners should not use plastic material -- such as dry cleaning bags -- as a substitute for a mattress cover, and children should be positioned on their backs or their sides on top of a flat and firm mattress when sleeping.

Crib Accessories

Many crib accessories are needed to ensure maximize safety. According to the NCS, bumper pads should cover the entire inside perimeter of the crib and snap into place securely, all damaged teething rails should be promptly replaced, and torn cloth or vinyl items should be swiftly replaced or repaired. To prevent suffocation hazards, the crib should be restricted from access to toys, pillows, plastic sheets or large stuffed animals, and any antique cribs that contain lead or other hazardous materials should be disposed of.

Location of Crib

The NCS recommends that the crib should be placed in a safe location and a healthy environment. Cribs should not be placed near windows because the window blind cords pose the risk of entanglement, and an older child may be able to escape through the window screen. Also, efficient smoke detectors should be installed and operate correctly in case fires spark, develop or spread within the house.

References

• The National Safety Council: Crib Safety Tips
• Cribs.com: Crib Safety