When new parents are shopping for a bed for their little bundle of joy, they will want to consider some important crib safety tips that are vital for keeping their infant safe while sleeping. There are many safety guidelines and federal regulations, and there are some simple common sense tips that parents will want to know. By carefully following crib safety recommendations, parents could reduce the incidents of SIDS, strangulation, and other mishaps.
Crib Safety Tips
Several general guidelines for safe sleeping in a crib, cradle, or bassinette are important for parents to take into account when putting their babies down to rest. First, always check updated regulations, product recalls and alerts, and latest guidelines at the Consumer Protection Safety Commission (CPSC) website before purchasing a new crib. Then consider these crib safety tips:
- Slats of crib measure no more than 2-3/8 inches apart
- Make sure mattress is firm
- No spaces between mattress and crib wall
- Height from mattress to top of crib should be at least 26 inches
- No bumper pads, especially after the age of four months
- Use fitted sheet only
- Check bolts, screws, locks, and any moveable parts periodically
- Know the size and weight recommendations of the crib or bassinette
- Objects should not be hung above baby
- No toys, pillows, or loose blankets, with the exception of one small soft toy
- Crib should not be placed too near heat source
- Crib should not be positioned near windows (avoid direct sun and drafts)
- Child 3 feet tall or more should move to a bed
Crib Safety at the Day Care Center
All of the above crib safety tips should be followed carefully at home. However, there are many parents who will need to consider day care crib safety also. Check that these important crib safety guidelines are adhered to in any child care center in which the baby might be sleeping.
General Baby Sleep Safety Tips
There are many general tips and precautions that parents of new infants need to consider to keep their babies safe while sleeping, and crib safety is just one aspect. For more information on general baby sleep safety tips, parents may also want to read Baby Sleep Safety Tips.
Not Using a Crib? Co-Sleeping Risks and Safety Tips
Many believe that the attachment parenting practice of co-sleeping is risky and unsafe, including the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) who recently recommended against it. Nonetheless, some parents and professionals still feel that co-sleeping has its rewards and benefits for parents and babies. Read Co-Sleeping Safety Tips for some important do’s and don’ts if co-sleeping is being considered.
There are several precautions and safety guidelines that parents of new infants need to consider to keep their babies safe while sleeping. The above crib safety tips will help parents protect their youngsters from SIDS, strangulation hazards, and other mishaps that may occur in a crib at home or in day care. In the long run, following these simple crib safety tips will keep infants safer while sleeping.
Parents may also want to read How to Get Baby to Sleep Through the Night.
Sources:
Cohen, George J., M.D., F.A.A.P., American Academy of Pediatrics Guide to Your Child’s Sleep. NY: Villard Books, 1999.
Pantley, Elizabeth, The No-Cry Sleep Solution. NY: Contemporary Books, 2002.
Crib Safety Tips
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