Martin Simenc has over 15 years experience in the safety and risk management area. His qualifications include authoring a monthly column entitled "Ask the Safety Guy" as well as serving as a web consultant for various websites. Simenc offers this recommendation, "Make sure that you get a crib that meets the current standards. Be very leery of hand-me-down cribs or highchairs as they may not be safe for your child."
Antique cribs may be pretty to look at but they can pose numerous hazards to your baby. Many are covered in lead based paint while others have decorative posts or cutouts that may pose a risk of entrapment. The Consumer Product Safety Commission's Document #5030 requires "no more than 2 3/8 inches (be) between crib slats so a baby's body cannot fit through the slats". Cribs manufactured before 1974 may not meet these safety standards. If at any time you notice any damage to the crib such as loose screws, sharp edges, or similar hazards you should have them repaired immediately.
Mattresses should always fit snugly into the crib. Most are designed in standard sizes so it should be easy to find one to fit your crib. The mattress should have a firm cover to promote good air circulation around the baby's face and to reduce the chance of suffocation. Never cover a crib mattress with anything other than the appropriate crib sheet including blankets, quilts or anything plastic that may obstruct an infant's breathing. The height of the mattress may be adjusted as the baby grows and develops. The highest position is often more comfortable for parents since less bending is required to get the baby in and out of the crib. The mattress should be lowered as soon as the child can sit. Make sure the mattress is on the lowest possible level before the child can stand. It is also important to keep the crib railing raised and locked at all times when the child is in the crib. These steps will help prevent falls and injuries.
Bumper pads that encircle the crib may prevent a bump on the head and look decorative, but if used they should be well maintained and monitored closely. Make sure the ties are secure and cut short so they do not become entangled in the infant's clothing, mobile, or other objects that may present a hazard. It is very important to remove all bumper pads as soon as the child is able to climb and pull on them. Blankets, comforters, and pillows are not recommended for use in cribs either. It is often best to use blanket style sleepers that cover the entire body and hold in warmth as opposed to a cover that may get tangled over the baby's head or around the baby's neck. If you do want to use a blanket, it is best to tuck a thin blanket all around the crib that only covers the infant up to his chest. Use only sheets that are specifically made for cribs.
Mobiles and toys may pose dangers you would not anticipate, so they should be used with caution. Babies are enchanted by soothing sounds and spinning objects overhead and should be able to enjoy them if you choose a safe mobile. Most mobiles that can be purchased today have strict safety standards that specify that strings should be no longer than 7 inches long to reduce strangulation risks. Older and homemade items may not meet this criteria and should be examined before use and kept out of the reach of the child at all times. Mobiles should be removed before a child can sit so that the child doesn't try to reach or tug on the objects and pull the mobile down on himself by accident.
Plush stuffed animals and toys are soft, cuddly, and comforting but may pose a risk of suffocation, so be very careful if these are ever put into a baby's crib. If a child likes to fall asleep holding a soft doll or animal, you can always remove it as soon as the child falls off to sleep. Never put anything in a crib that could create a choking or strangulation risk.
Where you place a crib in a room can create an unforeseen risk as well, so inspect the area the crib will be located closely. Simenc advises, "Make sure you don't place the crib near a window." Placing a crib by a window is not good because window treatments like drapes or mini blinds may pose a risk of entanglement or strangulation. Simenc also says, "Make sure that there aren't pictures or objects hanging on the wall above the crib." These items may cause an injury if they were to fall into the crib. Other items to be wary of include hanging plants, ceiling light fixtures, or nearby furniture that may have something topple off of it. If you use a baby monitoring system, be sure all cords stay well clear of the crib.
