CRIB SAFETY GUIDELINES

A crib is a bed for a baby. A safe haven for an infant. In spite of that, the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) continues to announce periodic recalls for cribs that were poorly manufactured. An example recall was initiated because the drop-sides on cribs had come loose, resulting in three infant deaths and 20 cases of bruising and falls (one of which involved a broken arm). The purchasing and use of a crib requires constant parental vigilance. The following guidelines are offered to assist parents in the purchasing and maintenance of their baby’s crib.

For babies under twelve months of age, special care must be taken to avoid sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) A firm, tight-fitting mattress should be used, and it should be covered with a fitted bottom sheet made precisely for crib use. The baby should be placed on his/her back and covered with a blanket that reaches only to the chest and is tucked under the mattress on each side. The baby’s feet should be pointing toward the foot of the bed.

Another option is to consider using a sleeper in lieu of the blanket. Regardless, don’t add pillows, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, pillow-like bumper pads or pillow-like stuffed toys to the crib. Any of these can potentially cause suffocation.

As the baby ages, it is still important to use a tight-fitting mattress to avoid entrapment between mattress and crib slats. Crib slats should be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart so that the baby’s head and body cannot fit between two slats. Corner posts cannot exceed 1/16th inch in height to avoid catching the baby’s clothing. Do not buy or modify a crib to have cutouts in the foot- or head-boards. An infant’s head can be trapped in such decorations.

It is paramount that cribs are properly assembled in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Once it is assembled and in the nursery, be sure to watch for any rough edges, broken hardware or loose screws or bolts. This is critical: some of the reported deaths have resulted from something as simple as two loose screws which allowed the drop-side to move out of position and create a suffocation hazard. Likewise, broken slats should be replaced immediately.

Some cribs and playpens are made with mesh sides. Like cribs with slats, these units must be assembled properly and watched carefully for tears in the mesh or the top rail cover. If mesh tears develop, the unit must be replaced. Mesh openings should be less than ¼ inch across so that the small buttons on an infant’s clothing will not be caught. The mesh must be securely attached to the top rail and floor plate. Often, these pieces of baby furniture are partially fastened together with staples. If that’s the case, they should not be loose, exposed or missing.

In summary, cribs must be assembled according to the manufacturer’s directions, and be properly maintained throughout its lifespan. Be especially attentive to loose or damaged parts. Use a tight-fitting mattress with a sleeper or a blanket up to the chest. And avoid the ever-tempting pillows, comforters and stuffed toys inside the crib or playpen. Taking these few guidelines into account will continue to make a crib an infant’s safe haven.

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