Baby Crib Safety - Part 2

TIPS FOR SAFE SLEEP:

Slat Space: To prevent baby’s head from getting stuck between slats of the crib, the distance between the slats must be no greater than 2 3/8 inches.

Corner Posts: If the crib has corner posts that extend past the frame of the crib, they should extend less than 1/16 of an inch or more than 16” (if a canopy is attached, for example).   Sadly, active toddlers have choked or even strangles on clothing that got caught on extending posts.  


Mattress Height: Some cribs are designed to let you adjust the height of the mattress by raising or lowering the mattress support. This can be helpful when an infant is 5 months or less, but the minute they start to sit up on their own, lower the mattress support board to eliminate the risk of baby pulling up and falling out of the crib.  Child care providers should monitor this very carefully since classroom aides often change and they may not be completely aware of a child’s development level.

Fit of the mattress:  A poorly fitted mattress can pose a significant danger to infants who often “scooch” to the sides of the cribs. If they get caught in that gap, infants won’t be able to free themselves and that could prove to be fatal.   Mattresses should fit snugly inside the interior of the crib. No more than 1/2” gap is permitted (if the mattress is placed in the middle of the mattress support board.)

Pillows, or Soft Toys:  I know it seems natural to decorate the crib with a soft, stuffed toy when you put baby to sleep.  The retailers will try to convince you that you need the whole “shebang” - sheets, quilts, rail bumpers, with matching pillows and even a bedskirt. The truth is that a snug-fitting fitted sheet, is really all that is necessary.  Infants do not have the ability to lift their head from a soft pillow, or free themselves from a corner where a pillow or stuffed toy has been placed.  If the infant gets tangled in the side wall bumpers, the result could be grave danger. Sleep positioners have also been blamed for 12 infant deaths over the past 14 years. Forgo the frills, and keep your child safe.

Safe Crib Placement: Be sure to strategically place your crib far from the hidden dangers in baby’s room.  Away from direct sunlight, electrical outlets, window cords or draperies, pictures hanging on the wall, or furniture that may have an electrical cord for a light, baby monitor, or music player.  All these spell danger to an active and inquisitive toddler in a crib. 

Safe Baby Placement:  To reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends infants be placed to sleep on their backs on a firm surface.  Never bring your infant to sleep with you in your bed. Sadly, some deaths have occurred when mom or dad fell into a deep sleep and suffocated their own infant. 

Regular Maintenance: Plan on checking your crib at least monthly (if not more often) for the security of the hardware, cracks in the wood or teething rails, holes or cracks in the mattress or the mattress support board, and secure casters.