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The
Safe Nursery: Choosing a Safe Crib,Bassinet or Cradle
If You're Buying a New Full-Size Crib
1.
Corner
posts should not extend more than 1/16 inch (1 1/2 mm) above the
top of the end panel. Corner posts can be catchpoints for items
placed around a child's neck or clothing worn by the child.
2.
Mattress
support hangers should be secured by bolts or closed hooks. All crib
hardware should be securely tightened and checked frequently.
3.
Bumper
pads, if used, should (a) fit around the entire crib, (b)
tie or snap into place, and (c) have straps or ties at
least in each corner, in the middle of each long side, and on both
the top and the bottom edges. To prevent your baby from becoming entangled
in the ties, trim off excess length after tying. Use the bumpers until
the baby can pull up to a standing position, then remove them so that
the baby will not use them to try to climb out of the crib.
4.
Remove
and destroy all plastic wrapping materials. Never use plastic bags
as mattress covers. The plastic film may cling to a baby's face and
cause suffocation.
If You Already Have a Crib
1.
CPSC
discourages the use of used cribs. Use a crib that meets Federal safety
regulations and industry voluntary standards (ASTM) and make sure
it has a tight fitting mattress. Check the labeling on these products
to make sure they meet safety requirements.
2.
Check
the crib and replace any missing parts, such as screws, bolts or mattress
support hangers, before placing your child in it. Make sure all screws
or bolts are securely tightened. Any screw inserted into a wood component
that cannot be tightened securely should be replaced by one that fits.
On cribs where the mattress support is suspended by hangers attached
to hooks on the end panels, check frequently to be sure they have
not become disconnected. Never use a crib with broken or missing parts
3.
Use
a mattress that fits tightly. If you can fit more than two fingers
between the edge of the mattress and crib side, the mattress is too
small. An infant can suffocate if its head or body becomes wedged
between the mattress and the crib sides.
4.
Avoid
older cribs with headboard and footboard designs that may allow an
infant's head to become caught in the openings between the corner
post and the top rail, or in other openings in the top edge of the
headboard structure. These openings may lead to strangulation.
5.
Corner
posts should be less than 1/16 inches high. (1-1/2 mm) unless the
crib has a canopy. Do not use a crib that has decorative knobs on
corner posts. If you already have a crib with such knobs, the knobs
should be unscrewed or sawed off flush with the headboard or footboard.
Sand off splinters and sharp corners.
6.
Never
use a crib that has loose or missing slats. Be sure that all slats
are securely fastened in place and the space between slats is no more
than 2-3/8 inches (60 mm) to avoid head entrapment/strangulation.
7.
If
you paint or refinish the crib, use only high quality household lead-free
enamel paint and let it dry thoroughly so there are no residual fumes.
Check the label on the paint can to make sure the manufacturer does
not recommend against using the paint on items such as cribs.
Some Safety Tips
1.
To
reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and prevent
suffocation, put your baby to sleep on his/her back in a crib on a
firm, flat mattress. Make sure there is no soft bedding underneath
your baby.
2.
Temporary
beds: Never place your infant to sleep on an adult bed, water bed,
or bunk bed. Infants up to 18 months can suffocate in their sleep
when their bodies or faces become wedged between the mattress and
bed frame or the mattress and wall
3.
Never
put a crib, child bed, or furniture near window blinds or drapery.
Children can strangle on window cords or can fall through screens.
If local fire codes permit window guards, install them. Make sure
that all drapery or window blind cords are out of the child's reach.
CPSC has received numerous reports of strangulation deaths on window
blind cords over the years. To keep cords out of reach of children,
use these devices: clamp or clothes pin, tie the cord to itself, tie-down
device, or take the cord loop and cut it in half to make two separate
cords.
4.
Never
use strings to hang any object, such as a mobile or a toy or a diaper
bag, on or near the crib where a child could become caught in it and
strangle. If you have toys with cords or elastic for hanging, cut
the strings/cords off.
5.
To
prevent strangulation, NEVER tie pacifiers/teethers around your child's
neck. Remove bibs and necklaces whenever you put your baby in crib
or playpen.
6.
Always
lock the side rail in its raised position whenever you place your
child in the crib. As soon as your child can stand up, adjust the
mattress to its lowest position and remove the bumper pads. Also,
remove any large toys-an active toddler will use anything for climbing
out of the crib
7.
When
your child reaches 35 inches (890 mm) in height, he/she has outgrown
the crib and should sleep in a bed.
8.
Never
use plastic bags as mattress covers. The plastic film may cause suffocation.
9.
Check
all crib hardware; tighten all nuts, bolts, and screws frequently.
After a crib is moved, be sure all mattress support hangers are
secure. Check hooks regularly to be sure none are broken or bent.
Open hooks may allow the mattress to fall.
10.
Secure
bumper pads around the entire crib and snap or tie in place at least
in each corner, in the middle of each long side, and on both the
top and the bottom edges. Cut off any excess string length.
Checklist for Crib Toys
Crib
gyms and other toys that stretch across the crib with strings, cords
or ribbons can be a hazard for older or more active babies. The
Commission knows of cases in which infants strangled or became entangled
in crib gyms or other toys stretched across their cribs.
Make
sure that crib gyms are installed securely at both ends so they cannot
be pulled down into the crib.
Make
sure that you remove crib gyms and mobiles from the crib when your
baby is 5 months old or begins to push up on hands and knees.
Mobiles
and any other toys that hang over a crib or playpen should be out
of reach of a child.
Do
not use crib toys with catch points that can hook clothing
If You Are Buying a Bassinet or Cradle
The
most frequent injury associated with bassinets and cradles involves
children falling either when the bottom of the bassinet or cradle
breaks or when it tips over or collapses. Suffocation has also been
reported in products that are not structurally sound or when pillows
or folded quilts were under baby.
1.
Look
for one with a sturdy bottom and a wide, stable base.
2.
Follow
the manufacturer's guidelines on the appropriate weight and size of
babies who can safely use the bassinet or cradle.
3.
Check
to make sure that spaces between spindles are no larger than 2-3/8
in. (60 mm).
Some Safety Tips
1.
Check
screws and bolts periodically to see if they are tight.
2.
If
the product has legs that fold for storage, make sure that effective
locks are provided to ensure that the legs do not accidentally fold
while in use.
3.
Mattresses
and padding should fit snugly and be firm and smooth. Never use pillows.
4.
Decorative
bows and ribbons should be trimmed short and stitched securely to
prevent strangulation.
5.
Swinging
cradles should have a way to keep them from swinging once a baby is
asleep
About
this article: This material was prepared by The Consumer Product
Safety Commission. The Commission has several ways to keep you informed.
The Commission publishes Safety Alerts and recall notices, has a Hotline
service (1-800-638-2772, TTY: 1-800-638-8270) and has a Website page
(www.cpsc.gov).
