Choosing the Right Crib for Your Baby

Your baby will spend many hours in their crib so it needs to be a safe and peaceful place to be. 

Here are some helpful guidelines to help choose the right crib:

• Currently all crib manufacturers must comply with specific safety standards to ensure the safety of infants. The slats should be no further than 2 3/8 inches apart to prevent a baby from becoming trapped between them.
• Most baby cribs have an adjustable side rail so make sure you test the rail mechanism making certain that it can be easily operated with one hand but not so that it can be too easily pushed down.
• Mattress supports are also an important feature to consider.  Make sure it is adjustable to position the baby closer to you. When the child gets older and is capable of pulling himself up you must be able to lower the mattress.
• After assembling the crib make sure the crib’s frame is sturdy and doesn’t wobble. Also, there should be no exposed hardware or pieces that the baby can reach.

Safety tips for using your crib:

• Remove bumper pads, thick comforters, pillows or large stuffed toys from the crib.  These items can suffocate your child. If you have toys strung across the crib remove them when your baby is able to push themselves up on their hands or knees as the parts can get caught on the crib and possibly strangle your child.
• Always remove bib, necklace or anything tied around your child’s neck as they can get caught on the crib and strangle your child.
• Do not place your baby’s crib near a window as they can fall out.  Also, make sure blind cords are cut short and tied out of reach. Blind cords and curtains are common strangulation hazards to your child.
• Always lock the sides of the crib in the upright position after placing your baby in it.