| If you are a mom-to-be planning your | | | | bed. Don't just focus on infant crib |
| baby's nursery furniture and decor, the | | | | safety itself. |
| thought foremost in your mind probably | | | | 4. Cut Down Corner Posts |
| is that you need to make sure that you | | | | A cot with corner posts of more than 1 |
| create a safe environment for your | | | | 16 of an inch above the panels will |
| precious new charge. The cot bed is the | | | | never pass the JPMA inspection. It |
| place where the infant will be for a | | | | represents a strangling risk, as a |
| substantial part of each day. What are | | | | baby's clothes can get caught there. |
| the most important baby crib safety tips | | | | Remove these dangerous lengths and make |
| you need to keep in mind when decorating | | | | sure that you sand the area down |
| a nursery? | | | | smoothly. Of course, if there are canopy |
| Bodies such as the Juvenile Products | | | | posts that are more than 16 inches in |
| Manufacturer's Association has a | | | | length above the panels, this should be |
| certification program and seal that | | | | fine as far as baby crib safety is |
| reassure parents that a particular | | | | concerned. |
| product has been thoroughly tested. | | | | 5. Finishes And Finery |
| Products only qualify to receive the | | | | Check all the hardware regularly to make |
| seal it they meet or exceed the | | | | sure that everything is tight and |
| standards as set by the industry watch | | | | secure. Loose screws or brackets present |
| dog, ASTM International. Always check | | | | a danger. The finish on the wood should |
| for this certification seal before | | | | be non-toxic. Handle this with care to |
| making a buying decision. | | | | prevent peeling and chipping. Don't use |
| 1. Spacing Of Slats | | | | abrasive or toxic cleaners. Check that |
| All the cot beds that are certified will | | | | the wood remains smooth. Splintering or |
| have slats that are no more than 2 3/8 | | | | damage to the edges can injure your |
| inches apart. This is an extremely | | | | baby. |
| important baby crib safety aspect. If | | | | 6. Nap-Time No-No's |
| you want to bring in an antique | | | | Remove all stuffed toys, pillows, quilts |
| heirloom, make sure that it has the | | | | or comforters or other stuffed items |
| required spacing between the slats, | | | | during nap-times. All of these can turn |
| otherwise do not use it. It just isn't | | | | into a suffocation hazard when you turn |
| worth the risk. You need to check the | | | | your back. Cover your baby with a light |
| slats from time to time to make sure | | | | receiving blanket if necessary. Pull it |
| that they are secure. Never use a baby | | | | up only to the chest and keep it away |
| bed if some of the slats are missing. | | | | from the child's face. Tuck it in |
| Many older baby furniture versions have | | | | securely around the mattress. Make sure |
| cutouts in the headboard or footboard. | | | | that the baby isn't too hot. For baby |
| This is an absolute no-no. The side bar | | | | crib safety's sake you may even want to |
| needs to be 26 inches above the mattress | | | | consider looking at alternatives such as |
| when it is in its lowest position. | | | | a sleep sack. By using this, you can |
| 2. Crib Mattress Measurements | | | | avoid using blankets. |
| Don't use an inferior mattress that fits | | | | 7. Bye-Bye Crib Bumpers |
| loosely into the base of the bed. The | | | | Bumpers and mobiles are fine until the |
| fit should be snug and fairly tight. | | | | baby is old enough to pull himself into |
| Baby crib safety regulations specify | | | | a standing position. At that time it is |
| that you shouldn't be able to fit more | | | | safer to remove these. Also try to get |
| than two adult fingers (about 1 inch) | | | | bumpers that aren't so stuffed that they |
| between the mattress and the edge of the | | | | look like pillows. These may be |
| cot. The sheet should also be a tight | | | | dangerous. Keep bumpers securely |
| fit and you need to be sure that it will | | | | fastened at all times. |
| remain in place. Rather struggle a bit | | | | If the baby furniture comes with a drop |
| with the crib bedding. This is far | | | | side, always double check that it is up |
| better than exposing your baby to the | | | | and secure before you leave your infant. |
| risk of getting trapped. Move the | | | | When you put your baby down for a nap |
| mattress to the lowest position as your | | | | elsewhere, make sure that it is never on |
| baby becomes more mobile. Never use any | | | | a soft surface such as a sofa or |
| form of plastic to cover a mattress. | | | | beanbag. If you travel and use a cot in |
| This is extremely dangerous. | | | | a hotel, do a thorough check to make |
| 3. Beware Of Window Blinds | | | | sure that it is safe. Ask your |
| Position this piece of nursery furniture | | | | pediatrician about the safest sleep |
| as far as possible away from windows | | | | position for your baby. |
| with window blinds, drapes or shutters | | | | Rather spend a few dollars more and get |
| with long cords. An accident happens in | | | | the best you can afford. You can never |
| an instant. Remember to keep your eyes | | | | pay too much attention to baby crib |
| open for possible hazards around the | | | | safety. |