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