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