Frame size: The crib inside should snugly accommodate a standard crib mattress -- at least 51 3/4 inches long by 27 3/8 inches wide. Ensure there is no space between the surfaces of the mattress and the crib walls. This poses a significant danger, as babies can get trapped inside that space.
Old Automobiles: Cribs made before 1974, when national crib-safety standards went into effect, are more likely than newer versions to have security problems. Secondhand cribs might also have splinters, lead paint, discontinued (and possibly dangerous) attributes, or slats that are too far apart. Articles on a crib should no greater than 1/16 of an inch (unless they're over 16 inches to support a canopy); differently, clothing can catch them on and injure or choke a baby. Even models fabricated as recently as 1991 could be unsafe, so if you're borrowing a crib or purchasing a used one, keep an eye out for these risks in addition to for sharp edges, protruding metal, anything that can be broken off and spilled on, peeling paint, and cutouts along the railing which can trap your child's arm or neck. Examine the item recalls from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to ensure it has not been remembered.
Many moms like to have the crib set up several weeks before their due date. But do not be concerned if the baby arrives prior to your crib does; tots do good in a bassinet, cradle, or sleeper for the first few months or even months of their lives.
Cribs with drop sides: The rule is simple -- don't use them. The movable railings known as drop sides were more common on toddlers for a long time, but might pose a serious hazard to infants. If the fall side detaches or comes loose, a baby can become entrapped and strangle or suffocate from the space between the fall side along with the crib mattress. Their sale was banned because 2011.
Safe sleep recommendations: Get tips about crib bedding and sleep posture to reduce your baby's risk of SIDS.
Infants often spend more time in the crib than anywhere else, so while relaxation is important, security is vital. As most children sleep in a crib till it's time to move to a real bed -- typically between the ages of 3 and 2 -- you'll need a hardy one.
When establishing a crib, choose a spot away from windows, window blinds, and draperies. Infants can strangle on the cords, and mature infants could possibly pull up themselves and drop through the window. When there's a cable in your infant screen, keep it at least three feet in the crib.
Full-sized cribs, including convertibles, range from $110 to $800. Mobile and mini-cribs cost between $100 and $400.
Adjustable mattress heightthe majority of cribs let you change the elevation of the crib mattress simply by raising or lowering the mattress support. The time to lower the mattress is when your child starts sitting up. As kids get more active and move to pulling up and standing, they can climb and drop from the crib.
Space savers: Children short on space could possibly be interested in mobile or mini-crib options, each of which occupy less space than full-size Automobiles. Some fold or collapse for storage; some have wheels so that they may be wrapped around the house.
Make certain the crib makeover is comparatively simple to do (check online reviews from parents) which you enjoy the look of the brand new furniture.
Security limits: Crib manufacturers recommend discontinuing use (or converting to the product's next phase , for convertible cribs) when your child reaches a specific height, weight, or developmental stage. Height/weight limits are generally much lower on portable or mini-cribs.
Most new cribs available on the market comply with both voluntary and mandatory safety standards. Read crib safety tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). For starters, make sure that yours is correctly constructed and structurally sound; the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports many instances in which cribs have come . If this happens, a baby's head can get trapped in the areas between the mattress and side rail.