According to Good Housekeeping, in 2002 there were more than 11,000 infant injuries caused by faulty crib construction. Now cribs must adhere to strict safety standards set by the federal government. Good Housekeeping recommends looking for the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, or JPMA, sticker, which has even stricter guidelines. Less than a third of all crib manufacturers apply and have their products tested by this association.
Older Cribs
Avoid using an older crib that doesn't meet current safety regulations. Earlier cribs may not require the closer slats that are currently required to be 2 ... inches or less apart. This prevents the child from sticking his head through and getting stuck. Regularly inspect the crib for slats or screws that may have come loose. You may be able to repair them, but if not, you should replace the crib with a newer one. Consumer Reports adds that some of the older cribs may have design cutouts that can pose a risk of injury.
Crib Condition
Even if you have a newer crib, inspect it frequently, states Consumer Reports. If the crib is painted, check for places where it may be peeling or chipped. Look for splinters that could cut your baby. Remove all ribbons and strings to prevent your child from getting tangled.
Corner Posts
Consumer Reports recommends if a crib has posts or knobs on the corner, they should be at least 16 inches above the panels to prevent the child from getting his pajamas stuck. If you must saw them off to comply with this safety guideline, sand the remaining wood down to prevent splintering. Use non-lead paint to finish it.
Mattress and Bedding
The mattress should fit the crib tightly, so there are no gaps between the edge of the mattress and the crib. If there are any gaps, the child could get stuck and suffocate. Put the mattress at the correct height for the baby and adjust the height as the baby grows and develops. Before the baby is unable to sit up, the mattress can be higher, but once he's able to sit and then stand, you want the mattress low enough to prevent him from climbing and falling out.
Don't place bumpers or large stuffed animals in the crib with your baby because he can use them to boost himself over the edge. Avoid putting too many blankets, pillows, comforters and stuffed animals in the crib to prevent smothering. Use fitted sheets that are designed for the size of the mattress. Otherwise, your baby may pull the sheet off the mattress and get tangled up in it.
Crib Toys
Consumer Reports recommends keeping most toys out of the crib. If you decide to place a toy in the crib, follow the guidelines by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. This organization advises against using crib toys that hang or are stretched across the crib because they pose a risk of strangulation. When the child is old enough to sit up or stand, remove all mobiles that you may have attached to the crib.
Sleeping Position
When you place your baby in the crib, put him on his back to help prevent sudden infant death syndrome. Babies placed on their stomachs have a higher risk of rebreathing carbon dioxide rather than fresh oxygen, according to Consumer Reports.
