For many parents-to-be, the crib is more than just a piece of furniture. It's their first big investment in their child's health and safety. Whether you're buying a new crib or inheriting a neighbor's hand-me-down, you'll want to make sure that the crib meets all current safety standards. You'll also want to be sure that the crib environment, including linens and sleepwear, will help keep your baby safe, even when you're not in the room.
Frame
When examining the crib frame, keep in mind the recommendations of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. To prevent babies from getting dangerously trapped in or on parts of the crib, the CPSC recommends that spaces between slats be no more than 2 3/8 inches, about the width of a soft drink can; corner posts rise no more than 1/16 of an inch above the rest of the frame; and head boards and foot boards be free of cut-out designs. The crib should be assembled correctly, with all hardware and supports in place and tightly attached. The frame should have no chipping or peeling paint, splinters or other damaged parts.
Mattress and Linens
According to the CPSC, the crib mattress should be firm and tight, fitted exactly to the crib and leaving no gaps between the mattress and the crib frame. If you can fit two fingers between the mattress and the frame, that's too big a gap and your baby's head could get trapped. Also, make sure that the mattress is set low enough to prevent your baby from climbing out of the crib. You should outfit the crib simply and basically, putting safety first in your choice of linens and decor. Don't put pillows, pillowy stuffed toys, comforters, quilts, bumper pads, sheepskins or other soft items in the crib---these can lead to suffocation. Use a fitted crib sheet that hugs the mattress. In general, you should not let your baby sleep atop soft surfaces, such as pillows, sofas and water beds.
Other Gear
The safest cribs are the emptiest cribs. Avoid using crib gyms and other toys, Consumer Reports says. Don't put your baby to sleep with a bottle, as small plastic pieces can detach from the nipple and lodge in the baby's throat. Don't use sleep wedges or positioners. Crib mobiles should be hung high, far out of the baby's reach, and removed once the baby can push up on his hands or knees.
Clothing and Position
When dressing your baby for sleep in the crib, choose clothing wisely. Good infant sleepwear fits close to the body and is flame-resistant. It's free of ribbons, strings and other loose items, and its buttons and snaps are secure. Babies tend to be warm when sleeping, and a good sleeper outfit often provides enough warmth. If you need to add another layer, put your baby's feet against the foot of the crib, tuck a thin blanket around the foot of the mattress tightly and pull the blanket up no higher than the baby's chest, the CPSC recommends. Always put your baby to sleep on her back.
New or Used?
To help ensure that you're getting a crib that reflects the most up-to-date safety requirements, Consumer Reports recommends buying a new crib. You'll still need to check the crib's safety, but the chances are greater that requirements will be met. If, on the other hand, you're buying a used crib, being given a hand-me-down crib or renting a crib at a hotel, you'll have to take extra care to make sure that the crib meets all current safety standards.
