Sleep is a major concern for the parents of newborns, including where the baby will sleep. A crib is a secure and acceptable place for a newborn from the beginning. The crib's structure and condition should meet current standards to ensure your newborn remains safe while he sleeps. Following the latest recommendations for crib sleeping eases concerns for new parents.
Crib Selection
A newborn should sleep in a crib that meets the regulations set forth by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). A brand new crib is generally the safest option. New cribs on the market must meet safety standards for the mattress, hardware used and distance between slats, which should be no more than 2 3/8 inches. Before buying a used crib, check with the CPSC to ensure it hasn't been recalled. Look for solid construction in the crib with hardware that holds well and doesn't have any sharp metal protruding. Avoid any cribs with large, decorative cutouts that could cause your baby to become entrapped. The mattress should fit snugly, allowing no more than two finger widths between the mattress and crib. As of June 28, 2011, drop-side cribs were taken off the market due to safety concerns, so avoid this style if you acquire a secondhand crib.
Safety
A newborn can safely sleep in a crib that is free of clutter. Skip blankets and pillows in your newborn's crib as these items may cause suffocation if they move over her face. If you want a bumper pad in the crib, choose a mesh breathable model over the thicker quilted style bumpers that could also cause suffocation. Keep all toys and stuffed animals out of the crib.
Placement
Placing your baby's crib in your room for the first few weeks allows you easy access during nighttime feedings and may make you feel more comfortable, explains Kids Health from Nemours. As your baby gets older, you can transition the crib to his own room. Avoid placing the crib near windows, as the cords from blinds create a hazard as your baby gets older. Avoid drafty areas like heating and cooling registers or in front of doors that might chill your baby.
Tips
Check the stability of the crib every week to ensure the screws haven't worked their way free. Tighten the screws if the crib feels loose. Position the crib mattress at the lowest setting. Make sure the fitted sheet fits snugly around a firm crib mattress so it doesn't come loose and wrap around your newborn. The The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends placing your baby on her back in the crib to reduce the chance of suffocation, as reported in Kids Health from Nemours.
