Crib Safety

This information is from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Many infants die every year in accidents involving cribs. Thousands receive hospital emergency room treatment for injuries incurred as the result of crib use each year.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission statistics reveal that slightly more than a million cribs are produced yearly in this country. These are manufactured according to the Commission's 1974 regulation.

Some important requirements of the crib regulation are:

Here are some pointers on buying a crib -

Crib slats must be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart so that babies are not able to slip through the slats and possibly be strangled.

Decorative cutout areas in crib end panels which could entrap a child's head are not allowed. These areas are generally found between the corner posts and robe rail (the horizontal piece along the top of the crib), but may be elsewhere in the headboard structure.

Locks and latches on the drop-side of a crib must be safe and secure from accidental release or release by the baby inside the crib.

There must be strict warning on the crib's carton, on the crib, and in the assembly instructions advising you to use only a mattress that fits snugly. If you're buying a new crib now:

Remove all plastic packaging materials and destroy immediately.

If you buy bumper pads for the crib make sure they (a) run around the entire crib, (b) tie or snap into place, and (c) have at least six straps. To prevent your baby from chewing on the straps or becoming entangled in them, trim off excess length. Use the bumpers until your baby can pull up to a standing position, then remove them so that the baby will not use them to try to climb out of the crib.

Avoid cribs with corner posts which are more than 1/16 of an inch in height. Corner posts can be catch points for children's clothing or for any strings that may be around a child's neck. If you already have a crib...or buy one second hand:

Check the overall condition of the crib. Be sure all slats, bolts and any other fasteners are in place. If any one missing, contact the manufacturer for replacement parts, and make sure the parts are replaced before your baby uses the crib.

If you paint or refinish the crib, use only high quality household enamel paint. (DO NOT use "old paints" you have around the house that may have been manufactured prior to February, 1978, when the .06 percent lead limitation became effective; these old paints may contain a higher percentage of lead. In addition, check the paint can label to ensure that the manufacturer DOES NOT recommend against the use of the paint on such items as cribs.)

Be sure that the mattress fits the crib very snugly. If you can fit more than two fingers between the mattress and crib, the mattress is too small. An infant can suffocate if it can wedge its head between the mattress and the crib. However, until the mattress can be replaced, you can roll up large bath towels and place them between the mattress and the crib to minimize the chance your child will be caught.

Never buy or use a crib that has missing slats in the side or end panels. Be sure that all slats are securely fastened in place and are spaced no more than 2 3/8 inches apart. We do not recommend you use a crib that does not meet these requirements, but if you must, secure bumper pads around the entire crib and tie or snap into place with at least six snaps so they do not move out of place.

If a crib has decorative knobs or tall extensions on the cornerposts, these should be removed by unscrewing or cutting them off flush with the top of the head and footboards.

Buy a crib with as large a distance as possible between the top of the side rail and the mattress support. This will discourage your baby from trying to climb out. Most crib accidents occur when infants fall while climbing out of their crib.

No matter what the age of your crib:

Set the mattress at its lowest position as soon as your child can pull up to a standing position.

Don't leave any toys or other articles in the crib that your child can use to help climb out.

Never hang any stringed object, such as a toy on a string, a laundry bag, etc. on any part of the crib structure or near where a child could become caught in it and strangle. If you have toys with cords or elastic for hanging, cut the strings off. Never put a loop of ribbon or cord around your child's neck.

If you place a crib next to a window, make sure that there are no drapery or venetian blind cords within the child's reach. Children can strangle on such cords.

Never use plastic cleaning or trash bags as mattress covers. The plastic can cling to children's faces and cause suffocation.

A crib should not be used as a playpen. A child who is 35 inches in height has outgrown the crib and should sleep in a bed.