Every day, dozens of children are injured as a result of their crib or child-safe bed. There are a few tips every parent should be aware of and follow to prevent injuries to their children.
The three things to focus on when it comes to a baby crib or child-safe bed are: the design of the crib, crib upkeep & maintenance, and crib usage.
Crib Design
- Do not buy a used or antique crib. While they may be fancy to the eye, they are not so attractive for personal safety. Antique cribs often have openings or cutouts that can trap the child’s neck, arms, head or legs. Many of these antique cribs also have missing hardware that you may not even be aware of.
- Look for corner posts. It is not advised to use a crib with corner posts that are more than 1/16 of an inch higher than the crib ends. These posts can easily grab on to the child’s clothing, causing injury or emotional distress.
- The space between the crib slats should not be any more than 2 3/8 inches apart. This prevents little ones from getting their head stuck in between the posts.
Crib Maintenance
- Consistently check the crib’s hardware. Pieces may become lose or damaged over time.
- Make sure the mattress fits properly. If two adult fingers can be placed between the mattress and the crib, the mattress needs to be replaced.
- Make sure the mattress is being supported, assuring no bending or broken parts.
- While you may not think of it, chipped paint on the crib may be a health hazard.
- Correct the crib to the appropriate heights, according to the child’s growth.
Crib Use
- It is strongly advised not to use bumper pads. There have been many reports of strangulation and suffocation due to them.
- Use only a bottom-fitted sheet on a firm, tight-fighting mattress.
- Remove mobiles or toys. These are just meant to be looked at. Once they are at the age of touching and moving, take them out of the crib.
- Place the back on their back to sleep.
- Do not put blankets, pillow or comforters in the crib.
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