Link to MamasHealth.com
MamasHealth.com Home
Children's Crib Safety

Adult beds
Crib sheets
Crib toys
Cribs
Cribs and bassinets
Soft bedding

Child Development

Newborns
1 to 3 Months
4 to 7 Months
8 to 12 Months
1 year

Bathing a child who hates baths

Eco-friendly children's clothes

New mom tips

Email Mama



Crib and Bassinet Safety

The best and safest place for babies and children to sleep is in their own bassinets or cribs. Many families have cribs or bassinets that are handed down from generation to generation. Cribs and bassinets that have been handed down from generation to generation should be checked over to ensure they meet current safety guidelines. If they do not, alterations should be made–or a new crib or bassinet may need to be purchased.

What to Look for in a Bassinet

  • Wide base so the bassinet is stable and sturdy, and not easily tipped over.
  • Smooth surface--no protruding hardware.
  • Locking Legs.
  • Firm and snug fitting mattress.

What to Look for in a Crib

  • Slats should be no more than 2 3/8" wide. This will keep a baby’s head from becoming lodged between the slates.
  • Crib should not have any decorative cut outs on the end panels that could be used for climbing feet, or as a place where a child could stick head, or arms and legs through.
  • The mattress should be the appropriate size for the crib. A mattress that is too small may cause an infant to role and lodge himself or herself between the mattress and side panels, which could cause injury or suffocation.
  • Cribs that have drop sides should be at least nine inches above the mattress when in a lowered position.
  • When the drop side is raised, it should measure at least 26 inches above the mattress.
  • Cribs should have a mechanism which allows a mattress to be raised or lowered as needed. Inspect these devices and ensure that they do not jiggle loose or knock out with ease.

What to Avoid

  • A family heirloom which dates before 1973. These models do not meet federal guidelines.
  • Second hand cribs which have splinters, are discontinued, recalled, or do not meet safety guidelines.
  • Cribs with decorative touches which could tear off, or contain lead paint.

General Tips

  • Begin searching for your crib or bassinet well before you will need it.
  • When choosing a crib or bassinet, do the “shake test.” This will let you know if the crib or bassinet rattles or if it does not seem secure or sturdy.
  • Fully operate all mechanisms of a crib or bassinet before purchasing. This will enable you to see if everything is in proper order, as well as the ease of operation.

Featured Book

Partner with MamasHealth.com

Email Newsletter icon, E-mail Newsletter icon, Email List icon, E-mail List icon Sign up for our Email Newsletter
For Email Marketing you can trust

 

Hot Topics:

Domestic Violence: A pre-existing condition?

Serena: The wanna be vegetarian

Personal Story: How I recovered from my Eating Disorder

Mama wants to help: Food Bank programs and shelter assistance

Lucy Goes Green: Talk dirty to me

How to avoid Swine Flu

What no one will tell you about tummy tuck surgery

Mama's favorite item of the week: Trees for the Future

Foods for weight loss

Win a Gift Bag filled with Goodies from Stonyfield

Information obtained from MamasHealth.com™ should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner, nor should it be inferred as such. Always check with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about a specific condition.

Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use.
Contact us: PO Box 2170, Pasadena, CA 91102-2170

©2000 - 2009 MamasHealth, Inc.™. All rights reserved

Link to MamasHealth.com