Ideas & Advice

Baby Crib Safety: Learn How to Keep Baby Safe in the Crib

Nothing is more important than your baby's safety, which is why it is imperative that you find a safe baby crib. Not only should your crib selection comply with government safety standards (CPSC & JPMA), you should also know about hazards that can occur in and around your baby’s crib. To help you find a safe baby crib for your nursery, watch our very own Jessica talk about crib safety with valuable nursery safety tips and information to make sure your child is protected at all times. Learn how to properly inspect your crib, the best way to provide a safe sleep environment and more.

Top Crib Safety Takeaways

1. Make sure that your crib meets current CPSC & JPMA safety standards.
2. The crib’s slats should not be more than 2 3/8 inches apart, or about the width of a soda can.
3. Corner posts should not have any raised or protruding decorations, to prevent your baby’s clothing from becoming caught.
4. Double-check all screws, bolts and nails to makes sure they are completely flush with the surface of the crib. Once you’re sure they are, check them a third time!
5. Don’t use a crib made before 2012. In 2011, safety standards changed and once-popular drop side cribs are no longer produced or sold. If you have one of these, throw it away - they have been proven dangerous for children!
6. Ensure that the mattress fits snugly inside the crib, with no more than two fingers’ space between the edges of the crib.
7. Always send in your crib’s product manufacturer cards, to stay informed about updates, recalls, and other important news.
8. Go for minimalism. As tempting as it is to buy tons of cute decorations and toys, a clean and simple nursery is often the safest nursery. Extra blankets, pillows and stuffed animals can be a suffocation hazard.
9. Current research also suggests that it’s wise to avoid crib bumpers, as they have been linked to injury.
10. The only things that should be inside the crib are a firm crib mattress, a crib sheet, and a mattress protector pad.
11. Don’t hang anything heavy above the crib, or anything with ribbons that your baby could take down. It’s also wise to take down any mobile after your baby is able to pull themselves up, generally about 5 months.
12. Ensure that your crib is away from windows, and far from reach of window cords and drapes. These can be a major strangulation hazard!

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For more information on crib safety, SIDS and nursery safety tips, visit our Baby Safety section under Ideas & Advice, https://www.simplybabyfurniture.com/baby-safety.html