) Copyright 2005 Martin Smith
You have just learned that you are expecting a baby. Even
if you have other children, you must take a look at cribs.
Is the crib you already have an antique? You should look
carefully at your second hand crib whether it is an antique
or not.
The safety of your new baby makes this necessary. The
screws and/or other fasteners such as bolts must be in
place and not loose. It is of the utmost importance that
this is tested before you place your baby in the crib.
Take something that is almost equal to your 4-month-old
baby's weight. In order to be certain that it will hold its
position bounce it off the mattress. If it doesn't your
baby could be hurt seriously or worse. When you set up your
nursery, if it isn't set-up already, seriously consider
where you will place your crib.
If you have to place the crib near a window with Venetian
blinds, you can either shorten the cords or anchor them to
prevent your baby from reaching and getting hold of them.
Avoid, if possible placing the crib near the window. As
your baby grows into a toddler and begins to climb out of
the crib, s/he could become seriously injured in a fall.
Blankets are not necessarily a good idea to use with your
baby. Be sure that you avoid anything that could put your
baby at risk, especially in the light of SIDS incidents
today. The most advisable way to put your baby to bed is in
a blanket sleeper.
Make sure to tuck the blanket tightly around and under the
foot of the mattress with you baby's feet touching the
footboard if you must have a blanket on your baby. You also
want to help prevent your baby from sliding under the
blanket and suffocating by not putting the blanket any
higher than his chest.
There is a risk of your baby slipping between the mattress
and the bumper pads causing suffocation, if bumper pads,
which are a great concept, are not secured properly. Bumper
pads if used should be fastened in each of the four corners
and evenly spaced on each of the two sides. There should be
sixteen ties in all, eight for the top and eight for the
bottom.
Although mobiles are nice additions you need to take a
precaution to prevent your baby from getting entangled in
it. It must be removed when your baby starts sitting up by
himself. You must also check to see if there are small
parts that are removable that your baby could choke on.
No matter is your crib is second hand or one you had for a
previous child, or you got it from someone else, the
mattress must by checked out carefully. The mattress
covering should be checked for any holes or cracks.
The mattress must fit in the crib properly. Your baby could
slip between the mattress and side or end bars and
suffocate if you are not careful. The mattress should be
snug in the crib. The sheets you use in your baby crib
should fit properly and not slip and slide.
There are sheet hooks available that attach to the sheet
under the mattress and keep it in place. Placing the
mattress in the proper position is extremely important to
your baby's safety. When the baby comes home most parents
put the mattress in the highest position because it is
easier to reach the baby and change him.
Lower the mattress according to the growth and activity of
your baby. If your baby can come to a standing position in
the crib the mattress should be put in the lowest position
and to add to his safety you should measure the distance
between the mattress and the top of the sidebar.
There should be no more than 26 inches from the top of the
side bar to the mattress when it is in the lowest position.
Moving your child to a regular bed might be a good idea if
your child is climbing out of the crib or his head is above
the side bar.
There are convertible cribs that become beds and grow with
your child. Inspect your child's crib to be sure there is
nothing that will put your baby at risk. The ornate designs
carved into the end boards of cribs are beautiful but could
pose a hazard to your child. Have you seen them?
Your child could be injured if his head, arm, or leg get
caught in them and possibly sustain an injury. A simpler
design may increase your child's safety. Safety guidelines
from 1974 for cribs state that slats should be no more than
2 and 3/8th inches apart; to keep your baby from getting
his head caught between the slats.
Your baby's safety could be compromised if getting stuck
caused him injury and necessitating the removal of some
slats.
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Martin Smith is a successful freelance writer providing advice for consumers on purchasing a variety of Baby Crib Bedding and more! His articles provide a wonderfully researched resource of interesting, relevant information. http://www.1st-babies.com