Prevent a Crib-related Accident from Happening to Your Infant - Parenting Tips

Crib Safety
Boys Town Pediatrics Recommends Following Consumer Product Safety Commission Guidelines To Prevent a Crib-related Accident from Happening to Your Infant

Each year, nearly 9,000 crib-related accidents are reported in the U.S. Tragically, another 50 crib-related accidents result in the death of an infant. It is the responsibility of a child's parents to ensure the safety of his or her environment, including where he or she sleeps.

In 1973, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) implemented specific regulations that manufacturers of cribs must meet. Over the years, these standards have helped to prevent many crib-related accidents and deaths. Unfortunately, thousands of infants are still hurt each year.

You can prevent a crib-related accident or death from occurring in your home or your caregiver's home by following the safety standards set by the CPSC. Before placing your baby in his crib, make sure that:

The mattress is firm and tight fitting so that baby cannot get trapped between the mattress and the crib. If you can fit more than two fingers between the mattress and the side rails, the mattress is too small.
There are no missing, loose, broken or improperly installed screws, brackets or other hardware on the crib or mattress support.
There is no more than 2 3/8 inches (about the width of a soda can) between crib slats so a baby's body cannot fit through the slats and that there are no missing or cracked slats.
The corner posts are the same height as the end panels or not more than 1/16th of an inch higher so baby's clothing cannot catch.
There are no cutouts in the headboard or footboard so baby's head cannot get trapped.
It is equally important to use your infant's crib correctly. A crib that meets all of the guidelines set by the CPSC can still be dangerous for an infant if parents and caregivers do not follow basic safety measures:
Do not place a crib near a window. Drapery cords pose a strangulation risk and screens cannot keep a climbing toddler from falling out an open window.
Avoid placing large toys or pillows in a crib. They can hoist a toddler up enough to climb out of the crib.
Never place cushions, quilts or comforters in the crib. Such items can cause a child to suffocate.
Use only a fitted sheet specifically made for crib use and never use a plastic bag as a mattress cover. The plastic film can suffocate a child.
Remove mobiles and crib gyms from the crib once baby reaches 5 months.
Once baby can sit without help, lower the floor of the crib.
Once baby is able to stand, lower the floor of the crib to its lowest position and remove bumper pads so he or she cannot climb out.

Around two years of age (or when your child reaches 32 to 35 inches) transition your toddler to toddler bed. A crib is not designed to hold a child over age two or withstand his or her activity level.