Parts of a Crib

Most caregivers consider a crib a necessity for at least the first year of a baby's life. Cribs are available in a wide range of price points and styles to match any decor. But, regardless of style, the basic parts of a crib remain the same. The safety standards for cribs are constantly changing, so it is wise to be aware of the components that make up your crib and whether they meet current safety standards.

  1. Footboard and Headboard

    • The footboard and headboard of a crib are normally its most decorative parts and help dictate the style of the crib. They can have slats like the sides of the crib or they can be solid panels. Solid-paneled headboards and footboards used to be available with decorative cutouts on them, but these are no longer available because of the danger of a baby getting her head trapped in the cutout. Also, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) standards now dictate that corner posts cannot project above the crib's sides so that an infant's clothing cannot become trapped, presenting a strangulation hazard.

    Crib Sides

    • Cribs come with two stationary sides or with one side that a caregiver can lower to gain easier access to their baby. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced in 2010 that as of June 2011, drop-side cribs will no longer be available to purchase, due to several high-profile infant deaths due to being trapped by an improperly assembled drop-side. Some cribs, dubbed "sleigh-style," have one side with no slats, which is normally higher than the front side of the crib. The slats on all cribs must be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart, which prevents the baby from getting her head trapped.

    Mattress Support

    • Nearly all cribs allow you to adjust the level of the mattress for convenience and safety. Young babies who are unable to pull themselves into a sitting position are safe with the mattress in its highest position, which makes it easier for a parent to place the baby into and retrieve him from the crib. As your baby becomes more mobile, you will need to lower the mattress support in order to keep him from falling out of the crib. Babies who are able to stand must have the mattress at its lowest level.

    Mattress and Bedding

    • Despite the fact that crib bedding sets are still sold in baby boutiques nationwide, the AAP recommends that a fitted sheet be the only bedding used for infants. Soft bedding, such as crib bumpers and baby quilts, can present a suffocation hazard for the sleeping infant. The crib mattress must be firm and fit the crib properly, with room for only two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame.

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