Eight Characteristics of a Safe Crib

Choking Hazards

• Examine the crib carefully for any choke hazards that may endanger your child. Check for features such as cutouts where a child can get her head caught and corner posts where tiny clothing articles can become hung up and choke an infant. According to the National Safety Council, corner posts should be no more than 1/16 inch higher than the crib's end panels.

Comfortable and Fitted Mattress

• Mattresses should be firm and fit into the crib snugly -- there should never be more than two finger-widths of space between the mattress and crib slats. As soon as a mattress is purchased, it is important to send back the product registration card so you can be advised and updated as to any recalls or safety issues. Always place your sleepy infant on her back in the bed -- this will reduce chances of suffocation.

Height Adjustment

• Ensure that the crib mattress can be raised and lowered as needed. If a mattress is too high, an older baby who is capable of standing up can lean over the rail and plunge to the floor below, resulting in injury or even death. The National Safety Council recommends that the crib railing be at least 26 inches above the mattress support.

Slat Spacing

• The National Safety Council also states that the slats on a crib should be spaced no more than 2 3/8 inches apart. This will prevent the child from getting his head stuck between them. Especially check antique, pre-owned or homemade cribs to make sure they adhere to this spacing requirement.

Bumpers

• Many parents are eliminating bumpers from their nursery decorating plans. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that they should not ever be used in cribs. Bumpers have been found to restrict air flow and can be a suffocation hazard if they are soft and pliable. Babies who are old enough to pull themselves up can also place their feet on the tops of the bumpers and possibly fall over the crib railing.

Condition of the Crib

• To ensure the safety of your child in the crib, check all the nuts and bolts that hold it together. Immediately replace any broken parts. The crib should be solid and firm when moved about. Check with the crib manufacturer to make sure that it has not issued any warnings or recalls on that particular model. Clean older baby furniture thoroughly before use.

Paint

• If your baby's crib is painted, check to ensure that the paint used is lead-free. No cribs have been commercially painted with lead paint in the United States since this type of paint was banned in 1977, but parents should be especially cautious with vintage cribs or repainted furniture. If you have a crib with several layers of paint, you may want to test the surface areas for lead. The oldest layers would be at most risk of containing lethal lead.

Location

• The location of the crib is also important for your baby's health and safety. Refrain from placing it in an area where the baby gets direct sunlight because it may cause him to become too warm. Check for drafts and keep the bed away from air vents to allow an even distribution of cool or warm air throughout the room. If the child is able to stand in his crib, nearby lamps, cords and other dangerous items should be placed far away from his curious reach.