Tips for Baby Crib Safety

The first two years of your baby are going to be spent in the crib. It's important that the crib is as pleasing to the baby as possible. It has to be comfortable and safe. Safety is the number one concern. That's what we'll cover here mostly. Most of today's cribs have the following safety guidelines. Follow them closely, especially if you are considering to buy a used crib. Remember, this is about the safety of your baby, so be careful.

- See if there are any cuts on the side panels. These can become dangerous then the baby becomes old enough to reach them.
- It is important that there is a locking mechanism that prevents the baby from moving the sides.
- Make sure that the slats are no wider than 2 3/8 inches apart, so that the babies head doesn't get stuck in it.
- The mattress should nicely fit into the crib. Check this by making sure that the gap between the mattress and crib walls is smaller than two fingers.
- The height of the sides of the crib should be at least 26 inches above the mattress when they are pulled up to the maximum. They should also be at least 9 inches above the mattress when the sides are lowered.
- The level of the corner posts should be the same as of the end panels. The only exception to this canopy cribs.

Now, here are some things to check from time to time no matter which kind of crib you have:
- The mattress should be hard, not soft.
- All additional things like toys, pillows, blankets, and etc. are to be kept out of the crib for safety.
Only exception may be a sleep positioner.
- Check the crib regularly for splinters, peeling paint, loose parts, and chips. These should be taken care of as soon as possible.
- The crib has to be far away from things that the baby could pull in. Examples are blind strings, window dressings and other objects.
- Most cribs have 3 height settings. Your crib has to be the right height for your baby. The sequence should go like this. Until the baby can sit up, put it at the highest. As it starts to sit, move it to the middle setting. Only move it the lowest setting when the baby tries to stand.