Baby Cribs Safety Checklist

Congratulations! You've got a baby on the way!

Once the baby has arrived, one of the most important part of your new life together will be getting a good nights sleep in your bed is, the baby safe and comfortable crib. At first, you may want the baby to sleep in a bassinet by your bed, making it a little easier for breastfeeding mothers, but a crib ready by the time the baby can roll over.

The baby spends more time in the crib than anywhere else, so safety is very important. What makes a crib safe?

* The bars or slats of the crib railing should not be more than 2-3/8 "in addition, close enough together to prevent slips over the head of the craft, or entrapment. Cot This is a beautiful antique in the attic, but it probably does not comply with this safety standards. Secondhand older cribs may also have splinters or lead paint, as well as slats that are too far apart.

* Cribs on samples cut along the rail can look, but with the craft they stuck an arm or neck.

* The baby should be strong. The child will sleep in the crib until it is time to move into a regular bed, between the ages of 2 and 3 When shopping for a crib, it's a good shake to see if it wobbles or rattles.

* Construction materials should be stained or painted hardwoods like maple, ash, beech or oak. The use of inferior woods potentially weaken or warp the slats. Some metal cribs are also very strong and secure. All finish materials must be kept free and non-toxic.

* For security, dropsides at least 9 "above the mattress support when lowered. When the side is raised to the top of at least 26" above the support in its lowest position. He has no trouble quietly raising or lowering the side rail easily with one hand, since chances are youll be a sleeping baby in your arms.

* Make things a little easier on your back by choosing a crib, adjustable mattress height. Above the crib of a newborn can relax, while a baby who can sit, you need a small mattress so he cannot get out. You can change the height of most mattresses by simply raising or reducing the mattress support.

* Check the hardware for the crib for sharp edges or points, or anything else that could hurt the baby.

* The mattress should fit tightly in the crib. If you can fit two fingers between the mattress and the crib side, was too small. Keep an eye on the foam mattresses, over time they break down the edges and leave gaps. Check the mattress support to make sure there are safety clips that lock the hooks in their degrees.

* Flammable and hypoallergenic bumper padding attached to the internal constraints upon all four sides to alleviate and prevent your baby from sticking an arm or leg on the fence. Securely fasten the bumper inserts on the side of the crib at least six places. Be sure to remove bumper pads when your baby becomes more active.

* Follow the instructions for assembly. Periodically tighten all nuts, bolts and screws and check for cracks teething rails. Check the mattress support hooks regularly.

* Do not place a crib against a window, near curtains or drapery cords, or near furniture that could help your baby climb out.

* Crib toys should be removed from the crib when the baby sleeps. And remove mobiles when baby is able to grasp the objects.

Federal safety guidelines came into force in 1973, but only since 1991, most cribs meet the mandatory safety standards (16CFR Part 1508) as defined by the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) and the voluntary standards (ASTM F966 and F1169) as defined by The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) certifies cribs that meet safety standards.

For more information on crib safety and other nursery equipment, contact the Consumer Products Safety Commission 1-800-638-2772.