Crib safety: Is your child protected?

It may come as surprising news that more infants die every year in cribs than from any other nursery product. 1,100 children have died from crib related injuries in the last 20 years alone. Almost 10,000 children must be rushed to emergency care with injuries, and on average 22 children die every year in unsafe cribs.

Although mandatory standards have been set for cribs, no requirements exist that make manufacturers test for safety or even certify that they meet these standards.

This is a major reason unsafe cribs make it into stores and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates there are still 20,000,000 unsafe cribs in use or in storage waiting for potential use.

In light of this information, be sure to check the CPSC webpage periodically for recalls and heed this advice: Before you put your baby to sleep in ANY crib, check to be sure it's safe.

In 2005 it seemed as though crib recalls peaked with a total of over 130,000 units, but the recent crib recall by Simplicity affected 1,000,000 cribs, dwarfing that number (click on video below).

1. The gaps between the slats of the crib should be small enough that a soda can cannot pass between them.
2. There should be no corner post extensions nor should there be decorative cut-outs.
3. Be sure that hardware such as bolts and screws are not loose or missing.
4. Nothing should be protruding, such as: rivets, nuts, bolts, wing nuts, or knobs.
5. The mattress should be tight-fitting; ensure that 2 fingers can't fit between the mattress and the crib's side.
6. Make sure that parts and joints fit tightly and that wood is free of splinters. The surfaces should be smooth.
7. There should be no paint that is peeling or cracked and all surfaces that are painted should be lead-free.
8. Drop side rails need to lock properly and in a secure fashion when in a raised position.
9. When the crib sides are lowered, they need to be at least 9 inches above mattress support.
10. When the crib sides are raised, they should be at least 26 inches above mattress support in the lowest position.

Conversations are on the rise about the potential safety benefits of round cribs over their traditional counterparts. Some of the potential benefits are:

1. No corners or concussion points - When a child pulls him/herself up and falls back onto the mattress, there are no corners or concussive points for the baby to hurt themselves on. In a traditional crib, babies may hit their heads on the other side when they fall.
2. Easier child access (2-sided) - Because round cribs are usually placed in the center of the nursery, it affords 2-sided access to the baby and optimizes wall space usage. Additionally, you will be able to see your child from any angle.
3. Increased child visibility (4-sided) - Another advantage of center placement in the nursery, is that it also provides your baby with a 360 degree view of the room. While more studies need to be done, data suggests that this may aid in early development due to increased visual stimulation.
4. Aesthetic Beauty - While they tend to be more expensive, round cribs are beautiful. The workmanship and styles are often remarkable.

Other guidlelines for crib safety are:

1. Read ALL directions for setup. Even if you feel you understand how to set up your crib, you should read all directions and warnings!
2. Remove any soft bedding such as bumper pads, pillows, stuffed toys and blankets.
3. Use only tight fitting sheets.
4. Be sure to check mattress support hangers regularly to ensure that they do not disconnect from headboards or footboards.
5. Keep mobiles or hanging crib toys out of your child's reach when positioning. When your child begins to become more mobile and can move into a sitting or standing position you should remove these items.
6. NEVER hang anything on the crib ANYWHERE with ribbon or string.
7. The mattress should be dropped to the lowest position when the child is able to pull him/herself up.
8. If you have any missing or loose attachments or support hardware STOP using the crib immediately. Get replacement hardware by contacting the manufacturer before resuming use.