Baby Crib Safety Guidelines – What You Need To Know

A crib is a place that we comfortably leave our babies knowing that they are in a safe place. But is that space in fact as safe as we as parents perceive it to be? Listed below are some current safety regulations and guidelines which have been set by the federal government. Follow the recommendations will ensure maximum safety for your child.

1. Ensure that your crib has been manufactured AFTER 1986. You can find this information normally on the bottom of the crib.

2. Mattress must be no more than 6 inches thick and fit tightly into crib frame.

3. Crib must contain a label stating:

-Name and place of business of Canadian manufacturer/ importer

-Model name or number

-Date of manufacture (year and month)

-Warning statement about strict adherence to instructions

4. Space between the slats must not be more than 6 cm (2 3/8 in).

5. Crib must be in good repair:

-No broken or missing part

-Surface must be smooth and free of splinters

-Metal surfaces must be smooth

-No loose nuts or bolts

-Slats must be secure and must not be loose or turn when twisted

6. Crib should not have corner posts which extend more than 3 mm (1/8 in) above the highest side.

Following the above guidelines will ensure that your babies crib is a safe place to rest and play. As a parent, you will be able to rest assured that they are safe and secure. A baby crib may be one of the most important purchases that you make so make sure to do lots of research before your purchase.

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Purchase the Perfect Baby Crib

This article is about the importance of sleep for infants as the reason for purchasing a high quality baby crib. It also discusses the variety of cribs available.

To purchase the perfect baby crib for your child let’s first consider the importance of sleep. Restful sleep is necessary for healthy physical growth and development of your baby. Psychologically, sleep permits the brain to work at consolidating the maturation changes of the central nervous system. When children are tired they are often cranky and irritable. Sleep helps to restore their good natures. And that in turn, helps our good nature!

Nap times can become a source of contention between parents and children. Although many children may fall asleep as soon as they are placed in their cribs, others fuss before settling into sleep. Most infants take from two to three sleeping naps daily whereas older toddlers usually do well on one nap after lunchtime. Older toddlers may also do very well getting the rest they need by lying awake in their cribs for some or all of nap time, looking at books or being quietly busy with some chosen toy.

If your child fusses before settling into sleep it may help to rock, stroke, read a story or sing to your child. Older Toddlers may need personal attention as they settle down for naps. Some may request a back rub or song or help choosing a book or favorite toy or a drink of juice or water. With time and observation of your child( all babies are different) you will know exactly how to help your child settle in and create a happy nap time.

With these thoughts in mind let’s consider the primary environment of nap time: the baby crib itself. Because we have just seen that nap time is so important and because your infant and younger toddlers will spend so much of their day sleeping, it is important to have a high quality baby crib that is comfortable, safe and fits your budget.

Baby’s comfort depends on crib construction and versatility. There are many varieties of construction available but a high quality baby crib should be made of solid wood and have screws with metal, not plastic bushings so they don’t wear out easily. Solid wood is safer because it does not chip or break easily. Be certain that the finish is non-toxic. Some baby cribs, especially pressed wood cribs or those made before1978, may actually have highly toxic formaldehyde in the finish. Be sure to check the manufacturers description to purchase a safe, high quality crib.

Other safety requirements can be checked by seeing if the crib is certified by JPMA (Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association) which assures us that the manufacturer went above and beyond the basic safety requirements set by the Consumer Products Safety Commission. (Please consider reading a previous article describing these standards in detail: Baby Crib Safety: The Most Important Consideration.)

There is a variety of models to choose from: standard cribs, convertible cribs, wooden cribs, iron cribs, round cribs, corner cribs and twin cribs.

Most standard baby cribs have a dropside, mattress height position adjustments, are intended to sleep single babies, and serve the baby only until he or she outgrows it. Standard cribs are usually designed in the familiar rectangular structure. Some standard cribs have drawers underneath for handy storage, and all should have locking casters. Standard cribs may have the capacity to convert into day beds when your baby has outgrown them. Consider a standard crib made of iron for extra durability that may last through generations and become a family heirloom.

What a marvelous invention forever mine convertible crib is! Instead of being shifted to the attic when baby grows, it changes to a toddler bed and, when your toddler goes through his or her next big growth spurt, a full sized bed is readily available. So you actually save money in the long run, even though your initial investment may be a bit higher. Never buy anything less than a high quality convertible crib since the conversion process demands strong wood and hardware!

Round baby cribs may be considered to be more accessible to the adult and larger for the baby. They require more space however and sometimes linens and mattresses are not so easy to find. Corner cribs may be desired when saving space is important. They may also be a bit larger for baby. Both styles may be a bit pricier than standard types of cribs.
                                                   
If you’ve been doubly blessed, baby cribs for twins are also available. I’ve seen a double decker twin baby crib, but question the safety element. Just forget to lock the upper wooden rail one time and you could have serious problems! You will probably pay more for twin cribs than you would for the purchase of two separate cribs simply because of the trendy design. Consider that while your babies are twins, they are also, first and foremost individuals and treating them as such from the very start can be boost to their self image.

In summary, because sleep is of primary importance to babies, we need to create a safe and comfortable environment that is conducive to healthy sleep. With the many different styles of baby cribs available a little research is certain to bring to light the perfect baby crib for you. Let your primary choice be made according to the safety and comfort of your baby even if purchasing a high quality baby crib may mean that you are spending a little more. Your peace of mind will be well worth your trouble!

Purchase the Perfect Baby Crib
The importance of sleep for infants and toddlers should determine the type of crib.

By ursula ansbach Published: 12/20/2008

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