Let’s face it, no matter how protective you are as a parent, accidents can happen. But it can be prevented.
One such place where your baby is especially vulnerable is his crib. Thus, crib safety should be your first priority. After all, the crib is where your baby stays for hours on end. Your baby’s crib should be a safe sleeping environment and not a dangerous place to stay. Here’s a list crib safety tips to ensure your baby’s protection while in the crib:
- Buy a crib and a mattress that carry the safety standards approved by your state or country. The US has strict safety standards to ensure that your baby is safe in his crib.
- Make sure your crib mattress perfectly fits your baby’s crib. There should be no gap in between the mattress and the crib to avoid any part of his body from being trapped on the edges of the mattress.
- Your crib mattress should be firm enough to support your baby’s head when sleeping or his other body parts should he starts crawling. If it is not firm enough, your baby might have a hard time getting his head up from the sheet which can lead to suffocation.
- The crib should not wobble on its place or when baby moves.
- Double check if you have installed all the parts like screws and brackets on its proper places. Make sure you did not leave any missing portions. Also, periodically check to find if screws and brackets have come loose over time.
- Do not put a lot of pillows, blankets or stuffed toys inside the crib. Although these seem to be great accessories for your crib, these items could be instruments for suffocation. There’s this story where an 8-month old was able to pile pillows one after the other and was trying to make her getaway. It was a good thing that the mother was there to catch the baby before it fell head first from the crib!
- Get rid of any plastic covers or wrapping in the baby’s crib. Plastic can stick to your baby’s nose and cause him to have difficulties in breathing.
- Tie all bumper pads tightly and trim off any excess straps to avoid your baby from being caught in these straps.
- Do not buy a crib that has cutout designs in its headboard or footboard. These kinds of cribs may allow your baby’s head to be caught in between its spaces.
- Place your crib in the safest area of the nursery. Do not put your baby’s crib near heaters, windows or draperies.
- Crib slats should not be more than 23/8 inches apart from each other to prevent any part of your baby’s body, especially his head, from slipping through or getting caught in between.
- Do not put down your baby on its chest when sleeping. No tummy sleeping.
- Although you can save if you accept second-hand cribs, you may not be sure if these cribs are safe enough or working properly. Check if the crib has passed safety standards. Best my best advice: buy your own crib!
- Always check the railing of your baby’s crib to avoid them from falling put of it.
- Instead of a blanket, use a sleeper in keeping your baby warm.
The best way to keep your baby away from accidents is to keep an eye on them or regularly check them even when they are sleeping. Your baby’s safety, next to health, should never be compromised. Thus, practicing crib safety is very important.
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