Crib Safety Tips

• Avoid using a secondhand crib. This can create a danger for your baby because you don’t know the condition of the crib. Newer is generally safer.
• Never use a drop-side crib design, as these have been recalled by the CPSC.
• The safest place for your baby to sleep is in a safe crib, bassinet or play yard near your bed.
• Your baby should have his or her own crib, with a firm mattress that fits the crib tightly with only a fitted sheet. The mattress should be firm with a tight fit on all four sides, and no gaps or spaces. If you can fit more than two fingers between the mattress and the crib side, your crib is unsafe.
• Lower the mattress as soon as your child can push up on his or her hands and knees to prevent climbing out of the crib.
• If buying a new crib, bassinet or play yard, be sure to fill out the Product Registration Card so you can be notified directly if there is a recall or a safety alert.
• When using the crib, regularly check to be sure all parts are secure. Make sure the crib has no loose or missing parts or slats. Cribs with broken hardware, or even a missing screw, can have their side rail become disengaged allowing your baby to get caught between the crib mattress and side rail.
• Only repair a crib with parts provided by the manufacturer. Makeshift repairs can create new, deadly hazards.
• Never place a crib, bassinet or play yard near a window as that creates a serious fall hazard and a risk of strangulation on window blind cords.
• Always place your baby on his or her back to sleep for both naptime and nighttime.
• Never use a sleep positioner. It may seem like a good idea to use a sleep positioner to make sure your baby does not roll onto her stomach or side, but this could actually make her less safe. If your baby rolls onto her stomach or side while sleeping, simply reposition your baby.
• Never use pillows, sleep positioners, comforters, stuffed animals, pillowy bumpers, blankets or other soft or puffy items in your baby’s crib. Soft bedding can end up over her face and block her breathing.
• Keep monitor and other cords out of your child’s reach, as these can pose a strangulation hazard.

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