When preparing for your baby’s arrival, one of the most important items you’ll purchase is their crib. Here are some tips on how to select a safe crib, along with guidance on reducing the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
What Should I Look For When Selecting a Crib for My Baby?
When choosing a crib, it’s important to ensure it meets the following safety criteria. This is especially important if you’re considering a hand-me-down or antique crib, as they don’t meet the current safety standards set by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
No drop-down sides
Some cribs sold prior to 2011 have a side that drops down to make it easier for parents to lift baby in and out. However, drop-side cribs can present a suffocation or strangulation hazard to babies. Any crib you consider should have unmovable, fixed sides. In fact, it’s illegal to sell drop-side cribs, even at a yard sale.
Narrow spacing between slats
There should be no more than 2 3/8-inch gaps between the crib slats in order to prevent baby’s head or body from accidentally fitting through. This is only about the width of a soda can. A wider space is dangerous for your little one. Any crib manufactured and sold in the U.S. after 2011 should follow this standard.
Decorative cutouts or knobs
While decorations on cribs may look lovely, they can pose a threat to your little one’s safety. Your baby’s crib should not have any decorative cutouts in the sides, or knobs on the top of the rails or corners where your baby’s clothing or body parts can potentially get stuck.
Snug fitting mattress
Purchasing a crib mattress is another important step. Ensure that the crib mattress you purchase fits very snugly into the crib. If there is a space more than two fingers wide along any side of the crib, it doesn’t fit properly. A mattress that is too small for the crib base can create a crevice where baby can get stuck.
Additional safety standards for crib mattresses were put into effect in 2022 which ensure the mattress is firm enough to prevent suffocation hazards, and coils or springs do not break through the surface of the mattress.
You shouldn’t use a crib it if is broken, has a missing piece (including screws or other hardware), or is more than 10 years old. If you have any questions about whether your crib is safe, check the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s website to see if there has been a recall issued.
General Crib Safety Tips
Now that you know which kind of crib to purchase, here are some safe sleep guidelines that will help you ensure your new baby sleeps safely and soundly:
- Use only a tight fitting bottom sheet made specifically for a crib mattress. No other blankets or sheets are safe to use for your baby.
- One of the best ways to reduce the risk of SIDS is to always place baby on their back to sleep on a firm, non-inclined mattress.
- Don’t place anything else in baby’s crib—no stuffed animals, crib bumpers, pillows, infant loungers, or anything else that can obstruct baby’s breathing and cause suffocation. You should follow this rule until your little one is at least 12 months old.
- Keep baby’s room at a comfortable temperature so they’re not too hot or too cold. If the room feels chilly, a wearable blanket might be helpful to keep baby cozy, but never place a hat on your baby in their crib.
- When your baby starts to pull up to sit, kneel, or stand, it’s time to drop the mattress to the lowest setting in order to prevent baby from falling out of the crib.
- Keep baby’s crib away from windows and heat sources, and make sure there are no blind strings, curtains, outlets, or other hazards that baby can access from inside their crib.
If you have any questions about safe sleep practices, visit the Safe to Sleep website or speak with your little baby’s health-care provider.