Baby crib safety, or general child safety, is every parent's prime objective when equipping a nursery for the baby-to-be. Side-step the scary scenarios sketched in parenting magazines, and other media, with careful research. Reputable manufacturers of baby cribs are very aware of, and knowledgeable about baby crib safety standards, and adhere to strict safety regulations.
A number of organizations, such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission offer free guidelines about the do's and don'ts of baby cribs, baby bedding, and baby monitor buying. Recalls of cribs, and other products, which have been found to be unsafe, are also listed on numerous baby crib safety and child safety websites. The internet has made it easy to have the latest safety information at your fingertips.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission's recommendations include baby crib safety standards, as well as more general child safety aspects.
As far as cribs are concerned, the use of an older, second-hand baby crib, is not supported. Such a crib has in all likelihood been crafted well before the introduction of the latest baby crib safety legislation, and may therefore have potentially hazardous flaws.
One of the elements often lacking in an older crib, is the safe spacing of slats. These should never be more than 2 3/8 inches apart. A baby's tiny body parts may get stuck between widely spaced slats, loose slats, or a missing slat. Newly manufactured cribs should have this safety measure in place.
Another baby crib safety feature is a side bar that reaches at least 26 inches above the mattress. Decorative cutouts on the end panels of cribs are an absolute no-no. The side rail should be raised, and locked while your baby is in the crib. A further baby crib safety measure is to remove anything that a budding, young mountaineer can utilize as climbing gear!
Any excessive or sharp protrusions, such as corner posts where your infant can get his or her clothing entangled or caught, hampers baby crib safety. These posts should not extend more than 1/16 inch above the end panel of the crib.
Baby crib safety regulations also state that only non-toxic paints and finishes should be used in the manufacturing process. Remember that, if you refinish the crib at any stage, the same rule applies. Go over the hardware of the baby crib on a regular basis, looking for any loose components.
The positioning of the crib also features in baby crib safety strategies. Never place it next to a window, where curtains or blinds with cords can present a strangulation hazard.
Additional baby crib safety precautions include a baby monitor, such as an Angel Care Baby Monitor, or a BT digital baby monitor. Read baby monitor reviews in parenting magazines to bring you up to date with new technology, and the most trusted baby monitors.
This is just a broad guideline, covering some of the most important aspects. A quick search on the web will give you access to a wide, specialized baby crib safety knowledge base, containing all the information you need to keep your little one safe and sound.
