Looking to acquire a portable crib or play yard? First make sure you are getting a safe product!
Because they are designed to be folded for transportation, one must ensure that the portable crib you are getting doesn't pose choking, entanglement, head entrapment or suffocation hazards, as well as the danger of tipping over.
Some points to take note of when searching for a portable crib:
- The mesh weave should be no larger than 1/4 inch. Babies may get buttons, fingers and toes caught in large weave holes causing injury.
- There should be no tears, holes or loose threads, as babies may get their head, buttons, fingers or toes caught in holes or torn fabric causing strangulation or injury.
- The mattress pad in a fabric crib must not exceed one inch. A child can suffocate when caught between the mattress and the side of the portable crib.
- Folding Cribs: The top rail latches of a portable crib must work automatically to prevent the unintentional collapse of crib. If the baby tries to stand in or climb out of the crib it can collapse. Babies can suffocate when caught in the collapsed top rail.
- The crib must be free of protruding rivets, metal nuts or bolts. Ensure that there are no knobs or wing nuts on the outside legs of the crib. A baby trying to climb out of the crib can catch clothing on a protruding piece of hardware causing strangulation.
To find out if a portable crib or play yard has been recalled please visit www.recalls.gov.
