If you are a mom-to-be planning your baby's nursery furniture and decor, the thought foremost in your mind probably is that you need to make sure that you create a safe environment for your precious new charge. The cot bed is the place where the infant will be for a substantial part of each day. What are the most important baby crib safety tips you need to keep in mind when decorating a nursery?
Bodies such as the Juvenile Products Manufacturer's Association has a certification program and seal that reassure parents that a particular product has been thoroughly tested. Products only qualify to receive the seal it they meet or exceed the standards as set by the industry watch dog, ASTM International. Always check for this certification seal before making a buying decision.
1. Spacing Of Slats
All the cot beds that are certified will have slats that are no more than 2 3/8 inches apart. This is an extremely important baby crib safety aspect. If you want to bring in an antique heirloom, make sure that it has the required spacing between the slats, otherwise do not use it. It just isn't worth the risk. You need to check the slats from time to time to make sure that they are secure. Never use a baby bed if some of the slats are missing. Many older baby furniture versions have cutouts in the headboard or footboard. This is an absolute no-no. The side bar needs to be 26 inches above the mattress when it is in its lowest position.
2. Crib Mattress Measurements
Don't use an inferior mattress that fits loosely into the base of the bed. The fit should be snug and fairly tight. Baby crib safety regulations specify that you shouldn't be able to fit more than two adult fingers (about 1 inch) between the mattress and the edge of the cot. The sheet should also be a tight fit and you need to be sure that it will remain in place. Rather struggle a bit with the crib bedding. This is far better than exposing your baby to the risk of getting trapped. Move the mattress to the lowest position as your baby becomes more mobile. Never use any form of plastic to cover a mattress. This is extremely dangerous.
3. Beware Of Window Blinds
Position this piece of nursery furniture as far as possible away from windows with window blinds, drapes or shutters with long cords. An accident happens in an instant. Remember to keep your eyes open for possible hazards around the bed. Don't just focus on infant crib safety itself.
4. Cut Down Corner Posts
A cot with corner posts of more than 1/16 of an inch above the panels will never pass the JPMA inspection. It represents a strangling risk, as a baby's clothes can get caught there. Remove these dangerous lengths and make sure that you sand the area down smoothly. Of course, if there are canopy posts that are more than 16 inches in length above the panels, this should be fine as far as baby crib safety is concerned.
5. Finishes And Finery
Check all the hardware regularly to make sure that everything is tight and secure. Loose screws or brackets present a danger. The finish on the wood should be non-toxic. Handle this with care to prevent peeling and chipping. Don't use abrasive or toxic cleaners. Check that the wood remains smooth. Splintering or damage to the edges can injure your baby.
6. Nap-Time No-No's
Remove all stuffed toys, pillows, quilts or comforters or other stuffed items during nap-times. All of these can turn into a suffocation hazard when you turn your back. Cover your baby with a light receiving blanket if necessary. Pull it up only to the chest and keep it away from the child's face. Tuck it in securely around the mattress. Make sure that the baby isn't too hot. For baby crib safety's sake you may even want to consider looking at alternatives such as a sleep sack. By using this, you can avoid using blankets.
7. Bye-Bye Crib Bumpers
Bumpers and mobiles are fine until the baby is old enough to pull himself into a standing position. At that time it is safer to remove these. Also try to get bumpers that aren't so stuffed that they look like pillows. These may be dangerous. Keep bumpers securely fastened at all times.
If the baby furniture comes with a drop side, always double check that it is up and secure before you leave your infant. When you put your baby down for a nap elsewhere, make sure that it is never on a soft surface such as a sofa or beanbag. If you travel and use a cot in a hotel, do a thorough check to make sure that it is safe. Ask your pediatrician about the safest sleep position for your baby.
Rather spend a few dollars more and get the best you can afford. You can never pay too much attention to baby crib safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
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QUESTION:
Should i put karvol on the babies cot bumper?
It says to put it on a handkerchief and tie it to the cot, but i don't have one. Would it be okay on her bumper?
It was recommended by the doctor for her cold. I've tried steam, and saline spray only helps for an hour then she wakes up crying again because her nose is blocked.-
ANSWER:
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QUESTION:
Why do you have to remove the baby's cot bumper?
If they are walking?
That's why I was asking Kat....I never had one on mine at all but now the baby is 9 months she keeps getting her legs stuck too!-
ANSWER:
I removed my son's once he started pulling up. I do however have flat blankets rolled up against the sides (not big enough to push up on) so if he rolls into the sides during the night he doesn't knock his head.As for suffocation- baby's risk of SIDs decreases dramatically once they are able to roll over (i.e. into the bumper). As long as you do not have a lot of loose blankets and toys she will be fine.
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QUESTION:
at what age should i remove the cot bumper from my baby's cot?-
ANSWER:
I would remove it as soon as it can cause danger, like when your baby's old enough to use it to climb out of the cot.
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QUESTION:
Is it safe to use a cot bumper for a baby that can sit unaided?
I never got around to buying a cot bumper but have just decided to look for one now as I think they look nice, but I've just read a description for one that says suitable from birth to when baby can sit unaided, which mine has recently begun to do. Is this the case for all cot bumpers and if so why?Also, while I'm here, could I just ask when is it ok to begin using a pillow for a child to sleep on? I know it won't be any time soon (my son is just under 8 months), but was just wondering for future reference when I'll be able to give him one?
Thanks!
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ANSWER:
Although crib bumpers are theoretically designed to prevent injury to a baby, a recent study by pediatric researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis conclude that the risk of accidental death or injury to an infant from using them outweighs any possible benefits.In the study, which appears in the September 2007 issue of The Journal of Pediatrics, the researchers reviewed three U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission databases for deaths related to crib bumpers and crib related injuries from 1985-2005. In the search they found 27 accidental deaths reported by authorities of children from 1 month to 2 years of age that involved bumper pads or similarly padded bassinets.
Due to the under-reporting of cases and lack of a consistent protocol of scene investigations and autopsies, the deaths in this study should be considered a minimum number, the study said. Of the 27 deaths, 11 infants died with their face resting against the bumper pad, 13 infants died from being wedged between the bumper pad and another surface and three infants died from strangulation by a bumper tie.
“Many infants lack the motor development needed to free themselves from a potentially dangerous situation,” said Dr. Bradley Thach, MD, professor of pediatrics who researches infant apnea and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). “They are likely to suffocate because they are rebreathing their exhaled air instead of fresh air or their nose and mouth are compressed.” Dr. Thach is also a member of First Candle’s Board of Directors and chair of the organization’s Medical & Scientific Advisory Council.
The study also examined 22 retail crib bumpers for features that could be hazardous to infants. They graded bumpers for softness and measured the potential space between the bottom of the bumper and the mattress, the width of the bumper pads and the length of the fasteners that attach the bumper to the crib (see full text of study). Thach said that all of the retail bumper pads they examined were hazardous because they all potentially leave a space between the pad and the mattress where babies can get their faces wedged.
The CPSC database was also searched for cases of non-fatal crib injuries and found 25 reported cases. A review of these cases indicated that most were not serious injuries and might or might not have been prevented by bumper pads. Because of the potential gap between the pad and the mattress, it is still possible for an arm or leg to pass through the rails. It is conceivable that in these cases, the bumper could actually increase the likelihood of injury, making it more difficult for the baby to extricate the limb. The researchers noted that the seven reported cases of limb fractures and a closed head injury were likely not caused by accidents. It is not feasible to imagine that an infant could exert a force sufficient to cause these type injuries.
In conclusion, because bumpers and similarly padded bassinets can cause death and prevent only minor injuries, Thach recommends that parents not use bumper pads in cribs or bassinets. “It doesn’t appear that bumper pads are doing any good,” he says. “Although the deaths and injuries may be rare events, they are preventable by eliminating the use of bumper pads.”
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QUESTION:
why do you have to remove a cot bumper when a baby can sit unaided?-
ANSWER:
You're never supposed to use a bumper. The use of bumpers has been linked to an increase chance of SIDS. If anything, it is only OK to use a bumper once baby can roll over and has good head control (3-5 months).Baby could use the bumper as a "step" to climb out of the crib, but as long as you don't leave your baby alone and awake in the crib for a long time, it shouldn't be a problem.
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