A crib should be the safest place to sleep imaginable, we tell ourselves. Cribs are one of the few baby products manufactured with the intention of leaving a child unattended. Therefore, every necessary measure should be taken to ensure that the crib is the safest possible environment.
Carefully follow this crib design and mattress safety checklist to prevent child injury or death:
No Older or Used Cribs with Decorative Cutouts: Grandparents love to provide such cribs for family visits to their home; however, many of these older cribs are unsafe, and many contain lead paint.
Check for Recalls: Even if a crib is still on the market, it does not mean it is safe. Go to www.cpsc.gov for a directory of cribs and how they rank.
Spaces Between Slats are Safe: Slats should be no more than 2 and 3⁄8 inches apart. All cribs manufactured after 1974 should meet this safety requirement, but measure anyway!
No Missing Slats: Missing slats can cause the child's head to become stuck, creating a lack of oxygen, causing brain damage or death.
Corner Posts No More than 1⁄6 Higher than the End Panels: Children's clothes can easily get caught on anything higher.
Top Rails Must Be High: When in position, they should be at least 26 inches above the top of the mattress. This assures the child will not be able to climb or fall out.
Address Height with Your Child's Growth: As soon as children can pull themselves up to a standing position, set and keep the mattress at its lowest position. Stop using the crib once the height of the top rails is less than three-fourths of the child's height.
Drop Latches Must Be Child-Proof: Make sure the latches cannot be released by your child.
Mattress Must Fit Tightly: No more than two fingers should fit between the edge of the mattress and the crib.
No Plastic Packaging Materials: Do not use artificial coverings such as dry-cleaning bags; plastic can cling to the child's face and should never be used anywhere near the crib.
Don Keenan, the founder of Keenan's Kids Foundation, is the author of the child safety book 365 Ways to Keep Kids Safe, which is available at www.balloonpress.com and www.amazon.com. All proceeds benefit the Keenan's Kids Foundation, www.keenanskidsfoundation.com or www.myspace.com/365waystokeepkidssafe.com.