Babies are a wonderful addition to any family, but can add up to a lot of added expense. One of the most expensive items that you will purchase for your baby is a baby crib. It can also be one of the most dangerous.
When searching for one of these pieces of baby furniture, you should keep in mind that according to some statistics, approximately 50 infant deaths and 9000 infant injuries occur each year in crib-related accidents. Because of these facts, you should always check to ensure that any crib that you may want purchase is safe for your baby.
Baby Bassinets
There are several safety features that you should look for when purchasing a new baby crib. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has enacted regulations to ensure the safety of your baby while in these beds. You should make sure that any baby crib that you may purchase has these specifications. The first regulation states that the vertical bars or slats should be no further apart than 2 3/8" or 60 mm. This prevents the baby's body being able to fit through them and the child becoming lodged by his head.
A second regulation deals with holes or decorative cutouts on the headboard. These should not exceed 2 3/8" also to avoid your child's head being stuck. Purchasing a crib with a solid head board is probably the best way to go.
The third regulation by the Commission suggests that you check to make sure that none of the vertical bars on a crib side are broken off. You should be sure that all the bars in the crib are sturdy and intact. Any missing bars will leave a big gap that can cause your child to slip through and fall to the floor.
Other safety issues that are not addressed by the Commission but are still important for the safety of your baby include baby cribs that come equipped with wheels. A new baby crib on roller wheels may seem like a good purchase. However, there are certain factors that you need to consider when looking at this style. If your house has hardwood floors, the slightest bump will cause the crib to begin rolling. The crib will also roll if you lean against it as you are bending over your baby. Older siblings can also be a danger to the baby in a crib with wheels. Your other children may push it around, causing it to overturn or slide down stairs. You can purchase a baby crib on wheels that has a locking mechanism, but it is probably a better idea to avoid this style completely.
Another valuable safety tip is to check to ensure that the crib mattress fits inside the crib properly. The standard mattress size for a crib is 51 5/8" by 27 ¼", although some cribs on the market today do not use the standard size. To check to make sure that the crib mattress is the right size for the crib, place your fingers between the mattress and the crib sides. If you can fit two fingers side by side, the mattress is too large and may enable your baby to slide between the mattress and the crib side and end up with the mattress on top of him. Mattress firmness is also important. As soft mattresses have been linked with Sudden Infants Death Syndrome you should make sure that your baby's mattress is firm and solid.
Buying a baby crib can be one of the most important purchases you can make. By completing the safety checks that were previously discussed you will be able to purchase the safest baby crib possible.