Securing Your Infant Crib

The first factor to consider in crib safety is the placement of the crib itself. Keep in mind that as your child begins to grow, he or she will become more adventurous over time. As a result, you should make sure the crib doesn’t provide access to certain objects within reach such as lamps, hangings, light fixtures or chords which can pose a potential danger to your child. Instead, place your child’s crib in an area where it’s relatively isolated from other segments to limit the potential damages or dangers posed by placement.

Even when you have your crib in a safe place, make sure all items within the crib are safe and don’t pose potential choking hazards. Many children are comforted by mobiles which provide pleasant music and movement for young children. Modern mobiles have limited strings (less than six inches) to limit the safety risk. If you’re using an older or homemade mobile make sure it meets all proper safety requirements.

Once you’ve made sure the child’s crib is securely placed, always check the exterior of the crib meets modern safety standards. In particular, the crib slats should be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart – otherwise, they may pose a potential hazard. While modern cribs are designed to meet these standards always double check older or antique cribs for safety. You want to make sure the openings on the side of the crib won’t cause him or her to get stuck and there are no posts which cause potential dangers. Additionally, padded bumpers on your new crib are no longer recommended by Health Canada (http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/pubs/cons/cribs-lits_enfants-eng.php). Ideally, you want your new crib built according to the latest consumer safety standards.

Another important factor to keep in mind is the risk of your child falling out of the crib. You can ensure this by having the mattress at a relatively low level(particularly when you child can sit-up) with a crib that sits closer to the ground. Importantly, the railing should be fully secure to limit any potential risk of a child falling out of the side. When deciding upon a crib and accessories make sure you fully account for any risks that can incur during a fall.

After taking time to ensure your child is secure in his or her crib, also make sure your child is comfortable. The bedding and mattress in the crib should be safely secured to the furniture. When using a blanket always opt for a baby blanket which reduces the risk of overheating or getting suffocated. At the same time, you’ll want to use special crib sheets which fit securely into the area and limit any potential risks. The baby’s mattress should fit securely and should be relatively firm while also providing for your child’s comfort.