WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT…

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Cribs

Consider the following tips when shopping for a crib, and both you and your baby will sleep better.

That beautiful, antique crib in Grandma's attic may better serve a museum than your new baby. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, only cribs made after 1991 are likely to meet all current safety standards. Because a crib is the only children's product manufactured with the intention that a child will be left unattended, parents should be extremely careful in the selection process.

• Slats should be no wider than 2 3/8" apart, to ensure that your baby's body cannot slip through.
  
• Corner posts should protrude no further than 1/16" above the end panels. Decorative knobs and posts present a hazard of entangling your child in clothing.
  
• The mattress should fit snugly with no more than two finger widths between the edge of the mattress and the crib side. A square cornered mattress works best and provides the best in safety.
  
• For added security, use bumper pads for newborns and very small babies. Be sure to remove bumper pads when your baby becomes more active.
  
• Avoid using a crib that has been painted over by a previous owner. Lead paint can pose a serious risk to your baby.
  
• Pass up any crib with decorative cutouts that can trap a child's head or limbs.
  

Keep It Safe

Even if you buy the top-of-the-line crib, it will only protect your baby if it is correctly assembled and maintained. Consider the following advice:

• Follow assembly instructions carefully.
  
• Periodically tighten all nuts, bolts, and screws.
  
• Check teething rails for cracks. Replace rails when sharp edges appear.
  
• If you move the crib, or change the height of the mattress, be sure all support hangers are secure.
  
• Check the hooks regularly. A bent or broken hook may allow the mattress to fall and trap your baby.
  
  

  For more information on crib safety and other nursery equipment, contact the Consumer Products Safety Commission at 1-800-638-2772.