Crib Safety:

. Make sure cribs do not have slats that are more than 2-3/8 inches apart.
. Check to make sure the crib does not have splinters or cracks and that lead-free paint was used.
. Never use cribs with corner posts.
. To prevent entrapment of the child's head, legs or arms, never use cribs with decorative cutouts in the headboard.
. Check to make sure there are not crossbars on the sides of the crib.
. When the sides of the crib have been lowered, they should be a minimum of 9 inches above the mattress.
. When the baby is in the crib, always keep the sides up.
. The sides should be operated with a locking, hand-operated latch that is secure from accidental release.
. To prevent entrapment, make sure the mattress is the same size as the crib and that there are no gaps.
. The minimum rail height should be 26 inches from the top of the railing to the mattress when set at the lowest level.
. No pillows, quilts, stuffed animals, sheepskin, or other soft items should be in an infant's bed.
. Make sure your child's crib meets current federal and voluntary industry standards. Do not use older cribs. Use safety tassels for miniblinds. Remove strings from toys and pacifiers.
. Use bumper pads in the crib until your child can stand. Bumper pads can then be removed.
. Lower the crib mattress when the infant is able to sit alone. When the infant can stand, lower the mattress to its lowest position.
. Crib toys should not be strung across the crib. Remove crib toys when the infant begins to push up on hands and knees or when he or she is 5 months old.
. To help prevent a child from climbing out of the crib, never place large toys in the crib. Make sure hanging crib toys are not within the child's reach.
. Place a carpet or rug underneath the crib.
. Never use an electric blanket.

###

Information about Crib Safety was graciously shared by Dr. Patricia Keener, author of Caring for Kids: Useful Information & Hard-to-find Facts About Child Health and Development , and Riley Hospital for Children.