Purchasing a baby crib is one of the most important pieces of furniture you will need for your baby nursery.  When considering buying a baby crib, you should shop carefully.  If you neglect to do this, your baby’s safety could be at risk.  For instance, the screws and/or fasteners; such as, bolts must be in place and  not loose.  The sturdiness of the baby crib should be tested prior to placing your baby into any crib.

Here are some things you can do to make sure your baby is safe.

Take an object that is equal to a 4 month old baby weight and bounce it off the mattress. This will determine whether the mattress can hold its position.  If it is not able to, your baby can be seriously hurt.  

Try placing the baby crib near a window with Venetian blinds.  You can either shorten the cords or anchor them to prevent your baby from reaching the cords.  It possible, avoid placing the crib near the window.  As you baby grows into toddler and begins climbing out of the cirb, he or she could be seriously injured from a fall.

Blankets are not neccessarily a good thing to use with your baby.  Avoid anything that could put your baby at risk; especially in light of SIDS incidents today.  The best way to put your baby to bed is in a blanket sleeper.  If you must have a blanket, make sure to tuck the blanket tightly around and under the foot of the mattress with your baby’s feet touching the footboard. To prevent your baby from sliding under the blanket and suffocating, do not place the blanket any higher than his or her chest.

To prevent the risk of your baby slipping between the mattress and the bumper pads causing suffocation, make sure that the bumper pads are secured.  Bumper pads should be fastened in each of the four corners and evenly spaced on each of the two sides.  There should be sixteen ties in all, eight for the top and eight for the bottom.

The mattress should fit in the baby crib properly.  It is possible that your baby could slip between the mattress and side or end bars and suffocate.  The mattress should be snug in the crib.  The sheets used in the crib should fit properly and not slip.

There are sheet hooks available that attach to the sheet under the mattress to keep it in place.  Placing the mattress in the proper position is extremely important.  When the baby comes home, most parents put the mattress in the highest position because it is easier to reach the baby.  Lower the mattress according to the growth and activity of your baby.  If your baby can stand in the crib, the mattress should be placed at its lowest position and to add more safety, you should measure the distance between the mattress and the top of the sidebar.

More Baby Crib Safety FAQs:

How Can You Tell When Your Baby Is Ready For A Regular Bed?

When you child stands more than a couple of inches taller than the sidebar with the mattress in the lowesst position.  If you child is climbing out of the crib; this is the time to put your baby in a regular bed.

How To Put Your Baby To Sleep In His Crib?

Place your baby on his back or on his side for sleeping.  use one piece sleepers rather than blankets.  Remove all pillows and toys as well.

Can You Safely Use Bumper Pads On Your Baby’s Crib?

While bumper pads are not necessary, they can be safely used.  They must be very close to the edge of the mattress and properly secured. The bumpers must be flat, not puffy as your baby can get stuck between the bumper and the mattress and suffocate.

What To Do To Keep Your Baby’s Crib Safe?

Make sure to that all connections are secure and that there are no broken or missing parts.  Regularly check the teething rail for splits or cracks.  Make sure the mattress spring support and your crib can withstand your baby’s increasing mobility.  The mattress itself should have no splits, tears, or holes.

Can You Hang A Mobile Over Your Baby’s Crib?

Mobiles and crib gyms can be used to entertain your baby but when your child is able to get on their hands and knees and pull themselves up, the mobiles and crib gyms should be removed.  This will prevent your baby from becoming entangled in them.

In conclusion, making sure your baby crib is safe for your little one is an ongoing task.  Proper positioning of the mattress, making sure all connections are secure and that there are no loose slats that could pinch their little fingers will help to keep your baby crib a safe place for your baby.  Keeping these tips in mind will help keep your baby safe and give you peace of mind.