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Creating a Safe Haven For Your Baby
For
new parents, a baby’s safety is one of the most
important priorities. Most infants’ very early
years are spent primarily in the home. But what many
new parents fail to realize is that the home can be
one of the most dangerous places for a child, and one
of the most dangerous pieces of baby furniture is the
crib. In fact, approximately 35 infants die each year
from crib-related incidents. To help prevent your child
being injured in the crib, the National SAFE KIDS Campaign
recommends the following:
Purchase
a crib that has been certified to meet national safety
standards. Look for a Juvenile Products Manufacturers
Association (JPMA) certification label. Handing down
a crib from one generation to another may carry sentimental
value, but older cribs do not always meet today’s
safety standards.
Choose
a crib with no more than 2 3/8 inches of space between
the slats or spindles. Be sure there are no missing
or loose slats or spindles -- the baby’s head can
get caught, presenting a strangulation hazard.
Test
the drop side latches to ensure that the baby cannot
open them. Be sure they work properly and are safe from
unintentional release.
Always
keep the side rail locked in its top position when the
baby is in the crib.
Use
vinyl or cloth bumper pads to keep the baby from hitting
against the side of the crib. Secure the pads with snaps
or at least six straps tied securely on the outside
of the crib, away from the baby. Trim the excess straps
to less than 7 inches so that they are not a strangulation
or choking hazard. As soon as the baby can pull up or
stand, remove the bumper pads, toys and other objects
that could be used to climb out of the crib.
Do
not use a crib that has any corner post extensions or
protrusions greater than 1/16 inch, including decorative
knobs.
Never
use a pillow in the crib and make sure no soft bedding,
plastic bags or other plastic materials are in or around
the crib.
Do
not place the crib near radiators, heating vents, windows,
window blind strings, drapery cords or other hanging
strings.
Always
place babies on their backs when putting them to sleep.
For further information, please visit the National SAFE
KIDS Campaign's website at: http://www.safekids.org
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