Crib Safety
Meeting Safety Standards
Any new crib that is purchased today must meet minimum government requirements. You can rest assured that if you assemble according to the manufacturer’s instructions and use the crib properly, any crib you decide on will be safe for your baby. Make sure you have no missing hardware, broken slats or cut outs on the head or footboards. The slats need to be closely placed together so baby has no risk of getting their head stuck in any way. The slats should be no more than 2-3/8” apart (some parents measure with a typical soft drink can).
Mattresses & Mattress Height
It is important to make sure you have a firm mattress that fits tightly against the sides of the crib. Most cribs and crib mattresses are made in standard sizes, so there should not be any issues. There shouldn’t be any noticeable gaps between the crib frame and the mattress; you should not be able to easily push more than one finger down between the mattress and the crib frame. Adjustable mattress height is available on most cribs to allow for a baby that can pull itself up. Options typically include from 2 to 4 height variations. Most mattresses are supported by either a wood slat frame or spring mounted metal support, although some cheaper models might have vinyl straps for support.
Convertible Cribs
Convertible cribs (sometimes called 3-in-1, 4-in-1, or life style cribs) are appealing to many new parents, as the bed will grow with the child and convert to toddler beds and later to full size adult beds. Most will require additional kits to fully convert. Sometimes it is tempting to postpone the purchase of these toddler rails and adult rails, but you might risk them not being available when you want to purchase them 2 to 3 years later.
Hand-Me-Down Cribs
Avoid older hand me down cribs, cribs from consignment stores or cribs purchased on Craigslist or eBay unless you can be absolutely confident that there are no recalls associated with it, that it meets current safety standards and has lead-free paint. Often times, used cribs come with missing hardware and may also be missing installation instructions.
JPMA Certification
The Juvenile Products Manufacturer Association (JPMA) Certification is a voluntary program developed to help guide parents and caregivers toward purchasing juvenile products that are built with safety in mind. Visit www.jpma.org and www.cpsc.org for additional information.