Baby crib safety

Experts say cribs are a safe place for babies to sleep from birth until they're ready for a toddler bed at about 2 or 3 years old. All cribs sold in the U.S. must conform to Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards, which are designed to improve safety and reduce crib-related deaths and injuries.

A number of recent recalls related to drop-side cribs prompted the CPSC to approve new safety standards that went into effect in June 2011. The most significant change in the new federal requirements is the ban on the production or sale of traditional drop-side cribs. This comes with a stricter safety standard for all crib styles.

Although a basic crib can be just as safe as a fancy one, many costlier cribs come with added features designed primarily to make crib use more convenient for caregivers. Inexpensive cribs usually have a two-level mattress height adjustment, while more expensive models may have four or even five levels. An adjustable mattress height gives parents the option of having a very young baby sleep higher in the crib within easy reach. The crib mattress should be set to its lowest height as soon as the baby can sit or pull up (about 6 to 8 months), so extra mattress levels are only a short-term convenience.

Many baby cribs are also convertible, meaning they can be made into toddler beds or even full-size beds once the baby grows out of the crib. Experts say this useful feature can extend the life of a crib but also adds to the cost, typically requiring the extra purchase of conversion kits. Besides, many parents end up using the crib for younger siblings before they get a chance to convert it to a toddler bed.

Expert reviewers offer the following advice when shopping for a crib.

  • Don't buy a used crib. New cribs must conform to CPSC safety standards designed to reduce the risk of crib-related injury or death. Experts warn that older cribs may have hazards such as drop sides, lead-based paint, unsafe gaps between spindles, or decorative cutouts and posts that could present an entrapment or strangulation hazard. Used cribs, even up-to-date models, could have hard-to-spot damage or missing hardware, making them less safe than a basic, inexpensive new crib. In light of the strict new safety standards that went into effect in June 2011, it's especially important for parents to purchase a new crib because many secondhand and antique models available online may not conform to the new requirements.
  • Check for recalls. Before purchasing any crib, always check with www.cpsc.gov to be sure it hasn't been the subject of a safety recall.
  • Correct assembly and installation is important. Many injuries associated with cribs are actually the result of faulty installation. Experts suggest that unless you're confident in your ability to assemble the crib properly, it might be worth the added cost to have it professionally set up and installed. Some models are more difficult to assemble than others, so it's worth reading consumer reviews before purchase to get a sense of how difficult assembly may be.
  • Consider JPMA certification. While some experts say buying a crib certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association increases the likelihood that your crib will be safe, others say the designation is overrated. To use the JPMA seal, manufacturers must submit their products to independent testing. Since the process costs $10,000 or more, some smaller companies don't pursue JPMA certification. All cribs sold in the U.S. must still meet federal standards, which are similar to those required by the JPMA.
  • Simple cribs are generally best. Decorative cutouts, pillows and other soft bedding are potentially hazardous. Even crib bumpers are controversial, with some experts advising against them for babies less than a year old. Although extra accessories may look nice, a simple crib with a firm, snug-fitting mattress is safest for babies.
  • Don't put off your crib purchase until the last minute. While some popular cribs can be purchased in store and taken home immediately, many higher-end models could take weeks to arrive. Nor is it unusual for a ready-to-assemble crib to arrive with missing or the wrong parts. Experts advise ordering a crib well ahead of the expected due date and to confirm delivery times before finalizing the purchase. If you choose a convertible crib, many reviewers suggest buying the additional bed conversion kits at the same time, since the vendor or manufacturer may not have these accessories in stock later on.

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