Crib Safety Information
One of the decisions you’ll need to make as a new parent is which crib and crib mattress to buy. This may sound like a minor purchase, but in reality it’s quite an important choice. Due to safety concerns, you will need to make sure that your crib mattress is the perfect size for the crib frame, that it is made of safe and healthy materials, and that it provides enough support for your baby. An unsafe crib mattress can contribute to what is known as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), or “crib death.”
Babies require more support and a firmer mattress than older children. The reason for this is they can suffocate on a mattress which is too soft and which they can sink into. Similarly, if a mattress is not sized correctly, an infant may be able to crawl underneath it, which can also result in suffocation. While the temptation may be to think that softer is more comfortable, and that a lot of pillows and fluffy bedding will make the crib more cozy, they can also make it more dangerous. Newborns should not have any pillows or toys in the crib with them. When your child gets older, you can get him or her a softer mattress. Indeed, many crib mattresses come with a firmer side and a softer side. If you want to buy just one mattress for your baby which he or she can use later as a toddler, buy a mattress with two sides like this. They are quite common, and once it is safe, you can flip the mattress over and fit it on a toddler bed.
Many babies rest on their stomachs, which is how they are able to sleep the most soundly. If the mattress for your baby’s crib is too soft, the baby can be smothered. Similarly, if the materials aren’t hypoallergenic, clean, and safe, the baby can breathe in dangerous toxins. When you buy a crib mattress, make sure that the mattress you purchase meets all safety regulations and that there is a hypoallergenic cover. This cover doesn’t necessarily need to be plastic, in fact, it is often better for the baby in terms of comfort and health if it isn’t. If you can, get a waterproof cover which you can easily and regularly wash with soap and water to get keep it clean and free of germs. Good hypoallergenic covers are resistant to germs though, along with mold, mildew, and other allergens.
Obviously you’ll want to make sure you have a flame-retardant mattress, and another thing to be alert about is the materials which the mattress is made of. While a lot of crib mattresses have artificial materials inside, many keep those materials away from the surface so that your baby isn’t resting against them. Other mattresses are 100% organic and made out of cotton or other safe, natural fibers. These mattresses can be hypoallergenic and washable just like non-organic mattresses. If you choose an organic crib mattress, you can rest assured you won’t be poisoning your baby with harmful chemicals.
In terms of the safety of the crib itself, you must ensure that there are no missing or loose screws holding the crib together. Ensure that all the crib parts are properly placed and securely held together. The gap between slats on the crib should be no wider than 2.4 inches. Otherwise your infant may be able to squeeze out from between them. If you have broken or missing slats, you should repair or replace the crib immediately. Make sure that the corner posts are no higher than 1/16th of an inch to prevent your baby’s clothing from getting caught on them. Get a headboard and footboard which do not have any holes or shapes cut out of them. Otherwise your baby’s head may become stuck.
If you’re planning to buy a crib or playpen which uses mesh for the sides, ensure that the mesh holes are smaller than ¼ inch so that your baby’s buttons won’t snag on them. Check for holes or loose threads which could ensnare your baby, and make sure that the mesh is attached firmly to the framework.
The size of your baby’s mattress is also an important safety consideration. If your crib mattress doesn’t fit your crib, then your baby could squirm underneath and be suffocated or crushed. With that in mind, buy standard crib mattresses for standard crib sizes and portable crib mattresses for portable cribs. If your crib is an unusual size or shape, you may need to purchase a custom mattress as necessary to fit the crib. Many companies will let you order a mattress to your exact specifications. The simplest solution is to buy the same brand of crib and crib mattress to ensure a perfect fit.
After you have ordered your mattress, place it in the baby’s crib and check the size again yourself using the “two fingers check.” All you need to do is place two of your fingers together and then push them into the gap between the mattress and the crib. If you can fit both in the gap, your mattress is still too small. If you can only fit one finger in, then your mattress is an appropriate size. If the fit is even firmer than that, that’s even better.
In terms of firmness, you may think you need a mattress with coils to provide firm support, but you can also go with a lighter weight foam mattress if you like and still be perfectly safe. Foam mattresses are easier to change and also easier to move. They use newer technology, and you may find one of these types more convenient than the innerspring mattresses. The organic mattresses, which use newer designs yet, are also made to provide firm support.
Finally, check out the reviews on any crib or mattress which you’re considering purchasing. Reading the stories of real customers is a great way to find out about the pros and cons of a given mattress or crib, the potential issues you might encounter, and even the quality of the customer service offered by the manufacturer. Parents need to be aware of important crib safety information and guidelines to ensure their children are in a safe, healthy and comfortable environment.
