We know that anchoring furniture includes dressers, bookcases as well as televisions. But how do you secure your crib?
As a general rule, the most important aspects of crib safety include securely fastened crib hardware, a firm tight-fitting mattress, proper slat width and an optimally positioned crib in nursery. A crib does not need to be anchored, rather it just needs to follow those highlights.
Time to dive into detail about crib safety and why you don’t actually need to anchor your crib as long as you follow all the other steps.
Once you can sleep soundly knowing your little one is taken care of and safe, you have more space in your brain for other fun things. For example, you now have time to prep this chicken and waffle casserole (click here) or just make yourself a delicious cup of coffee made with a DIY Starbucks sweet cream foam (click here).
Crib Safety 101
1.) Securely Fastened Crib Hardware
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commision, there should be no missing, loose, broken or improperly installed screws, brackets or other hardware on the crib. How can you easily check if your crib is secure? After assembling the crib according to the directions, give it the shake test. Jiggle your freshly built crib. Does it seem sturdy or wobbly? Can you hear any rattling or squeaking?
If you ever feel like you need further assistance, now is the time to reach out to customer assistance from your crib’s company. Just think of all the time your baby will spend in their crib, it’s easily the one thing you want the safest. And remember, take your time and read directions.
If a side of the crib is missing hardware or has loose hardware, the rail can become loose. Once loose, there is a risk for baby to slip through and become entrapped. This study from 2002, showed that the most common area of crib that was found to be loose involved the side of the crib and the end panel.
2.) Firm Tight-Fitting Mattress
A firm tight-fitting mattress is the absolute best thing for your baby. In other words, this also means no memory foam topper. A crib sheet that properly fits the mattress should be the only thing your baby sleeps on.
Mattresses that don’t fit the crib tightly can risk baby slipping through the cracks, quite literally.
In January 2022, the Consumer Product Safety Commission released that ALL sized mattresses for full size cribs as well as mini cribs and play yards will be standardized and safe for use. Prior to Jan 2022, only the full-sized cribs were standardized. If you bought a play yard, mini crib, etc prior to January 2022, you had to use the mattress it was sold with.
This new regulation reduces risk for injuries related to the following;
- Suffocation hazards from overly soft mattresses, by adding a test for mattress firmness
- Entrapment hazards (think improper sized mattress in a crib)
- Laceration (or cuts) hazards related to coils and springs breaking through the mattress
3.) Proper Slat Width
Proper slat width for a crib is 2 3/8 inches. This is about the size of a can of pop for reference. Make sure there are no missing slats or broken slats. The proper width of slats is simply to ensure no parts of your baby’s body get trapped in between slats.
In addition to slats, no corner posts should be over 1/16th inch high to prevent your baby’s clothing from catching.
4.) Optimally Positioned Crib in Nursery
Where you position your baby’s cribs isn’t as straight forward when you think about it. First you have to position it away from windows, curtains and cords. Next, you have to think of vents. Finally, you have to consider where outlets are. Oye!
Here’s a little checklist for proper crib positioning in your nursery.
- Away from other bedroom furniture to prevent climbing out and injury
- Away from windows, blinds and curtains
- Avoid vents blowing direct air/heat onto your baby
- Don’t place crib under shelves
- Arm’s length away from *insert anything in nursery*
- Away from cords/electronics
What Cribs are Not Safe to Use?
I need to be the first to say, I LOVE thrifted and hand me down items. I feel like I’m leaving less of a footprint, saving money and getting the most use of a product. However, cribs are different. Proceed with caution with a hand me down crib.
All cribs manufactured since 2011 have been required to meet very strict standards set by the CPSC. Prior to 2011, it had been THIRTY freaking years since crib standards were set. Yikes! Get nosy and find out what year your crib was manufactured if getting a hand me down.
Another common feature of older cribs that is unfortunately not safe for use is the drop side rail. It’s oh so convenient putting baby in and out, but just not safe. Even if there is hardware preventing the crib rail from siding, it won’t be sufficient.
Other Important Things to Note for Crib Safety
Be sure to fill out the product registration card you received from your crib. Once you send it back, the company will have it on file and has access to reach out if they have any recalls. If they don’t receive your card, there’s no way to track who to contact in case of a recall. It’s a lot of responsibility to keep track of recalls on all your baby equipment so it’s just easier to send in the card. Period checking for recalls is also good practice.
Save nursery art for a wall not over your baby’s crib.
Be sure the paint used on your crib is non-toxic.
There should be no cutouts in the headboard or foot board so your baby’s head cannot get trapped.
Are you wondering if you can re-use an old crib mattress? As long as it hasn’t been worn out with little divots in the mattress, you’re good to go. You just want to make sure there are no pockets in the mattress or angles your new baby could potentially get caught in or become easily repositioned.
Let’s Touch Base
Is your little one having a hard time sleeping in their crib? I would love to help. Do you need help with transitioning your baby to a crib? Maybe you’re wondering if your nursery is safe and ready for baby. Email me at clementineparent2020@gmail.com I would love to hear from you.
Now that you’re all set safety wise, you need a victory treat. Check out this delicious muffin recipe (click here).