II. Epidemiology
- Crib related injury Incidence
- U.S. Crib related injuries in 2002: 34,750
- U.S. Crib related deaths in 2000: 44
- Reference
- (2003) CPSC Hazard Screening Report, Nursery Products
III. Crib
- Slats should be no more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart
- No rough metal edges
- Safe locks and latches (secure from accidental release)
- Maximal distance between mattress and top of side rail
- Crib head and foot boards should NOT be notched
- Notches allow a babies head to be entrapped
IV. Mattress
- Mattress should fit snugly
- Too small if >2 fingers fit between mattress and crib
- Set the mattress at the lowest position
- Indicated when child can pull to a standing position
V. Bumper pads
- Do not use bumper pads to cover up wide slats
- Cribs with wide slats should not be used
- Bumper pads are not safe alternative to narrow slats
- Run around entire crib
- Tie or snap into place (should have >= 6 straps)
- Trim excess strap length
- Use Bumpers until baby pulls self to standing position
VI. Older crib pointers
- Check overall condition of crib
- Anything missing?
- All Bolts and fasteners in place?
- Replacement parts available from manufacturer?
- Cover sharp or rough edges with heavy tape
- If you paint or refinish crib:
- Use only high quality household enamel paint
- Do not use old paints manufactured before Feb 1978
- Confirm that manufacturer approves for use on cribs
- Check size of mattress (See two finger rule above)
- Replace mattresses that are too small immediately
- Temporize until replace: towel rolls at mattress edge
- Avoid the use of cribs with wide-slats
- Bumper pads are not safe alternative to narrow slats
VII. General Pointers
- Do not leave items in crib child could use to climb out
- Never hang any stringed object within reach of child
- Examples
- Toy on a string
- Laundry bag
- Venetian blind cord or drapery from window
- Risk of Strangulation
- Examples
- Cut off cords or elastic on toys
- Never put a loop of ribbon or cord around baby's neck
- Loose clothing can become entangled on top of bedposts
- Avoid cribs with corner post (>1/16 inch above panel)
- Avoid loose clothing
- Replace any damaged Teething rails (may cut mouth)
- Do not use crib as a playpen
- Never use thin plastic bags as mattress covers
- Suffocation risk
- Also avoid loosely fitting sheets
VIII. Indications to Discontinue crib use
- Side rail is less than 3/4 of child's height
- Crib Extenders (extends the side rails) are available
- However slats must be narrowly spaced
- Should have no easily removed nuts or bolts
IX. Suspended Rocking Cradles associated with Asphyxia
- No longer available on market in US (sold second hand)
- Only use with locking pin in place (prevents tilting)
- As always, infants should be supine for sleeping
- Reference
X. Resources
- Danny Foundation
XI. Reference
-
(1992) U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) [PubMed]
- Phone: 800-638-8326