by Martin Smith

The crib is where your baby will spend a lot of their time and you want to be sure they are safe. Below are some of the questions (with the answers) that are asked about crib safety. Topics such as mattress position, how to place your baby in the crib, and general safety standards are discussed, as are other issues. If you need further information you can search the Internet and visit baby furniture stores.

Q. Are there safety standards for baby cribs?Yes there are some very exact standards for your baby’s crib. In 1974 it was made law that cribs should no longer be painted with lead based paint. It was discovered that the ingestion of lead (from any source) could cause learning disabilities and other difficulties in young children. The slats of the crib must be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart, this is to prevent your baby from getting his body or head stuck between the bars causing injury or strangulation. The side bar should be 26 inches above the mattress when it is in its lowest position. If your child is more than an inch taller than the sidebar it is time to move him into a regular bed.

Q. Are there some hazards in my baby’s crib that I need to be aware of?Your mattress must fit snugly in the crib; an ill-fitting mattress could cause your baby to slip between the mattress and the side bar causing suffocation. The mattress height should be able to be adjusted into at least three different levels. When your baby becomes more mobile you will want to put the mattress in the lowest position to prevent your baby from climbing or falling out. The slats should be tight, loose slats could pinch little fingers. Do not put the crib near a window to prevent your baby from possibly falling out or becoming tangled in Venetian blind cords.

Q. What are some historical facts about the crib?Here is a short chronological time line of crib facts:

1973 – The standard for crib slats was to be no more than 2 3/8th inches apart to prevent your baby from slipping through or getting their head stuck. Also, double latches for drop-down sidebars were to become the norm.

1976 – The standard for cutouts in the crib end panels are presented. The end panels must not have any decorative cutout designs. Children were getting their limbs or heads caught causing serious injury or death.

1978 – Cribs must now be painted with non-toxic finish.

1981 – Two models of cribs with cutouts are recalled.

1988 – A voluntary standard addresses mattress support hardware, failure of glued or bolted connections, drop-side latch failure and loosened teething rails.

1990 – No corner posts or projections can be more than 1/16th of an inch above the drop-side.

1998 – California and Washington mandate that hotel cribs must meet the same standards set for full-size cribs

1998 – Portable cribs must now meet the same standards as full-sized cribs.

Q. How can I tell when my baby is ready for a regular bed?

When your child stands more than a couple of inches taller than the sidebar with the mattress in the lowest position. If your child is climbing out of the crib, for his safety put him in a regular bed.

Q. How should I put my baby to sleep in his crib?Place your baby on his back or on his side for sleeping. Use one piece sleepers rather than blankets. Your baby could slip under the blanket and possibly suffocate. Remove all pillows and toys as well, in order to prevent suffocation.

Q. Is it safe to cover my baby with a blanket?A blanket sleeper will keep your baby sufficiently warm while sleeping. If you absolutely need to use a blanket, tuck it in around the bottom of the mattress. Place your baby with his feet toward the end-panel and the blanket should go no higher than his/her chest.

Q. Is a mesh sided crib safe to use for my baby?Yes, a mesh crib is safe provided the mesh is less than 1/4 inch in size, smaller than a tiny button on babybs clothes. The should be rips, tears, or loose threads. If staples are used to attach the mesh they must not be exposed and the mesh must be securely attached to the top rail and the floor plate.

Q. Can I safely use bumper pads in my baby’s crib?While bumper pads are not necessary, they can safely be used. They must be very close the edge of the mattress and properly secured. The bumpers must be flat and not puffy, as your baby could get stuck between the bumper and the mattress and suffocate.

Q. What can I do to keep my baby’s crib safe?In order to keep your babybs a safe place, you should make sure to all connections are secure and that there are no broken or missing parts. Regularly, check the teething rail for splits or cracks. Make sure the mattress spring support and your crib will withstand your baby’s increasing mobility. The mattress itself should have no splits, tears, or holes.

Q. How can I tell when it’s time to lower the mattress?When your baby becomes more active, when s/he begins to pull himself to a standing position or when he sits up alone it will be time to lower the mattress to prevent your little one from either climbing out or falling out.

Q. Can I hang a mobile over my baby’s crib?Mobiles and crib gyms can be used to entertain your baby but when your child is able to get on to their hands and knees or pull themselves up. This will prevent your baby from becoming entangled in them.

In ConclusionMaking sure your baby’s crib is safe, is an ongoing to task. Proper positioning of the mattress, making sure all connections are secure and that there are no loose slats that could pinch little fingers will help to keep your baby’s crib a safe place for him to be. Be sure to place him in the crib on his back or side and dress him in a sleeper rather than using a blanket. Keeping these tips in mind will help keep your baby safe and give you some peace of mind.

About the Author
Martin Smith is a successful freelance writer providing advice for consumers on purchasing a variety of Nursery Bedding which includes Baby strollers, Baby car seats, and more! His numerous articles provide a wonderfully researched resource of interesting and relevant information.

by Elizabeth Pantley, author of The No-Cry Sleep Solution

When your child moves from crib to bed it’s a milestone in his life as well as yours. There is no precise time for making this move, though typically it’s between the first and third birthday. The key to success is to be patient and allow your child time to adjust to the change.

Why move a child from crib to bed?
If a child sleeps well in his crib, don’t rush the change. Switching to a bed gives a child freedom and brings new issues for parents, such as the yo-yo syndrome or early morning wanderings. The most common reasons to switch:

• Your child learns how to climb.
  — Move your child out of the crib when the rail is up to the level of his nipples, since climbing out is more possible.
• Your child outgrows the crib.
  — Don’t assume it’s time! You may think that he’s uncomfortable, but he may be content in his little nest.
• Your child asks for a bed.
  — If she’s old enough, then go ahead and take the leap.
• Your child is learning how to use the toilet.
  — Even if your child uses the toilet during the day, it’s often a long while before bedtime dryness happens.
• A new sibling is on the way.
  — If your little one loves his crib, then ousting him to make room for the newcomer may add stress. If you feel that the time is right then make the change two months or more before your newborn arrives.

What kind of bed should my child move to?
There are a number of options for a child’s first bed:

• Toddler bed
  These are small, low and child-sized. They have guard rails on all sides, and come in playful designs.
• Regular bed
  A common choice is a mattress, box springs and bed frame (with all sides protected from fall-outs). Consider a double or bigger size to accommodate the night-reading ritual.
• Mattress on the floor
  A popular choice is a mattress or futon on the floor. This provides your little one with a big-kid bed, but one that prevents any painful falls.
• Bunk bed
  Hold off on a bunk bed until your child is 6 years old, when it is considered safe.

How do we make the change?
Which approach is best for you will depend on your reasons for making the change, your child’s personality, and the size of his room. Here are a few options:

• Big-kid bed hoopla
  Some children enjoy having an official Big Kid Day party. Set up the bed, decorate the room and add a few sleep-related gifts like books and stuffed animals.
• One-step-at-a-time
  Take the mattress out of the crib and place it on the floor in the place as the crib was. This gives your child the same sleeping surface and view of the room as he’s accustomed to. Place guard rails around the sides to create a crib-like enclosure. Keep the same bedding and crib toys. This is a mid-step between the crib and a real bed.
• The gradual introduction
  Set up the new bed in the same room with the crib. Allow your child to play on the bed and nap there. Do your bedtime reading in the new bed. This will help your child get used to the bed gradually.

Patience and encouragement
No matter which path you choose – be patient. Big steps toward growth often happen in spurts, and your child may be excited to welcome the change one day, but wary of it the next. Maintain your nightly bedtime routine and help your child develop a positive association with his new bed, since he’ll be sleeping there for many years to come.

Copyright Elizabeth Pantley. (McGraw-Hill, 2003)

About the author:
Elizabeth Pantley is the author of several books, including Gentle Baby Care : No-cry, No-fuss, No-worry — Essential Tips for Raising Your Baby, The No-Cry Sleep Solution: Gentle Ways to Help Your Baby Sleep Through the Night, Kid Cooperation (with an introduction by William Sears, MD), Perfect Parenting, as well as her latest The No-Cry Sleep Solution for Toddlers and Preschoolers and is also president of Better Beginnings, Inc. She is a popular speaker on family issues, and her newsletter, Parent Tips, is seen in schools nationwide. She appears as a regular radio show guest, and has been quoted in Parents, Parenting, Redbook, Good Housekeeping, American Baby, Working Mother, and Woman’s Day magazines. Visit Elizabeth’s web site http://www.pantley.com/elizabeth.

By Armin Brott

Dear Mr. Dad: My year-old child has begun to climb out of the crib at night. How do I keep her safe?

Start by thinking about her environment in larger and larger circles, from the crib to the door. First, the crib. There get rid of all those bumpers (those oh-so-cute fabric pads that used to protect your baby from banging her head against the inside of the crib). Bumpers make great stepping stones for climbers. Also, take all those big stuffed animals, pillows, and heavy comforters out of the crib. These items were dangerous as suffocation hazards when your baby was small. Now that she’s bigger, they’re tickets to freedom.

Start by explaining to your child that this is her very own, safe, special bed, and that she can sleep there all night, just like Mommy and Daddy do in their bed. Then, if you haven’t done it already, adjust the crib’s mattress so it’s at the setting closest to the floor. If the lower mattress and lack of climbing materials still don’t prevent escape, you have a few options.

You might consider buying one of the commercially available safety nets that fit over the top of the crib like a large dome. These nets always seem a little like you’re imprisoning your child, but they’re a temporary solution (they’re also excellent for keeping roaming pets out of the crib).

If safety nets aren’t your style, consider installing a gate across her doorway or using a doorknob safety cover that your child won’t be able to open. If you go this route, though, be absolutely sure that your child’s room is completely childproofed.

As your child approaches two, she’ll begin associating climbing and jumping with the possibility of falling, and may become more cautious on her own. You can help the process along by reminding her—“Remember how you fell down and bumped your head and cried?”

Whatever you do, don’t just give up and put pillows around the crib, as some people do. Because pillows can shift around and expose the bare floor, this is not a good long-term solution.

The next step is a “big girl bed,” which can be a mattress on the floor or a twin bed. The twin bed should be pushed against the wall, with a bed rail on the outside. This all applies until it is time for potty learning, when the world gets even bigger!

About the Author:
Armin Brott, hailed by Time as “the superdad’s superdad,” has written or co-written six critically acclaimed books on fatherhood, including the newly released second edition of Fathering Your Toddler: A Dad’s Guide to the Second and Third Years. His articles have appeared in The New York Times Magazine, Newsweek, American Baby, Parenting, Child, Men’s Health, The Washington Post among others. Armin is an experienced radio and TV guest, and has appeared on Today, CBS Overnight, Fox News, and Politically Incorrect. He’s the host of “Positive Parenting,” a weekly radio program in the San Francisco Bay Area. Visit Armin at www.mrdad.com.

By Olga Sysoef

Having a baby is the most wonderful experience a woman can have as it is a fulfillment of the biological function of the female species. After the giving birth process, the real work begins. Feeding bottles, diaper changes, immunization records are just a few of the things the new mom have to learn quickly. And one important thing to consider in the arrival of the baby is the kind of baby bedding he or she will use. According to Dr. Mark Brandenburg (www.baby-place.com/crib_safety.html), the number one rule to follow in choosing the right baby bedding for your precious infant is safety. The second rule says safety and the third rule emphasizes safety. We are to conclude that it is not enough to say it, it must be emphasized that baby bedding is critical for the comfort of the baby.

In his article on how to find the perfect baby bedding, it must be neither too hard nor too soft. In the past, sudden infant death syndrome or SIDS was attributed to very soft baby bedding. This happened when the baby’s mattress is too soft that his nose and mouth gets covered and the air he exhales is the air he breathes. This is dangerous for him since he would breath carbon dioxide rather than oxygen and the effects could lead to drowsiness, coma or even death.

There are a lot of styles and makes in choosing the baby’s bed. And with that, it follows that the baby bedding must be a perfect fit with the chosen equipment. The three major selections are: a bassinet, a crib or a cradle. What differentiates one from the other? A bassinet is an oblong-shaped basket that serves as a bed for an infant. But sometimes, round bassinets are also available. A crib is a bed that is flanked with high side bars for a baby or young child’s safety. Cribs are usually more economical since the baby can use it from infancy to two years. While a cradle is a small low bed that an infant uses that has rockers on its stand. In all these, the material used to make the equipment should alert and signal to the mom how much safety precautions are needed.

Bassinets are usually lacey and full of trimmings. The baby bedding must fit the bassinet so that the baby’s space is enough for him or her to be able to roll from side to side. The crib is usually square, thus, mattresses can be fitted to the size of the crib. The baby bedding usually is a set of coverlet and small pillows. Hotdog pillows can also be placed inside. However, the pillows should not be more than two or three lest the baby can stand on them and could fall over. The cradle can come in various sizes and shapes. Some moms prefer cradles so that when the baby is cranky, he or she can be rocked to be calmed down. The baby bedding for a cradle should follow the shape of it. Not much can be placed inside it since it is used mainly to rock the baby to sleep. However, one need not the three to keep the baby safe, warm and secure. One will do and this would depend on the parent’s preference. The most preferred would be the crib since it can be used for a long time.

Now that we’ve covered the basic equipment, how do we furnish it with baby bedding? We have already established that the baby bedding should fit the sleeping equipment to avoid accidents and other untoward incidents. The most suitable material to use is cotton as it is absorbent and cool to the baby’s skin. Different designs must be used to stimulate the baby’s color and pattern recognition. Therefore, the baby bedding is a crucial factor in keeping the baby happy and healthy.

About the Author:
Olga Sysoef is founding author at Baby Formula Advisor – a one stop informational resource on baby formula nutrition and first year baby care.

Consumers can buy organic food, organic skin care products and yes, you read it right, organic mattresses. Organic products are gaining popularity as fast as they are flying off the shelves. What are organic crib mattresses and why are they good for your baby?.

The majority of crib mattresses today contain polyurethane foam, vinyl (PVC), phthalates, chemical fire retardants, and an extensive list of added industrial chemicals. While the effects of these chemicals on your baby are largely unknown, these chemicals, in large amounts, have been linked to various childhood health problems. Some believe that they may play a role with the occurrence of SIDS in some babies. This information has been cause for many new parents to seek other product options for the mattress their child will spend a large amount of their infant to toddler years resting upon.

Organic crib mattresses are produced without any of the harmful chemicals traditional non-portable and portable crib mattresses contain. They’re made of 100% organic material, most of which is organic cotton. Organically grown cotton is great for the environment and absolutely the healthiest choice you can make for you and your family.

Just like with food and dairy products, organic mattresses must meet federal regulations and standards. The material must meet standards like being produced from renewable resources and include the conservation of soil and water to ensure the health of the environment for the future. If a product is stamped as 100% organic, by federal law, it cannot contain ingredients that harm the environment or are synthetically produced.

While you may have trouble finding organic crib mattresses in your local baby stores there are numerous sites on the internet where you can find organic mattresses as well as other organic products created to make your baby healthier and his environment safer.

By Jennifer Gove

What your baby needs and may not need.

There are so many gadget out on the market, so many cute little out fits, so many baby thing that we think we need, so many we don’t need. Simply Moms offers you a list to get you started and steer you clear of the don’t needs.

Layette
Don’t spend TONS of money on these first little out fits baby will grow really fast and many clothes they may not even get to wear!

Other stuff

By Sarah Holmes, Ph.D.

With all the different features of baby cribs, it can be a little overwhelming to sort it all out. This article reviews some of the most comon baby crib features and reviews the pros and cons of each feature.

Is the Baby Crib Made of Quality Materials and Construction? Wooden Baby Cribs/Iron Baby Cribs
You don’t often think of the material that the baby crib is made of as an actual feature to consider. But, picking a baby crib that is made from quality materials can make the difference between a baby crib that is used for years and one that you wish you had never bought. Wooden baby cribs should be stained or painted hardwoods like maple, ash, beech, or oak. The overall stability of the baby crib could be threatened by the use of inferior woods in the manufacturing process. This is due to the baby crib slates becoming weakened and/or warped with use. Baby Cribs can also be made from metal such as iron. While Iron Baby Cribs can be beautiful, the styling can be limited over time. If you plan on keeping the baby crib for years, be sure that you think you will like the metal styling in the future.

Issues to Consider with the Baby Crib Side Bar: To Drop or Not to Drop
Baby cribs are made either with fixed, single-drop or double-drop sides. If you are tall, fixed sides are fine for you. I am 5′ 8″ tall and never lower the sides of my baby’s crib. Higher end models will have side rails that lower on both sides of the baby crib. Depending on how you position the baby crib, this could be a nice feature. If you plan on putting your baby crib up against a wall, this feature won’t add any benefit to the baby crib.

There are three basic types of drop sides:

1. Knee Push- Leaning your knee against the baby crib side to lower it. This is typically a simple and quiet type of drop side.�
    
2. Foot Bar- Balancing on one foot, you push a lever to lower the baby crib side. This ma be a bit tricky depending on how you are standing on one foot.�
    
3. Double Trigger- You have to use two hands to lower the side. This style is ok as long as you are not holding the baby. But, it is not very convenient since you will most likely have your baby in your arms before you lower the baby crib side.

Ideally, you should be able to lower and raise the side rail with ease. Keep in mind that you will often have your baby in your arms when you are trying to lower the bar. When trying out a model in the store, try lowering the bar yourself while imaging that you have your baby in your arms. This will give you an idea of how easy it will be when you are trying to put your baby down to sleep. Also, be sure that the rails have locking mechanisms to prevent accidental release. You may want to consider how quietly the side rail raises and lowers. You would not want it to wake your sleeping baby.

Does the Baby Crib Allow you to Lower the Mattress?
Make sure your baby crib lets you adjust the height of the mattress. Unless you are tall, a higher mattress will make it easier for you to get your baby in and out of the baby crib. Once your baby starts to move around, you will need to lower the mattress. The baby crib you buy should have at least 2 height positions for the mattress. Some higher end models will have 3 height levels which is a nice bonus feature.

Baby Cribs with Drawers
Some higher end models have drawers in the bottom of the baby crib. If space is an issue for you, this may be a good feature to have. You may be able to put off buying a dresser for your little one. Just beon the bottoms of the drawers (if htere is space for your little one to crawl under the crib.

Baby Cribs with Wheels
Some baby cribs come with wheels. This is a very nice feature if you plan on moving the baby crib around. It can make it easier to change the linens and to clean under the baby crib. Being able to roll a baby crib into another room is also a nice flexibility to have. Metal wheels are better than plastic. Keep in mind that this could be a potential danger as well, especially if you have other children in the home. They could push the baby crib themselves (i.e. down the stairs, up against a window or furniture). Make sure that the wheels have a good, solid locking mechanism. If the baby crib that you want does not come with wheels, you can always buy high quality wheels and install them yourself or have someone install them for you.

Convertible Crib: Baby Cribs that Convert into Other Things
Many baby cribs are designed to convert to a toddler bed, a bench, or even an adult daybed for later use. While this is a very nice feature to have with your baby crib, make sure that you like what it converts to. If it converts to a toddler bed, consider how long your toddler will be able to sleep in it. You may end up having to buy a regular size twin bed in a few years if you child outgrows the toddler bed. Also, most baby cribs with this feature require an additional kit to make the conversion. Be sure to check on how much this kit will cost you before making your decision.

About the Author
Sarah Holmes, Ph.D. quit her full-time job in order to stay home with her baby girl. She created www.BabyCribCentral.com as a free resource to other new moms and dads. Her site compares prices on hundreds of baby cribs from more than 20 online stores allowing you to find the beset price with a click of a button. Her site also offers lots of information about the different types of cribs as well as all sorts of safety information about how to buy and use your new crib safely.

By Sarah Holmes, Ph.D.

A baby crib is most likely at the top of your list of things you will need for your new baby. With all of the different styles and features, it can be a daunting task to pick the safest and best baby crib for your new family member. This article on baby crib safety will review the safety features of baby cribs so that you will be able to pick out the safest baby crib for your baby.

Baby Crib Safety Standards
Currently, every new baby crib that is made must meet the industry standards set by the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC). This means that all new baby cribs, including the least expensive baby cribs, will meet the minimum safety standards. There are additional voluntary safety standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). Baby cribs which meet these additional safety standards are certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacture’s Association (JPMS). Those baby cribs that earn the JPMA certification will be clearly labeled with this information. So, rest assured that the new baby crib that you are looking at has past the basic safety standards and may have passed the additional voluntary standards set by JPMS.

The fact remains that the majority of you may be considering using an hand-me-down or buying a “previously owned” baby crib. While there are 4 million infants born in the U.S. every year, only about 1 million new baby cribs are sold annually. Some people recommended that you never buy a used baby crib or accept a hand-me-down baby crib. If you want to be 100% sure that your baby crib meets all of the current safety standards, then the best beat for you is to buy a new baby crib. Keeping in mind that approximately 26 infants die and another 11,500 are hospitalized every year due to baby crib related injuries, the majority of these tragedies do occur with older baby cribs. This being said, it is possible to test a used baby crib to see it if meets the current minimum safety standards. First, check to see if the baby crib has been recalled (www.recalls.gov). Assuming it has not been recalled, then check to see if your baby crib meets these simple minimum baby crib safety standards to ensure your baby crib is a safe place for your baby.

Minimum Baby Crib Safety Standards

1. The vertical bars or slates must be no further apart than 2 3/8″ wide.
   If the space between the baby crib bars or slates is wider than 2 3/8 inches, then a baby can squeeze its body into that space and get stuck. How to test this standard? You can either measure this space with a tape measure or try to fit a can of soda through the baby crib bars. Since soda cans are about 2 3/8″ in diameter, this is an easy test to see if a baby crib meets this baby crib safety standard. If the soda can fits, the baby crib is unsafe and should be destroyed.
2. The baby crib should have no design cutouts wider than 2 3/8″ in the headboard or footboard of the baby crib.
   Again, the danger is when a baby can lodge himself in that cut out area. It is best to avoid baby cribs with cutout areas all together. While they add a decorative flair to the baby crib, they also add a potential hazard to the baby crib.
3. Corner post should not be higher than 1/16″ high.
   While corner posts look great on adult beds, they are a strangulation hazard on a baby crib. A baby’s clothing can catch on a corner post that is higher than 1/16″. An exception to this are posts 16 inches or higher that are used to support a canopy.
4. Baby crib mattress should be firm and tight-fitting.
   If you can fit two side-by-side fingers between the side of the mattress and the baby crib wall, then the baby crib mattress is too small and poses a safety hazard. The standard mattress size is 61 5/8″ by 27 ¼”. Any new standard size baby crib should take a standard size baby crib mattress.

Other Baby Crib Safety Issues to Consider
If you plan on using an older baby crib, make sure that all of the hardware (brackets, bolts, and screws) are present and in good condition. Even one missing screw can make your baby crib unsafe. Make sure that all the hardware is properly installed and is not missing or loose. If any screws are inserted into wood and can not be tightened, then replace them with ones that can be. Keep in mind that hardware failure is the most commone danger of hand-me-down cribs.

Make sure that all the slates are in good condition meaning that they are securely attached to the baby crib and are not cracked or splintered. If you plan on painting or refinishing the baby crib, use only high quality household lead-free enamel paint. You will need to let the paint dry thoroughly so there are no residual fumes. Check the paint can to make sure that the manufacturer does not recommend against using the paint on such items as baby cribs.

The dangerous open hook design where the mattress support attaches to the corner posts is a common hazard in older cribs. Maker sure your crib does not have this type of mattress support system.

Please join the effort in getting rid of unsafe baby cribs. If you find a baby crib that does not meet these minimum safety standards, do everything you can to get the baby crib destroyed. I’m sure you would not want the unsafe baby crib to be used by a family who is not as aware of these safety issues.

About the Author
Sarah Holmes, Ph.D. quit her full-time job in order to stay home with her baby girl. She created www.BabyCribCentral.com as a free resource to other new moms and dads. Her site compares prices on hundreds of baby cribs from more than 20 online stores allowing you to find the beset price with a click of a button. Her site also offers lots of information about the different types of cribs as well as all sorts of safety information about how to buy and use your new crib safely.

By Sarah Holmes, Ph.D.

Once you have selected the best baby crib for you new baby, there are several issues to be aware of that will help you to use your new baby crib safely over time. This article reviews the important safety issues involved in safely using your new baby crib.

Where to Put Your Baby Crib: Location, Location, and Location
Carefully choose a location for your baby’s crib. It is best to avoid placing the baby crib near any windows, drapery fixtures, or furniture. The baby crib should be at least 3 feet from any window with drapery or blinds. If you have drapery cords hanging down, be sure to tie them up or cut them in half. They are a huge safety hazard for little ones. For more information on making your windows safe for children, please visit the Window Covering Safety Council website at www.windowcoverings.org. They will provide free cord-repair kits that will make your windows safe. You may also reach them toll at 1-800-506-4636. As your baby gets older, it is important to make sure that the baby crib is at least 1 foot away from any furniture or walls. The danger is that your toddler could climb out of the baby crib and get wedged in the space between the baby crib and the furniture or wall.

Using Crib Bedding Safely: The Bumper Pad Debate
There seems to be some debate about crib bedding in terms of using bumper pads. Some believe that this type of crib bedding poses a suffocation and choking hazard. Others recommend bumper pads because they prevent your baby from sticking an arm or leg through the railings. This will not become an issue until around 4 months of age. If you decide to use a bumper pads, follow these simple guidelines to make sure that you are using the bumper pads safely.

1. Make sure the bumper pad fits around the entire inside of the baby crib. There should be no area inside of the baby crib where the baby could wedge his head between the bumper and the inside of the baby crib.
2. If the bumper pad ties onto a standard baby crib, it should have a tie for each of the four corners and a tie in the middle of each long side. Ideally, the bumper pad should tie at the top and bottom edge. After securely tying the bumper pad to the baby crib, trim off the excess strings. They can pose a potential safety and choking hazard. Be sure to check to make sure it remains securely tied to the baby crib. Once your child can pull up to a standing position, it is time to remove the bumper pad. Your child could use it to try to climb out of the baby crib.

Say “No” to fluffy Crib Bedding
Even though it is tempting to put fluffy crib bedding, pillows and stuffed toys in the baby crib, it is important that you remove these items when you put your baby in the baby crib. An infant can suffocate on fluffy crib bedding like quilts and sheepskin as well as from stuffed toys and pillows. These products may cause infants to re-breathe exhaled air and suffocate. To prevent deaths from soft crib bedding, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) recommends the following:

1. Place baby on her/her back on a firm, tight-fitting mattress in a baby crib that meets current safety standards.
2. Remove crib bedding such as pillows, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, stuffed toys and other soft products from the baby crib.
3. Consider using a sleeper as an alternative to blankets, with no other covering.
4. If using a blanket, put baby with the feet at the foot of the baby crib. Tuck a thin blanket around the baby crib mattress, only as far as the baby’s chest.
5. Make sure your baby’s head remains uncovered during sleep.
6. Do not place baby on a waterbed, sofa, soft mattress, pillow or other soft surface to sleep.

Check Your Baby Crib’s Hardware for Loose Screws
It is imperative that you regularly check the baby crib’s hardware to make sure the screws and slates haven’t come loose. As you baby begins to jump and bounce around in the baby crib, the hardware could become loose. Keep in mind that most baby crib injuries come from baby cribs coming a part. At the time that I wrote this article, I had never checked my baby’s crib for loose screws (she was 20 months old at the time). When I did check it for the first time, I found several loose screws caused from her favorite activity: jumping as high as possible in her baby crib! I had never thought about the importance of checking her baby crib. Now I check her baby crib for loose hardware on a monthly basis.

Using Crib Mobiles and Other Baby Crib Toys Safely
In general, never hang anything on the baby crib or near it so that you baby could reach it. For example, never hang a toy, diaper holder, or clothing on the baby crib. If you hang a crib mobile above the baby crib, make sure that the crib mobile is completely out of reach of your baby. If you are going to use baby crib gyms, make sure they are secured at both ends of the baby crib so that it can not be pulled into the baby crib. You will need to remove the baby crib gym when you baby is 5 months old or is able to get on his/her hands and knees. It is important to remove all baby toys from the baby crib when you put your baby to sleep. Any toys left in the baby crib pose a suffocation risk.

When to Adjust the Baby Crib Mattress Height
Once your baby is able to sit up by himself, move the baby crib mattress to a lower position. When your baby can stand, be sure to lower it to its lowest position.. It will be important to remove any toys and bedding that will help your baby climb out of the baby crib. Keep in mind that parents aren’t aware that their child can climb out of the baby crib until they do it. My sister was very surprised when her 24 month old son started crying during his nap. She went in his room and found him on the floor. He had used a stuffed teddy bear to help him climb out of the baby crib. She had no idea that he was even close to being able to climb out. Luckily, he wasn’t hurt. Not all children are us lucky when they climb out of the baby crib.

The Right Time to Switch from a Baby crib to a Bed
It is time to move your child to a bed when your child is 35 inches or higher or when the side rail is less than three-quarters of his or her height. . Some children are better climbers than others. If you have a good climber on your hands, you may need to move your child to a bed when your child begins to try to climb out of the baby crib. A lot of baby crib injuries happen when a child climbs out of the baby crib and falls to the floor.

A Couple of Other Remaining Safety Issues to Consider
Never use plastic bags as mattress covers. The plastic could cling to a baby’s face and cause suffocation.

Make sure that you raise the baby crib sides to their fullest height and lock them when your infant is in the baby crib.

With all of these tips in mind, you should be able to use your new baby crib safely with your little one. It can be a fun and stimulating environment as well as a safe place to play and sleep for your child.

About the Author
Sarah Holmes, Ph.D. quit her full-time job in order to stay home with her baby girl. She created www.BabyCribCentral.com as a free resource to other new moms and dads. Her site compares prices on hundreds of baby cribs from more than 20 online stores allowing you to find the beset price with a click of a button. Her site also offers lots of information about the different types of cribs as well as all sorts of safety information about how to buy and use your new crib safely.

By Sarah Holmes, Ph.D.

Even though choosing a mattress for your new baby is not near as exciting as picking out the baby crib and crib bedding, it is a very important decision in terms of the safety and comfort of your baby. This article reviews the issues you will need to consider when picking out the best baby crib mattress that meets your needs.

Baby Crib Mattress Safety Issues
A baby crib mattress should be firm and tight-fitting. You don’t want any space between the mattress and the baby crib walls. How much space is too much? If you can fit 2 side-by-side fingers between the side of the baby crib and the mattress, then the mattress is too small and poses a safety hazard. Most mattresses come in a standard size that fit standard style baby cribs. The standard size for a mattress is 51 5/8″ by 27 1/4″.

Types of Baby crib Mattresses
Baby crib mattresses vary from expensive inner-spring models to economical polyurethane-foam styles. One is not necessarily better than the other, given that they are both of the same high quality. Foam baby crib mattresses are usually less expensive than coil mattresses and just as safe provided they are of high quality. They are also usually lighter and easier to move around if you need to pick it up to change the sheets. The question is, “How do you tell whether a mattress is of high quality?” Here are some tips that might help.

Foam Mattresses
In general, weight is a good indication of the quality of a foam mattress. As the weight goes up, the quality of the foam goes up because it means that the foam is denser. A second issue to consider is the firmness of the foam mattress. Generally, the firmer the mattress the better. Remember, one easy way to check the firmness of the mattress is to pick it up, place your hands in the middle on opposite sides, and squeeze. The harder it is to squeeze the mattress, the firmer it is. Lastly, you may want to consider the resiliency of the mattress. Resilience refers to how quickly it regains its original shape when the weight is removed from the mattress. A higher quality foam mattress will regain its shape quicker than a lower quality mattress.

Innerspring Mattresses
It can get rather technical discussing the features of innerspring mattresses. But, I will try to keep it as simple as possible. It would be nice to think that it is only a matter of the number of coils in the mattress. It is not that simple. What is more important is finding an innerspring mattress with the highest amount of steel. Definitely, more coils means more steel. But, there are other factors than can add a significant amount of steel to the mattress. For example, the largest pieces of steel are the border rods which circle the top and bottom of the mattress along the edges of the mattress. Border rods provide additional edge support which is important once your baby is able to hold on the baby crib rails and walk back and forth in the baby crib. The border rods also help distribute the weight over the surface of the mattress which helps to avoiding any sagging over time. So, if you decide on an innerspring mattress, make sure it has a border rod. Ready for some math…. Here we go. Let’s consider coils for a minute. The coil count is somewhat important in determining the quality of the mattress. Another thing to consider is the quality of the coils. It doesn’t make much sense to have lots and lots of coils if they are of poor quality and will wear out quickly. To figure out the quality of the coils, you need to look at the thickness of the coils. Mattresses with 150 coils or less will usually have a 13.5 gauge steel coil or thicker. Remember, the lower the number of gauge of steal, the thicker the steel. Once a mattress has more than 160 coils, the steal has to be thinner because there isn’t enough room for thicker steel. Are you confused yet??? Let’s just say that a 150 coil mattress with 13.5 gauge carbon tempered steel coils and 9.0 gauge steel border rods is a good all-around baby crib mattress. You can compare the baby crib you are considering to this general standard to see how it compares.

There is just one more issue to consider with innerspring mattresses. It is important to consider the layers on top of the spring coils which add cushioning and softness to the mattress. This layer is called in insulator layer and will hopefully prevent the cushioning from sinking into the coils over time. The best and most expensive material used is coir fiber. Coir fiber is actually made from shredded coconut shells made into a pad. Many other materials, all of them less expensive and of lower quality, are used as insulator pads. The most common material is miscellaneous types of scraps of cloth collected from the floors of textile mills, washed, and pressed into a pad. This type of insulator pad feels just as good as a coir fiber pad but it won’t hold up as well over time. Many baby crib mattress manufactures call this material a fiber wrap pad.

Mattress Cover
Almost all mattresses have a vinyl cover. Cheaper mattresses with have only a single layer of vinyl cover or a quilted vinyl cover. Better mattresses have a double laminated cover. The best quality covers are triple laminated, nylon reinforced covers and hospital grade vinyl covers that use a thicker vinyl. Nylon is the best reinforcing material because it allows the vinyl to stretch and give without tearing. Keep in mind that some manufactures use polyester or other type of reinforcing material. Nylon is still the best (and most expensive) in terms of preventing the vinyl from tearing when a toddler is jumping on it.

Vents
There are pros and cons about vents which you will need to weigh. Most of the higher quality mattresses have vents. Vents allow the mattress to breathe and keep the mattress from bursting should your toddler decide to use it as a trampoline. However, vents also allow any airborne particles to enter the mattress. One good point is that vents are never near a baby’s face.

There are two types of vents. Eyelet vents are small and usually circle all sides of the mattress in two or three rows. The second type consists of two larger vents on each side of the mattress. One type of vent is not necessarily better than the other.

Conclusion
With all of this information, hopefully you will be armed and ready to find a good quality mattress that meets your needs. Remember, price is not necessarily a guarantee that the mattress is of good quality. Just because a mattress costs a lot and has a long warranty does not mean that it is the best mattress. Read the label for specifications. If it doesn’t meet your requirements, then move on to the next mattress. I hope that this article helps you to make an informed decision when you buy the baby crib mattress. If you are still in doubt, ask the salesperson. The salesperson should be able to discuss in details all of the issues we have consider here. Good luck!

About the Author
Sarah Holmes, Ph.D. quit her full-time job in order to stay home with her baby girl. She created www.BabyCribCentral.com as a free resource to other new moms and dads. Her site compares prices on hundreds of baby cribs from more than 20 online stores allowing you to find the beset price with a click of a button. Her site also offers lots of information about the different types of cribs as well as all sorts of safety information about how to buy and use your new crib safely.