Crib Safety Considerations

General safety principles you’ll want to follow

Whether you decide to set up a crib for your baby as soon as your pregnancy test turns positive or months after your newborn's much anticipated arrival, there are a few general safety principles that you'll want to follow to ensure your baby's safety. Some may not seem particularly relevant during your baby's first few months, but given that cribs tend to be big-ticket items and the one you invest in is going to be put to the test for many months to come as your baby learns to roll, sit, stand, and climb in it, it's well worth considering present and future safety concerns.

• Crib slats. The slats should be no more than 2-3/8 inches apart. All new cribs must meet this standard, but older cribs may not.
• Posts and cutouts. Steer clear of bedposts taller than 1/16th of an inch and/or cutouts in the headboard (or any other parts of the crib) where a baby's or toddler's body parts could get stuck.
• Crib toys. They may seem harmless, entertaining, cute, and cuddly, but it's considered wise to keep all stuffed animals (and most toys) out of your newborn's crib because they can pose a small but nevertheless real safety risk. The exceptions are the types of toys that strap securely to the side of the crib. Some babies like mirrors or toys with parts they can play with (such as spinners, rattles, and music), but your newborn probably won't be terribly interested in them for at least a few weeks.
• Mobiles. Mobiles are special hanging toys designed to entertain your baby and can be attached to the crib, ceiling, or wall. Some are even adorned with lights or play music. They are fun but definitely optional. If you do choose to use mobiles, make sure they do not hang low enough to entangle your baby, especially once she begins to roll. In fact, once your baby is able to sit up, it will definitely be time for her mobile to come down.
• Crib placement. Unless you don't mind a bit of redecorating and rearranging when your baby starts to get around, place your crib well away from any windows and no less than an arm's reach away from any nearby dressers or table-tops. Knowing that it won't be long before anything and everything within reach will be fair game, limit your over-the-crib wall decorations to painted walls, wallpaper, or soft wall hangings. Picture frames and mirrors over cribs are often an accident waiting to happen. Be forewarned that even paper borders placed within reach of the crib, while safe, don't often stand up well to prying fingers.
• Firm-fitting mattress/fitted sheet. While they seem to be mostly standardized, cribs and mattresses can and do come in more than one size, so be sure to double-check measurements and read labels to make sure you end up with a mattress that fits snugly into your chosen crib. Any extra space between the mattress and crib frame has the potential to trap a baby's arm, leg, or head. Also make sure your fitted sheets are tight enough that they don't slip off easily, thus posing a serious safety hazard.