Baby Cribs Safety - Better Safe Than Sorry

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It is a sad fact but one we have to come to grips with, not all baby cribs are

safe. Baby cribs are supposed to keep your baby safe during sleep but did you

know that when badly constructed or improperly assembled a baby crib can be a

serious hazard to your child?

No matter how expensive the baby crib is parents should use caution when

choosing a crib for the nursery, and should follow instructions to the letter.

One of the biggest mistakes some people make is they “assume” that all cribs are

safe, but whether you are using a brand new baby crib that you just bought a

couple of months ago from a reputable store or recycling the one that you used

for your older kids, or a second hand one from a garage sale it is important

that you closely inspect the crib for hazardous possibilities as they may be

lurking in places that you would not even consider remotely dangerous! Here are

some tips that can help keep your child safe in a baby crib.

Close inspection

When buying a baby crib or when you are about to use one, make sure that

everything is in place and there are no broken or bent parts. Sharp edges,

missing joints and small removable parts in baby cribs can also be dangerous as

they can be choking hazards.

Side edges and protrusions can also become strangulation hazards as blankets,

necklaces and shirts can be caught. Never buy or use cribs that have these

flaws.

Follow the instructions

Never believe that for one-minute you know everything about baby cribs just

because you have used one before. And no matter how much knowledge you think you

have, it is still imperative that you read the manual and instruction guide.

In addition to providing the step-by-step guide on how to set-up the baby crib

from the box, the manual will also contain some tips on how to properly care for

your crib and to avoid accidents while using it.

Non-toxic finishes

The baby cribs finish should be made with non-toxic materials that are

recommended for young children. As babies’ body systems, especially the immune

systems are still developing, it is important that they be protected from

chemicals and toxins in the environment. When buying a used baby crib, make sure

that the finish is sound and not flaking or peeling, also if it looks like it

has been refinished you may want to find a different crib as it would be

impossible to know for sure whether it was refinished with a child safe

non-toxic material.

Drop sides

Though the dropside mechanism in baby cribs can be very convenient, it can also

spell disaster if not working correctly or the latches are not secure. Be sure

that when you do put your baby inside the crib, you have raised the drop side

and the latches are secured. Some parents may remember to raise it up but forget

to secure it, which can lead to accidents.

Keep the crib uncluttered

Remember that the more things inside the baby crib, the greater the chances of

an accident, I’m sure you’re generally aware that anything can be a potential

choking and strangulation hazard. To help avoid this, keep the baby crib to a

bare minimum, only placing things that are absolutely necessary like a pillow

and a blanket. Toys inside the crib are okay if your baby is awake and playing

under supervision, but always remember to remove them when sleeping. Parents are

also advised to avoid placing dangling toys on the side of the crib as loose

straps may capture your baby and create a strangulation hazard.

Check for alerts and call-backs

The Consumer Product Safety Commission lists safety tips, alerts and call-back

warnings on baby cribs on their website at www.cpsc.gov and should be followed.

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