Crib Safety 2-Informational Video by CIRP

Whether sleeping or awake, newborns and infants spend most of their time in cribs. Even though cribs are the safest sleeping space for young children, every year almost 8,000 injuries are associated with these products. Taking a few safety precautions can help prevent these injuries from happening in your home.

Never place a baby to sleep on a soft surface such as a water bed, soft mattress, pillow, or even an adult bed. The soft surface can cause a baby to suffocate. Babies should sleep on their backs, on a firm mattress.

Bare cribs are best. Do not put pillows, blankets, sleep positioners, bumper pads or stuffed toys in the crib with the baby. Use sleepers or sleep sacks instead of blankets to keep the baby warm. Some parents think a bare crib looks too empty, but this is the best way to keep your baby safe.

Check the crib often to make sure it is in good shape. Never use a crib with loose or missing pieces.

Crib tents and canopies are not safe to use over cribs. Children can get trapped or strangled in them if they try to get out.

Place cribs and other nursery furniture away from windows. Keep cords from window blinds, curtains, and equipment like baby monitors out of reach. And if possible, use cordless window treatments.

Remove any mobiles or other hanging toys when the baby is able to get up on all fours. This usually happens around 5 months of age.

When your child can pull up or stand, adjust the mattress to its lowest position. The crib sides should be at least 26 inches above the mattress support to prevent falls.

Check the manufacturer information to know when your child will outgrow the crib. This generally occurs when your child reaches 35 inches in height.

For more information on crib safety and selecting the right crib, visit the resource library on our website at www.injurycenter.org.

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• CIRP
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