Crib Safety Checklist

Posted 10:38AM on Monday, August 4, 2008

To help ensure the safety of your youngest guests, follow these simple guidelines every time you prepare a crib! For wooden or metal cribs, check to see that: ~Crib has not been recalled by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). ~Slats are 2 3/8 inches (60 mm) apart or less. ~Slats are not missing, loose, cracked or splintered. ~Crib has no sharp or jagged edges. ~Mattress fits tightly into crib (i.e., no more than two fingers fit between the edge of the mattress and the crib side). ~Mattress support is securely attached to the crib headboard and footboard. ~Screws or bolts holding crib parts together are tight and none are missing. ~Corner posts are 1/16 inch (1 1/2 mm) high or less. ~Crib has no cutouts in the crib headboard or footboard. ~Drop-side latches are too difficult to be released by a young child. ~Mattress is covered with a well-fitting crib sheet (never use adult sheets). ~No pillows, comforters, stuffed animals or other soft items are in the crib. For mesh cribs and play yards, check to see that: ~Mesh crib/play yard has not been recalled by the CPSC. ~Mesh is less than 1/4 inch in size. ~Mesh has no tears, holes or loose threads. ~Mesh is securely attached to the top rail and floorplate. ~Top rail cover has no tears or holes. ~Mesh crib/play yard has no missing, loose or exposed staples. ~Use only the original mattress that was purchased with the crib. ~Mattress is low and firm, not thick and soft. ~Mattress/floorpad is covered with a sheet or floorpad cover provided by the manufacturer (never use adult sheets or other crib sheets because they won't fit). ~No pillows, comforters, stuffed animals or other soft items are in the crib or play yard. Crib Safety Ruler A few measurements are critical in assuring a safe crib environment. First, the spaces between crib slats should not be wider than 2 3/8 inches. If the spacing is wider, infants-whose heads are typically larger than their bodies-may strangle when their body slips between the slats but their head gets caught. Corner posts or finials are strangulation hazards because children's clothing can catch on them. They should never be more than 1/16 inch high. Important measurements: 1. Corner posts are no greater than 1/16 inch. 2. Crib slats spaced no greater than 2 3/8 inches apart. 3. Read the crib safety checklist in Spanish. (En Español: Lista de Seguridad de Cunas y Corrales. ) Source: Safe Kids USA http://www.safekids.org Debbie Wilburn is County Agent/Family and Consumer Science Agent with Hall County Cooperative Extension (770)535-8290,