You probably already know (or are about o find out) that when you become a parent, sleep suddenly becomes the luxury of all possible luxuries. Between nighttime feedings, changes, burping and driving to the hospital because you think that 37.8 may be a fever…the last thing you want to worry about is if you’ve made the right choice about the baby furniture. At BABY LAND, we are here to help you make the right decision for your needs and answer any questions you may have so that you will be able to spend less time worrying and more time bonding with the most important person in the world – your new baby. Here are some tips to keep in mind when shopping for a nursery so that both you and your little one will sleep better.
An older heirloom crib is not likely to meet the current safety standards, no matter how beautiful it may be. Generally speaking, if you are going to use an older crib, make sure that it was made after 1991 because according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, only cribs made after this time are likely to meet all current safety standards. Since a crib is the only children's product manufactured with the intention that a child will be left unattended, you should be very careful when choosing one. Here are some things to look for to make sure a crib is safe:
- The slats on your baby's bed should be no further apart than 2 3/8 inches apart. This is to prevent your baby's head from becoming trapped between the slats.
- The mattress should fit snugly in the crib with no more than two finger widths between the edge of the mattress and the edge of the crib
- Be sure that any paint used on your crib is not made with lead paint. This is not usually a problem with newer crib models that you buy in stores. But you will want to check out and older cribs or cribs that have been painted by previous owners.
- Watch out for the decorative cutouts on the head board and foot board of the crib. It can actually trap your baby's head. It is best to avoid these.
- The top rails of the sides of the crib, when raised, should be at least 26 inches above the top of the mattress in the lowest position. When your child can pull up to a standing position, drop the mattress to its lowest position. Once your child is more than a few inches taller than the crib or can easily climb out of the crib, it's time to move to a toddler bed.
- A note about convertible cribs: many cribs available today have the ability to transform from a crib to a day bed, to a double bed. These can be very handy and practical but may require certain tools or extra kits. Be sure to ask when buying a convertible crib.
- Some people may recommend that for added security, you use bumper pads for newborns and very small babies. In recent years, this last point has become increasingly controversial. Some health agencies and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) awareness groups are recommending that parents skip the crib bumper, saying that using these products may actually put children at greater risk for suffocation or death. I personally, did use bumpers with my kids (until they were able to lift themselves up onto their feet) and have never had any problems, but this is a decision that each parent will have to make for themselves.
- Never use a pillow in the crib. It can smother a baby.
- Follow assembly instructions carefully.
- Periodically tighten all nuts, bolts, and screws.
- Check teething rails for cracks. Replace rails when sharp edges appear.
- If you move the crib, or change the height of the mattress, be sure all support hangers are secure.
For more information on crib safety and other nursery equipment, contact the knowledgeable and friendly staff at BABY LAND at (905) 761-0301
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