Crib Safety- from Assembly to Use
with
Kafety Moore
Crib safety starts with proper assembly and ends when your child graduates to a bed. Follow these tips and ensure both you and your child will sleep better.
Transcript: Crib Safety- from Assembly to Use
Hi I am Kathy Moore for About.com Parenting. Though buying a crib is a necessary task for every new parent, using the crib correctly is even more important. This program offers some basic crib safety tips.Safe Crib Assembly:
- First, be sure the crib has been assembled according to the manufacturers directions. Most stores will assemble your crib for an additional charge. You might consider this option if you are uncertain about your abilities to put the crib together properly.
- Check all screws and hardware regularly and tighten them if necessary. Inspect your crib periodically to see that it is free of loose or peeling paint or varnish, and that the wood doesn ot have rough corners, edges or splinters.
Crib Saftey- What to Look for
Be sure the mattress fits snugly in the crib. There should be no gaps between the sides of the mattress and the crib frame. This will keep the baby from slipping between the mattress and the side rails.What Goes in your Crib
Soft bedding and plush toys in the crib can pose a suffocation hazard. Be proactive in preventing suffocation by keeping soft bedding or toys out of your babys crib. In most cases, bumper pads are OK as long as they are secured closely and tightly to the crib rails.Safe Crib Placement
Do not place your crib near a window. An older baby could reach for and get tangled in window bind or curtain cords, or even pop the screen out of a window.Safe Cribs at Different Ages
Once your child can stand, remove any bumper pads and mobiles and set the mattress to the lowest setting. This will help prevent an unwanted escape and possible entanglement. If your child is old enough to figure out how to climb out of the crib, it is probably time to transfer them to a regular bed.These few simple steps will help ensure your baby sleeps more safely, and soundly, so you can too. Thanks for watching.
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