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Crib Safety Recommendations
Crib Safety Recommendations
Safety recommendations for the crib:
- If you have a crib, the bars should not be more than 6 cm apart so that the baby's head does not pass between them. Neither the head nor the foot of the crib should have openings through which the baby's head could become trapped.
- The crib should not have high bars, because if the baby has loose clothing they can get tangled in them.
- The crib should not have sharp edges.
- The sides of the crib should be at such a height that they prevent the baby from falling. When the baby is standing in the crib, the sides should reach at least the height of his nipples. The most common falls occur when babies begin to climb their crib.
- The mattress should be firm, not soft, and should fit right against the edges of the crib to prevent the baby from falling into any of the spaces between the mattress and the sides. We must remove all plastic wrapping material from the mattress as there may be a risk of suffocation.
- It is only recommended to use the sheet to cover the mattress. The crib should not have loose duvets, pillows, cushions, toys, or padded bumpers. There is no evidence that these side protectors protect the baby and, on the contrary, they may be a risk for Sudden Death Syndrome.
- Normally one of the sides of the crib is foldable (allows getting down and up). While the baby is in the crib you should always have the side in the upper position with a lock so that the baby cannot unlock it. Never leave your baby unattended in his crib with the side down.
- If a mobile is used, it must be securely secured to the crib at a height that the baby cannot reach it.
- Locate the crib away from monitor cables or curtain cords. The baby can reach them and there may be a risk of strangulation.
- Use the bassinet only in the first months when the baby is still small. The bassinet should be firm and have a wide base so that it cannot tip over.
- A small lamp with dim light can be very useful for bedtime and when you get up in the morning.