PREPA

RING F

OR A N

EW

BABY

BUYING F

URNITURE A

ND BABY

EQUIPMENT

Here we go….

THE CRIB

Your baby needs a place to sleep! Your baby will often be unattended

while sleeping, so the bed must be safe…meaning…he (or she) should be safe from falling or choking!

You can assure your baby’s safety by paying attention to four main things…

WHEN YOU PURCHASE A CRIB:

Make sure the slats are no more than 2 3/8 inches apart (so the baby’s head doesn’t get trapped in them)

Make sure there are no cutouts in the headboard or footboard (same reason)

Make sure to remove any corner posts that could snag clothing

Make sure the crib is sturdy and check it for cracks or loose hardware sometimes

WHERE TO PUT THE CRIB (OR NOT)

DON’T place the crib near a windowDON’T hang pictures or shelves above

the cribDon’t use the baby’s crib for clutter

storage……DO place the crib where you can hear

your babyDo place the crib in a warm, dry room

CRIB PLACEMENT, CONT.

DO keep your baby’s crib where dogs and cats can’t climb into it unannounced!

DO keep the room where your baby will be sleeping free of dust, debris, and dirt

Your baby will thank you (when he or she can talk)

NEW FEDERAL REGULATIONS

One Final Note:

• On June 28th, 2011, new federal regulations took effec t that make it illegal for stores to continue selling baby beds with “drop-sides.”

• These regulations were adopted because of the documented hazards associated with these types of baby beds. Numerous children have died because of their design.

• If you are looking to buy a baby crib, you would be well-advised to avoid this type of crib construction.

• More information on the new regulations can be found by searching online for “new regulations regarding baby beds.”

GREAT JOB, MOM AND DAD!!!

Shelov, Steven P., MD (Ed). (2005). Caring for Your Baby and Young Child . United States of America: Bantam Books.

References