Don’t Skimp…Buy A Safe Crib For Your Baby
August 4, 2008 by Christina Lemmey
This article was written by Guest Blogger Shawn Kiraly Corry of Blue Skye Baby.
NURSERY KNOW HOW PART 1
Nursery know how is part one of a series on how to choose the best furniture, bedding, gliders, and much more for the nursery of your dreams. So sit back, relax, and let the baby planner do all the work!
Planning ones’ nursery for their new bambino is one of the biggest parts of getting ready for baby. What are your colors, neutral or gender specific, modern or classic furniture, mural or rag rolling? Many design decisions are going to be made, but before you become the next Candice Olsen, let’s bring safety into the picture.
Purchasing a crib is at the top of most expectant parent’s list. There are many styles and colors to choose
from in this day and age of design. Before you are set on the crib of your dreams, take these tips into consideration.
12,000 children are hospitalized every year with crib related injuries and an average of 35 children die in unsafe cribs. Because of these numbers, the safety standards for cribs were first enacted in 1973 and again in 1976, then revised in 1982 and again in 1999.
All cribs made sold in the United States must meet government safety standards, JPMA, Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, www.jmpa.com . Without this, do not even consider how beautiful it is; it is not safe!
The slat space must be 2 3/8” apart; a soda can should not be able to fit through the slat. Cribs made before 1990 should not be used because the slats are wide enough to injure a child or were built too wide to accommodate a current mattress and may have lead paint concerns.
The cribs must have smooth corners and no corner post extensions more than 1/16th of an inch or decorative cut-outs on the headboard or footboard due to choking hazards and clothing getting caught.
Most cribs are 27 ¼ “to 25 5/8 “wide. The mattress must be a snug fit in the crib. The mattress support hangers must be secured. Look for metal springs or wood slat platform for mattress support.
Crib entrance is important to consider when you have sleeping baby in one hand; is it easy to maneuver? Static or stationary sides do not lower. A knee push side allows you to lift up and push with your knee and is a quiet option. The hardware is hidden inside the crib posts. The next two options are not as inviting. The foot-bar sides lift up and depress with a foot-bar. This feature is not used as much anymore. A double trigger uses two hands to lower the top portion. A bit cumbersome when trying to lay down the sleeping baby. Also, the plastic hardware can crack when the wood shrinks and toddlers can climb out of the lowered portion if not engaged.
CRIB FYI
A wonderful website, www.productamerica.com has replacement parts for discontinued cribs.
CHECK DELIVERY TIME ON ALL FURNITURE!!!
Tune in next time when we will talk about changing areas, dressers, gliders & rockers. Happy shopping!
About the Author: Shawn Kiraly Corry is the owner of Blue Skye Baby, a baby planning consultation firm that helps expectant mothers get prepared for their new arrival. She lives in Ohio with her husband and two young boys and she is passionate about keeping our babies and children safe.
To learn more, check out the Mom’s Talk Guide to Raising Happy & Healthy Kids – Tips and resources address nutrition, exercise, sleep, routines, and much more.
photo credit: Julie, Dave & Family
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