You have just learned that you are expecting a baby. Even if you have other children, you must take a look at cribs. Is the crib you already have an antique? You should look carefully at your second hand crib whether it is an antique or not.
The safety of your new baby makes this necessary. The screws and/or other fasteners such as bolts must be in place and not loose. It is of the utmost importance that this is tested before you place your baby in the crib.
Take something that is almost equal to your 4-month-old baby's weight. In order to be certain that it will hold its position bounce it off the mattress. If it doesn't your baby could be hurt seriously or worse. When you set up your nursery, if it isn't set-up already, seriously consider where you will place your crib.
If you have to place the crib near a window with Venetian blinds, you can either shorten the cords or anchor them to prevent your baby from reaching and getting hold of them. Avoid, if possible placing the crib near the window. As your baby grows into a toddler and begins to climb out of the crib, s/he could become seriously injured in a fall.
Blankets are not necessarily a good idea to use with your baby. Be sure that you avoid anything that could put your baby at risk, especially in the light of SIDS incidents today. The most advisable way to put your baby to bed is in a blanket sleeper.
Make sure to tuck the blanket tightly around and under the foot of the mattress with you baby's feet touching the footboard if you must have a blanket on your baby. You also want to help prevent your baby from sliding under the blanket and suffocating by not putting the blanket any higher than his chest.
There is a risk of your baby slipping between the mattress and the bumper pads causing suffocation, if bumper pads, which are a great concept, are not secured properly. Bumper pads if used should be fastened in each of the four corners and evenly spaced on each of the two sides. There should be sixteen ties in all, eight for the top and eight for the bottom.
Although mobiles are nice additions you need to take a precaution to prevent your baby from getting entangled in it. It must be removed when your baby starts sitting up by himself. You must also check to see if there are small parts that are removable that your baby could choke on.
No matter is your crib is second hand or one you had for a previous child, or you got it from someone else, the mattress must by checked out carefully. The mattress covering should be checked for any holes or cracks.
The mattress must fit in the crib properly. Your baby could slip between the mattress and side or end bars and suffocate if you are not careful. The mattress should be snug in the crib. The sheets you use in your baby crib should fit properly and not slip and slide.
There are sheet hooks available that attach to the sheet under the mattress and keep it in place. Placing the mattress in the proper position is extremely important to your baby's safety. When the baby comes home most parents put the mattress in the highest position because it is easier to reach the baby and change him.
Lower the mattress according to the growth and activity of your baby. If your baby can come to a standing position in the crib the mattress should be put in the lowest position and to add to his safety you should measure the distance between the mattress and the top of the sidebar.
There should be no more than 26 inches from the top of the side bar to the mattress when it is in the lowest position. Moving your child to a regular bed might be a good idea if your child is climbing out of the crib or his head is above the side bar.
There are convertible cribs that become beds and grow with your child. Inspect your child's crib to be sure there is nothing that will put your baby at risk. The ornate designs carved into the end boards of cribs are beautiful but could pose a hazard to your child. Have you seen them?
Your child could be injured if his head, arm, or leg get caught in them and possibly sustain an injury. A simpler design may increase your child's safety. Safety guidelines from 1974 for cribs state that slats should be no more than 2 and 3/8th inches apart; to keep your baby from getting his head caught between the slats.
Your baby's safety could be compromised if getting stuck caused him injury and necessitating the removal of some slats.
About the Author
Martin Smith is a successful freelance writer providing advice for consumers on purchasing a variety of Nursery Bedding which includes Baby strollers, Baby car seats, and more! His numerous articles provide a wonderfully researched resource of interesting and relevant information.
Having a shower for second baby used to be considered... Read More
Do you invite dad to the baby shower? As per... Read More
The extent of the memory loss that accompanies new parenthood... Read More
With 61% of children between the ages of birth and... Read More
Potty training, toilet training, toilet teaching or toilet learning are... Read More
You have just learned that you are expecting a baby.... Read More
As a baby matures and starts to show the first... Read More
Communication between the guests would be wise to prevent any... Read More
When to have a baby shower is a personal choice.... Read More
There are different types of baby showers to cover just... Read More
The first thing you need to do before you order... Read More
Baby in a highchair, mom in front with a small... Read More
A baby shower is a great way to welcome a... Read More
Are you expecting a baby? Are you planning on having... Read More
One of the easiest and safest ways to carry your... Read More
The crib is where your baby will spend a lot... Read More
You are at the end of your rope. You have... Read More
When parents face difficulties with infant and child sleep issues,... Read More
1) BRAINSTORMIt is a good idea to pick a baby... Read More
Parents always want to give their babies the very best.... Read More
If circumcision were a choice I had to have made,... Read More
When a baby has colic, the family environment is stressful... Read More
There are multitudes of ways to purchase used clothing for... Read More
When you choose a baby bedding, choose the one which... Read More
Every parent hopes and prays that their newborn will be... Read More
Having a baby is exciting, but also very tough! There... Read More
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among... Read More
It is incredible, but within a years time your baby... Read More
Imagine cuddling up with your small child to look at... Read More
Did you waste $57 today? I hope not. Unfortunately, so... Read More
Hosting a baby shower or looking for a great gift... Read More
Expectant parents spend hours preparing the nursery, poring over pregnancy... Read More
Buying educational toys for infants can be difficult, because infants... Read More
What do These Things Have in Common: An Epidemic of... Read More
Babies can communicate their needs and desires a lot earlier... Read More
When you take your child to the library, check out... Read More
Having carried a sizable bump around for a very long,... Read More
Baby clipart is the perfect accent to all of your... Read More
Your Scorpio Baby..October 23 - November 21 Young Scorpios have... Read More
Picture this; you are invited to a baby shower. How... Read More
Are you unsure whether you should make your own baby... Read More
No aspect of party planning is more crucial and sometimes... Read More
No?Don't let your child pee or poop every where and... Read More
A long distance baby shower is for when mothers won't... Read More
Add a little extra push and a jogging stroller to... Read More
Does your diaper bag have everything you need in it?... Read More
The perfect table setting decorating idea will be determined by... Read More
So, you are thinking about potty training your toddler and... Read More
Parents everywhere believe that they have the cutest baby in... Read More
There is actually a bit of controversy about this question.... Read More
Any parent of an active toddler has asked this question:... Read More
When you have already made the decision not to use... Read More
Every year, people may have couple baby shower invitations. Buying... Read More
Sleeping..A newborn baby spends most of her time on two... Read More
It is an unfortunate fact of life but, unfortunately, toddlers... Read More
The sudden appearance of a new baby can be rough... Read More
It's time to celebrate the baby! As Keepsake Favors' resident... Read More
Choosing a baby bathtub is likely one of the easiest... Read More
Choosing baby shower themes is the first step in planning... Read More
Mother's milk is the best choice for healthy baby food.... Read More
There is nothing more fun than getting your baby used... Read More
When children start to walk more steadily, run, push, pull,... Read More
Surviving a baby with colic truly deserves an award of... Read More
Even if your baby is just weeks old now, you'll... Read More
Parents always want to give their babies the very best.... Read More
Hosting a baby shower or looking for a great gift... Read More
Babies & Toddler |