As parents, it is normal to worry for your little one’s comfort even as they sleep. So, if you want your baby to have the coziest sleep and the sweetest dreams, you’re at the right place. When your baby’s sleep is concerned, a baby crib is the most common nursery item to use. However, there are also certain safety guidelines that you should follow while using baby cribs. This is why we have created this detailed blog to help you learn how to choose a safe crib and why it’s important to use them carefully. Then, we’ll also explain the safety measures to follow for keeping your little one safe.
Choosing the Right Crib: Making the Right First Choice
It is extremely important to take safety precautions when you are using baby cribs. However, the right way to take safety measures is to make sure that the crib you choose is safe as well. Here’s how you can make the right choice:
Strict Safety Standards
The first priority when you select a crib should be checking its safety standards. Certain cribs are made specifically by keeping the safety guidelines in consideration, which is why they are the safest options. These safety guidelines were set by certified organizations so that babies can have a safe environment when they sleep. This is why the newborn baby cribs that you choose should meet those standards.
Firm Mattress
While hunting for the right crib, you should also check the mattress carefully. Here’s what to check: the mattress should have a proper fit and it should be able to fit snugly in the crib. This means that there should be no empty space or gaps between its edges and the cribs, as these gaps can increase the risk of entrapment. Apart from checking its fit, also check the firmness of the mattress. When you place the baby on the mattress, they should not sink into it.
Spacing of Slats
If you are going for a crib that has slats, check the spacing between them. Always keep in mind that the distance between these slats must not exceed 6 cm because too much space causes your baby head or limbs to get stuck. So, considering the distance between them will make sure your baby does not try to slip out of it and get hurt.
Avoid Sharp Cutouts Designs
Although you might want to get aesthetically appealing baby cribs for the nursery, you should avoid intricate designs at all costs. By intricate designs, we mean cribs that have sharp cutouts and pointed edges that are created for aesthetic purposes. However, you should avoid that at all costs because sharp edges can snag your baby’s clothes and even cause scratches on their delicate skin. This is why a simple and functional crib is the ideal choice.
No Drop-Side Rails
There was a time when drop-side rail cribs were a very common choice for babies. However, after so much research, it has now been concluded that these cribs can be quite unsafe for babies. With these cribs, you can lower one side to access your baby more easily, but this mechanism has caused many injuries in the past. This is why it is now recommended to get baby cribs that have fixed sides so that there are no unwanted accidents.
Reasons to Follow Safety Precautions While Using Baby Cribs
It’s not only about choosing the right crib—using it correctly is just as important. Let’s look at why practicing safe crib habits is necessary for your newborn’s life.
- Reduce the Risk of SIDS: One of the main reasons to be so careful while using cribs is to reduce the risk of SIDS. SIDS stands for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and it is a tragic event when a baby passes away suddenly. Now don’t get us wrong–SIDS is not directly associated with cribs. However, controlling your baby’s sleep environment and following safety guidelines can help you avoid this tragic event.
- Provide a Comfortable Sleep Environment: Apart from preventing harm, these guidelines also let your baby have a very peaceful sleep at night. You’ll be able to create a very cozy space for them so that they feel comfortable. As a result, your baby will have a sleep that is uninterrupted and they’ll wake up well-rested.
- Prevent Entrapment Risks: Another reason to follow crib safety practices is to avoid entrapment risks. Items like soft bedding, pillows, and toys can pose a risk by obstructing your baby’s breathing space.
Safety Measures for Using Newborn Cribs Safely
- Always Place Your Baby on Their Back: The first thing to remember is that you should always place your baby on their back. This is one of the most basic instructions that is often given to parents or caretakers. Back-sleeping is recommended for babies especially when they are in their early years as it can regulate their breathing patterns as well.
- Keep the Crib Clear: Another safety consideration is that when your baby is asleep in the crib, there should be no loose items with them. Soft toys, blankets, and pillows might seem like good soothing companions for your baby. However, they are never safe as they can cause your baby to suffocate.
- Placement of the Crib: Here’s another important safety factor–the location of the crib! We suggest that you should never keep your baby’s crib directly near windows, air conditioners, or heaters. This is because such a placement can make them exposed to intense cold or heat and this can disrupt their sleep. In addition to that, also avoid placing it near curtains or doors so that babies don’t grab them and try to crawl out.
Conclusion
To summarize this blog, if you want your little one to be safe as they sleep, the first thing you should do is choose a perfect baby crib carefully. Check its different things like the crib slat space, mattress, rail, and simplicity of the design. Then, once you have learned why it’s so important to use the cribs carefully, you should follow all the safety measures while putting your baby to sleep. This way, you’ll be satisfied each night, knowing your baby is sleeping safely.
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