Discovery Health :: Baby Gear: Choosing a Safe Crib

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Choosing a Safe Crib — And Using It Safely (cont'd)

If You Already Have a Crib

CPSC discourages the use of used cribs. Use a crib that meets federal safety regulations and industry voluntary standards (ASTM) and make sure it has a tight-fitting mattress. Check the labeling on these products to make sure they meet safety requirements.
Check the crib and replace any missing parts, such as screws, bolts or mattress support hangers, before placing your child in it. Make sure all screws or bolts are securely tightened. Replace any screw inserted into a wood component that cannot be tightened securely with one that fits. On cribs where the mattress support is suspended by hangers attached to hooks on the end panels, check frequently to be sure they have not become disconnected. Never use a crib with broken or missing parts.
Use a mattress that fits tightly. If you can fit more than two fingers between the edge of the mattress and crib side, the mattress is too small. An infant can suffocate if its head or body becomes wedged between the mattress and the crib sides.
Avoid older cribs with headboard and footboard designs that may allow an infant's head to become caught in the openings between the corner post and the top rail, or in other openings in the top edge of the headboard structure. These openings may lead to strangulation.
Corner posts should be less than 1/16-inch high (1 1/2 mm) unless the crib has a canopy. Do not use a crib that has decorative knobs on corner posts. If you already have a crib with such knobs, the knobs should be unscrewed or sawed off flush with the headboard or footboard. Sand off splinters and sharp corners.
Never use a crib that has loose or missing slats. Be sure that all slats are securely fastened in place and the space between slats is no more than 2 3/8 inches (60 mm) to avoid head entrapment/strangulation.
If you paint or refinish the crib, use only high-quality household lead-free enamel paint and let it dry thoroughly so there are no residual fumes. Check the label on the paint can to make sure the manufacturer does not recommend against using the paint on items such as cribs.

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