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Keeping a crib safe for babies

On Behalf of | Apr 19, 2018 | Products Liability |

When Texas parents bring their new baby home, they may be more concerned about their infant’s sleeping position than his or her bed. Some cribs can present a hazard to babies, though, and it is important for new parents to understand why some cribs are considered hazardous.

Many new parents may like the convenience of a drop-side crib. According to Very Well Family, this type of crib has been illegal in the U.S. for several years. This is because it presents safety hazards to infants. When a manufacturer makes the crib from a soft wood, it can be easier for hardware to loosen. The hardware used in drop-side cribs can also break over time or go missing. Additionally, in order for the sides of the crib to move, there typically needs to be a gap between the side and the mattress. This gap may sometimes be wide enough that an infant might get trapped here.

It is important for parents to know what they should look for when they buy a crib. HealthyChildren.org says that parents should usually make sure the footboard and headboard do not have decorative cutouts. People should also ensure there is no gap between the sides of the crib and the mattress. It is a good idea for parents to measure the space between the bars of a crib as well. These spaces should generally be at most 2 3/8 inches. If the bars are spaced any wider, the crib may not be safe for an infant, as his or her head may get stuck between the bars.

It also important for parents to pay attention to the kind of bedding they put in a crib. The mattress should usually be firm, and parents should generally make sure they do not put blankets in the crib. This is because blankets might cause a baby to suffocate if he or she gets tangled in them. Parents should usually not use crib bumpers as well because a baby can sometimes become trapped in them.

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