HE SAFETY OF THE NURSERY: when creating the overall design,
safety is the most important factor. It doesn't
matter how much money you've spent or how fantastic the room looks if there is
even one safety hazard lurking there. The safety topics I'll touch on are about
the crib, the bedding and a few miscellaneous items.
There are some links listed at the end of this
article for you to visit that should give you more information about your
child's safety.
Let's start with the crib. All cribs that are sold in the USA must follow the government's safety regulations. NEVER USE A CRIB THAT WAS MANUFACTURED BEFORE 1982. This is when the regulations were beefed up for your baby's safety and protection. If you can purchase or receive a hand-me-down crib and are not sure of it's manufacture date, pass it by. Also, be aware of the lead paint issue. It should not be as big a problem, but having this second hand purchase tested should be an issue. Always be aware of what you're putting your child into!!!
Let's look at money vs. safety when it comes to cribs. The more money you spend usually only gives you more perks. Remember, all cribs have to meet the safety regulations. More money means you get things like: double drop side rails, quieter side rails, colors and style. Decide if these are important to you and what fits your budget.,/span>
The bedding for your crib includes the mattress and everything that goes into the crib. The mattress can be foam or coil, but whichever you choose it should be firm and fit the crib very well. The thickness is important in relation to the crib sheets. They should completely fit over the corners, and they should not be easily removed---loose sheets could be a strangulation hazard. While there are no governmental standards for crib sheets, there are factors to contemplate and consider. The Good Housekeeping Institute has guidelines and comparisons for you to consider. A link to them will follow this article.
The major things to remember when purchasing crib sheets is to get the highest thread count possible (no scratchy sheets for your baby's skin), be careful about any decorative items that could be pulled loose and present a choking hazard, have a tag that gives you the name of the manufacturer (for warranty purposes) and the most important---shrinkage, which causes the sheets not to fit properly. The GH Institute will be helpful with this aspect. Again, look at their link.
If you use bumper pads, be sure that the ties are not too short, so that they do not tie securely, or too long presenting a choking hazard---they should be 7" to 9" long. If they are longer, simply cut them off after you've tied them to the crib. Ties should be at the top and the bottom so that your baby doesn't get lodged between the pad and the crib rails.
Other considerations are to avoid any fluffy blankets or comforters, pillows, large stuffed animals or anything that could be considered a source for suffocation. Also, no plastic of any kind over the mattress, again to prevent possible suffocation.
Avoid chenille blankets and other items made from chenille. Chenille fibers can be pulled out and are a source of choking. Also, avoid products that have been sewn with nylon thread. Heat in the dryer can cause these to melt and break. If a thread becomes long or broken off, it can produce either a strangulation or choking hazard.
Other safety factors to remember in your child's room are to anchor shelving and large pieces of furniture to the wall so that they cannot be pulled over as your child begins to crawl and pull up.
Common sense is important when creating and designing the nursery and your child's room. There are a lot of books and websites for you to visit to get factual information, but remember you have to make the final decisions, and you are the parent. Just use your common sense and act responsibly. Your baby doesn't care very much about his surroundings. The surroundings are to please us---his parents, grandparents, etc., but his safety is paramount.
Listed below are some websites that you may find informative and helpful.
| For finding recalls: | Consumer Product Safety Commission |
| SIDS | SIDS Alliance |
| Crib Safety Info | Consumer Product Safety Commission |
| More Crib Safety Info: | The National Safety Council |
| Scroll this page for many tips: | The National Safety Council |
| Crib sheet safety Info: | Good Housekeeping Institute |
| A Book Worth Purchasing: | Baby Bargains: Denise/Alan Fields |
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