Self Help

There will be times when your baby will be unattended in his crib, so the crib area should be a totally safe environment. Below are four guidelines to make sure that your child is safe in his crib:

1. When using a new mattress, remove and discard all plastic wrapping material that comes with it to avoid accidental suffocation. If you cover the mattress with heavy plastic then make sure that the cover fits tightly. Zipper covers are preferred.

2. As soon as your baby learns to sit, lower the mattress of the crib to the level where she cannot fall out either by leaning against the side or by pulling herself over it. The mattress should be at its lowest level by the time your child learns to stand. The most common falls happen when a baby tries to climb out so it is best to move your child to another bed when he is 35 inches tall, or the height of the side rail is less than three-quarters of his height.

3. Occasionally check the crib for rough edges or sharp points on the metal parts. Also check for cracks and splinters in the wood.

4. When your child can pull to a standing position, remove any toys, pillows, or crib bumpers that are large enough to be used as a step for climbing out.