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Crib Safety

Michael Agruss

Written and Reviewed by Michael Agruss

  • Managing Partner and Personal Injury Lawyer at 844SeeMike.
  • Over 20 years of experience in Personal Injury.
  • Graduated from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law: Juris Doctor, 2004.

 

If you are expecting, or you’ve recently had a baby, it is important to create a safe sleep environment for them, especially since they will be spending the majority of their time in a crib unattended. 

For new cribs, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has set strict manufacturing standards since 2011, including banning drop-side cribs, requiring stronger mattress supports and crib slats, durable crib hardware, and rigorous safety testing. 

If you are using an older crib, you will need to determine if the crib is still safe for use. However, the CPSC recommends that you never use a crib that is older than 10-years old or has been modified in any way. To ensure that your crib is safe, you should consider the following: 

  • Slats and corner posts should be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart (the width of a soda can) or they pose an entrapment danger.
  • Corner posts should be flush with the end panels or no more than 1/16 inches higher.
  • All hardware should be firmly secured with no rough or exposed edges and the wood should be free of splits that could pinch tiny fingers.
  • Never use a crib with cutouts on the head- or footboard, which are banned by the CPSC, as they could trap a baby’s head.
  • The mattress should be tightly fitting, where no more than two adult fingers can fit between the mattress and crib, so baby cannot get trapped between the two.
  • The crib mattress should be firm, and a new mattress should have the plastic removed before use.
  • Never place a crib near a window with blinds, curtain cords, or baby monitor cords to prevent strangulation.
  • If you suspect that your older crib has lead paint, or the paint is cracked, refinish it or do not use the crib.
  • Inspect your baby’s crib periodically for loose hardware and safety hazards.

In addition to these recommendations, the CPSC also has recommendations regarding bed linens and infant sleep positioning, which include:

  • Place baby on their back for sleeping to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and never allow them to sleep on a pillow or comforter.
  • Do not use bumper pads, sheepskins, blankets, pillows, quilts, or stuffed toys in a crib-use only a fitted bottom sheet designed specifically for cribs.
  • If using a blanket, make sure it is thin and tucked around the crib mattress and only goes as high as the baby’s chest or also consider using a sleeper in place of a blanket.
  • Do not allow baby to sleep with you in your bed-keep them in their crib.
  • If you use a mobile, ensure that it is securely attached to the side rail and hang it high enough that the baby cannot reach it. Mobiles should be removed once your child can five months old or can move themselves to their hands and knees.
  • Before your baby can sit, lower the mattress of the crib to where he/she cannot fall out by leaning on the side or pulling themselves over it. Set the mattress to the lowest position before your baby learns to stand. 

Because your baby will be spending so much time in their crib, it should be a completely safe area for them. And by following these tips by the CPSC, you can ensure that your baby is protected from harm.

If your child has been injured in an accident, contact 844 See Mike for a free consultation. We are a Chicago-based injury law firm representing individuals (and their families) who have suffered an injury in an accident. We will handle your case quickly and advise you every step of the way, and we will not hesitate to go to trial for you. Lastly, 844 See Mike is not paid attorneys’ fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. You have nothing to risk when you hire us – only the opportunity to seek justice. 

We see you as a person, not just a client – and that makes us better at work we do. We listen. We learn your story. And, as we help you get the money you deserve, we go above and beyond in a way most law firms never could and never would. Because we’re not just lawyers. And you’re not just a client. We’re friends, neighbors, family. We’re all people and here at 844 See Mike, we put People, First

Helping our clients is about counseling, advocating, and ultimately solving problems. With years of experience successfully representing the people, not the powerful, we will take care of the insurance adjusters, your medical bills, your property damage, your lost wages, and monitor your treatment so you can focus on healing and getting your life back to normal. Our unique formula has earned us over 900 outstanding client reviews on our website, an A+ BBB rating, and over 120 five-star reviews on Google.  Call 888-572-0176, e-mail us at michael@agrusslawfirm.com, or schedule meeting with us here. We’re here 24/7. 

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