The mattress fits snugly inside.
Make sure the mattress fits well inside the crib. To ensure the safety of the crib, try the two-finger test: if you can insert more than two fingers between the mattress and the crib (mom, not mom if she has big hands), the mattress will not fit well. (The harder it is for you to make the bed, the better for your child.)
Would you rather just make sure the numbers match? A full size crib mattress should be at least 27 1/4 inches x 51 1/4 inches and shouldn't be thicker than 6 inches.
Also, if the mattress is new, pull off that plastic and throw it away immediately. Make sure, too, that the mattress itself is firm, since soft mattresses raise the risk of SIDS. Instead of going by the firmness level on the mattress label, test it yourself: If you push down hard, the mattress should stay firm and spring right back.
Avoid soft toys and bedding.
Make sure you never put soft blankets or sheets (including the beautiful pillow and blanket provided with the crib set) in the crib with your baby, as there may be a risk of asthma.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) strongly recommends the use of a buffer pad, as it increases the risk of developing SIDS and other crib deaths.
You should avoid any soft clay boxes for your baby until their first birthday and ideally within 18 months. For babies 12 to 18 months, a transient object, such as a small stuffed animal or a thin blanket, can help with sleep problems and is considered safe.
You should avoid cot bumpers altogether, even after your baby is 1 and the risk of SIDS is greatly reduced. While they may not be a choking hazard when your baby is a baby, a curious baby may try to climb on them while trying to pull out of the crib - and may be injured.
Stay away from headboard and footboard cutouts and drop-sides.
You will have to avoid cots with headboards and legs with a nice decorative cut, which is prohibited by the CPSC. And always carry a coat in hand.
Follow safety practices for bassinets too.
Make sure that if you plan to start a child in a crib or portable crib with crib features, you must follow similar good safety practices for this type of crib. This includes, but is not limited to, avoiding bumpers, pillows, toys, and soft linens, and ensuring that the mattress fits snugly against the bed (ie, use the mattress that came with or is suitable for the mattress). Only this particular model).
As with cots, it is highly recommended that you have the latest model of stroller or cot. However, if you are looking for a second hand, always use a mattress that is suitable for the type of stroller you have borrowed, as the safety rating of the product is based on the mattress originally supplied.
Wicker cots and baskets should be avoided altogether, as they have rough parts that can cause splinters or injuries and other pieces that can break and cause suffocation for children.
Choosing the right crib for your child's nursery is enough for reflection and shopping. But when you think about colors, fabrics and the overall look, don't forget safety. Choose a new model that meets the latest and most stringent safety standards set by the CPSC. Following the latest safety instructions in the crib will not only help your baby sleep more safely, but also help them sleep healthier.