Cradle, Bassinet and Baby Crib Safety

A few simple tips to keep Baby safe in bed

Babies sleep 16 to 18 hours a day for their first few months. Here are a few safety tips for the places in which they spend so much of their time early on; cribs, bassinets, and cradles.

Avoid Hand-Me-Down-Cribs That old baby crib may have served Grandma well, but things have changed since little Britney and Justin came into the world. Safety regulations on baby cribs have become a lot more stringent since 1973. Many older cribs and cradles may contain toxic materials or have slats that are spaced wide enough to catch an arm, foot, or head. Simple old age may make an heirloom baby bed structurally unsound. Keep it for decorative purposes, perhaps, but put the baby in a new crib. Carefully check out foldaway cribs at older relatives homes and hotels as well.

Bassinet Basics

According to consumer safety guidelines, a good bassinet will have locking legs, a wide base and sturdy bottom, no hardware sticking out that might scratch tender skin, and a firm mattress that fits snugly around the edges. Follow manufacturer's weight and height requirements.

If you're nursing and keeping the baby in a bassinet near your bed, take the baby out of the bassinet for feeding, but then return him or her to sleep there after wards. Never leave the baby sleeping on top of an adult sized bed or waterbed.

Sweet Dreams Babies can overheat quickly, so skip any blankets or sheepskins and dress your baby in a lightweight, comfortable pajama and keep the crib, bassinet, or cradle in a room that's approximately 70 degrees. If an adult with a t-shirt on would be comfortable, that is the correct temperature.

Keep Away from Dangling Objects

If you're moving a baby cradle or bassinet from room to room, stay clear of dangling cords from windows. Use only sheets that are specifically fitted for the mattress the baby is using, don't try to retrofit an adult sized sheet. The baby could become entangled. Never let friends or family members smoke near a baby.

Sleep Positions for Babies Whether a baby is sleeping in a crib, cradle or bassinet, pediatricians recommend position the baby on his or her back, as this is the safest position for avoiding SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.) No pillows or wedges are necessary. A pacifier may be used, but NEVER leave the baby sucking on a bottle in bed, as it constitutes a choking hazard.

Move On When It's Time

Baby cribs are meant to last several years as your child matures. Baby cradles and bassinets are no longer safe once your baby learns to roll over (possibly tipping the bed) by about age 4 months.