Baby Care: Crib Advice and Tips

When it comes to your baby care, one of the most important things you will need to know is how to choose the right crib for your needs and how to use and care for that crib properly. One of your first steps when you know you’re having a baby might be to go shopping for a crib. After all, this is where your baby is going to be spending a great deal of their time once born.

However, before you go spending an investing on any new crib, there are some important tips you should know. It’s also important that you know how to do a proper safety check on your crib, whether you buy it new or used. When it’s set up, you want to be sure it’s completely safe before putting your new bundle of joy in there to sleep.

Second hand cribs are especially important to check for baby care safety issues before using them for your new baby. Here are some tips:

• Check screws, bolts and fasteners to be sure all are in place
• Be sure no screws or fasteners are loose or broken
• Will the position of the mattress hold under your baby’s weight? (Test this before your baby is put in the crib)
• Are the bars of the crib spaced properly so that your baby won’t get their head or body stuck in between?

In addition to checking the safety of the crib itself, it’s also important to be aware of where you place it within the nursery or room. If the crib is placed near a window, there is danger that your baby can become entangled in the cords of blinds or ties that hold curtains back. Be sure to move the crib away from the window or be sure nothing is in baby’s reach.

Baby blankets are cute and cuddly but actually ill advised, especially with young babies. Blankets, stuffed animals and other soft objects inside the crib greatly increase the chances that your baby can suffocate on the soft materials. Instead, use a properly fitting baby crib sheet and place your baby to bed in a sleeper to keep them warm. Adjust the temperature in the nursery accordingly but don’t put baby to bed overnight with blankets.

Bumper pads can also be dangerous when they are not placed securely as baby can slip in between them and the mattress and suffocate. If you must use bumper pads in the crib, check to be sure they are properly secured each and every time you lay your baby down.

If you use a mobile over the crib, it’s important to remove it as soon as your baby is able to sit up on her own. This is because she will want to grab it, climb for it or reach it and it can harm your baby.

Adjust the height of your crib according to your baby’s age and size. Normally you will want the crib mattress at its highest setting when your baby is the smallest to allow for easy access in and out of the crib. As your baby begins to sit up on her own, you will lower it more and then as she can stand, you will lower it still more.

If at its lowest point, your baby’s head still comes above the crib or your baby climbs out of the crib, it may be time to consider moving your baby to a toddler bed with side railings for safety.

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