Keeping your precious child safe from dangers around the house is very important. They are unable to protect themselves. Baby must even be kept safe while sleeping.

Choosing safe baby furniture and baby bedding is more important than choosing something because it is cute. You may just love the way that crib looks, but the fact is that some infant furniture has been found to be inferior. Choosing cribs and mattresses that have not met the exacting safety standards set for these items can lead to suffocation and death for those infants sleeping with them. Knowing these dangers can be avoided, it is best to do your homework about baby safety in the home.

Safety Measures and Recalls

The U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced in 1995 that older, used cribs should not be used for infants. They suggested old cribs should be destroyed. This decision was made because many older cribs were found to be unsafe. Some cribs had large gaps that could easily trap a baby’s arm, leg or head. Other nursery furniture were discovered to have safety latches that did not hold the railings properly, allowing them to fall or slide at any time with no warning.

Older baby furnishings have also been found to have lead paint or other toxic substances used on them. Many of the cute baby bedding items that people have routinely used have found to be a hazard for suffocation or manufactured using flammable mattress filling. With child safety becoming a growing concern of both parents and the government, recalls are now sent out for any baby products that are found to pose a danger to small children and infants.

What You Can Do

New cribs and other baby furnishings that are made today must meet very high standards for the government’s baby safety guidelines. As a parent, you can choose from many quality toddler and infant furnishings or accessories that have met or exceeded these standards. Knowing your little one is safe provides you with more time to enjoy their antics. It is worthwhile to spend a little time choosing equipment that is known to be baby safe.

Refer to these guidelines when you are choosing baby furniture and bedding items. These guidelines will help you remember the baby safety issues you need to look for.
•    When the crib rail is in the raised position, you should be able to measure a height of at least 26 inches from the top of the mattress to the top of the rail.
•    There should be not less than 9 inches between the top of the crib mattress and the top of the crib railing when it is in the lowered position.
•    All bars or slats on the sides of the crib should be 2-3/8 inches apart or less for baby’s safety.
•    Don’t choose any baby furnishings with cut out designs in the head or footboards.
•    While you may like decorative knobs on the furniture, don’t use a crib that has them due to safety issues for babies and toddlers.
•    All corner posts on the crib should be the same height as the head and footboards. Posts should never be taller than the anchor panels on baby furniture.
•    Make sure the mattress supports are made of metal. This will keep your baby safe once they figure out how fun it is to bounce on the mattress.
•    Push on the crib. If it is shaky, it is not safe. All furniture made for babies should be solid and sturdy to keep your child safe.
•    All drop side latches on cribs should have two separate movements to unlatch them for safety.
•    Toddler safety and baby safety is taken into account on knee releases on cribs. Always make sure that knee releases cannot be released by a crawling child.
•    Do your homework and research any children’s product you are considering for your child. Be sure it has passed the safety standards for your baby, toddler or small child. Send in the registration cards for any item you purchase so if there is a problem or if a recall is issued, you will be notified.