Put the crib in a room that doesn't have any potential hazards, such as near a window, blinds, or shelving. Your youngster will be safe from potential dangers like falling shelves and window wires. The cot should also be placed far from any windows, as infants and toddlers are at risk of injury or death if they were to fall through the glass.
Children spend the first two years of their life in a crib, so it's crucial to get one that has been approved by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, as Singleton points out (CPSC). This will guarantee that infant cribs are safe for use. She suggests making sure a portable crib is likewise safety-approved.
Follow the manual's specific instructions for assembling the crib. There's a temptation to "wing it," but "If you take the time to read the directions and inspect your work, you may rest easy knowing that your kid is safe in his or her crib. Before putting your baby in the crib, make sure there are no sharp corners, loose screws, or anything else that could be dangerous."
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has rather stringent rules for both manufacturers and sellers, which is good news when shopping for a crib. Stronger mattress supports and crib slats, more long-lasting hardware, and comprehensive safety testing are all things that should be expected, as stated by What to Expect.
Know the difference between a portable crib (often made of wood or other hard materials that can fold up easily) and a travel crib (typically made of soft materials like foam or mesh) before packing for a trip with your baby.
The same precautions should be taken with an on-the-go crib as with any other crib, including placing it in a secure location, reading the manual, and never placing soft objects like blankets or stuffed animals inside.
And what about getting your kid to sleep in the crib? That, however, is a different tale.
FAQs About Baby Crib
Is there a reason why cribs shouldn't be placed near windows?
From falling blinds to strangulation from loose cords, there are many potential dangers that most of us overlook. With regards to windows in general, there are a few things to remember as well.
Cribs in the centre of nurseries are typically placed there for good reason.
Curtains and blinds are prone to crashing to the ground.
The presence of window coverings, such as blinds or curtains, can be a serious security risk. You should consider lowering the blinds or curtains your child can reach as they get older.
It's not uncommon for blinds or curtains to collapse on their own own. Your child may be harmed by this.
No matter how expertly you hang your blinds or curtain rod, the hardware simply isn't made to support that much weight. In nearly half of all window blind-related accidents to kids, the victim was struck by a falling object. When it comes to window treatments, kids shouldn't be able to pull or hang on them. The crib should be placed away from any potential entry points, such as windows.
Curtains that are too long might cause asphyxia. In order to prevent suffocation, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises that infants be put to sleep on hard surfaces, without blankets or pillows. Although curtains are not considered bedding and should not be hung within the crib, young children may pull them into the crib if it is located too close to a window.
Babies are at Risk of Suffocation from Cords
Infants are masters at snagging and tangling themselves up in whatever they can get their hands on. To make matters worse, they tend to be terrible at escaping from them once they're trapped within.
Your child will be unable to untangle the cable from around their neck if it accidentally becomes tangled. This poses a suffocation hazard or could cause a tragic catastrophe. Keep your baby away from any electrical outlets.
Even while many modern window coverings meet voluntary safety requirements meant to lessen the risk of strangling, the risk remains high whenever a young child is within reach of the blind or drapery cords.
Long pull cords, or the cords between the slats of horizontal blinds, provide a significant strangulation risk to infants and young children. By installing cord cleats to securely wrap the cords, you can reduce the risk of a youngster pulling on them from the floor. However, if the crib is placed too close to the window, the child may be able to pull the cord out.
Keep any climbable furniture away from any window covering cables, especially in any area where your child sleeps and you may not be able to keep constant watch.
The Pane Could Break
This may be an issue with more modern, pull-out window designs. The bottom window can cause injury to your child if it falls out of its frame if it is not locked properly or if you fail to lock it.
If this happens, your kid could be seriously hurt by the falling glass.
Climbers Risk Falling Through The Glass
Learn to climb and your baby will learn to escape their crib. As you may expect, this is rather typical for infants. Yet if the crib is placed near a window, the infant can simply crawl out.
Even infants quickly learn how to open and close doors and windows by tampering with the latches.
Open windows can be a real chiller.
Many older homes suffer from draughts because of the windows. There will be a nighttime cold for your infant. They are more susceptible to catching a cold because of the nighttime chill.
To Cite One Exception
Generally speaking, putting the crib close to a window is not a good idea, but there is one notable exception to this rule. Your kid should be secure from harm if the window is high enough that he or she cannot reach the blinds or drapes, and if there are none.
Though not common, it does appear occasionally in homes with dedicated offices.
Babies and small children are particularly vulnerable to the dangers that windows present.
Placing a crib or bassinet next to a window is discouraged by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Take a look at the rationale.
Children as young as infants have been seen to fall through glass windows. Your infant's natural curiosity and desire to explore will lead him to gaze upward and outward as soon as he can begin to pull himself up. If your infant's bedroom is not on the ground floor, this is a serious risk.
A youngster can still fall through a screened window, and curious toddlers may find out how to open a window on their own. There are over 3,000 annual reports of injuries to children under the age of five in the United States that are attributed to falls from windows. It is possible to reduce the risk of these kinds of accidents by positioning the crib and any other potential climbing surfaces away from windows.
Does A Wall Have To Be Cleared For A Crib To Go Against It?
Your baby's crib should be placed against a wall far from any vents. As long as you make sure there aren't any other dangers around, you should be fine. There are risks such as:
- Outlets: Use safety covers or plates on all of the room's outlets.
- A safe distance between the crib to cords and draperies is one foot.
- Shelves and other heavy wall decorations: Be sure everything in the nursery is securely fastened with the right hardware and check on it frequently to make sure it hasn't fallen loose. It's recommended not to risk a fall by hanging anything too heavy above the crib.
- When placing the crib, leave at least a foot of clearance around it to ensure that the child cannot become stuck between the furniture and the cot.
A child can get stuck between the crib and the wall if it is placed too close to the wall, hence some authorities advise keeping it at least a foot away from the wall. This shouldn't be a major issue if you have a high-backed crib and the crib isn't in a corner, but it is something to think about when your child gets older.
The placement of cribs in relation to walls is another important factor to consider when designing a nursery. It is often safe to put the cot against a wall. There are, however, some potential dangers that you should be aware of.
Put no large items on the wall above the crib.
Babies can be injured by falling objects from shelves. The crib is also a potential landing spot for posters that have fallen off the wall.
Your child can easily choke on a piece of paper if they are old enough to grab at objects. Instead, it's preferable to refrain from hanging anything close to the crib.
Stickers are a fun and easy way to adorn the walls near the crib. Stickers in the shape of the moon and stars are one possibility. Moreover, wall decals are inexpensive, so you won't have to break the bank to spruce up the baby's room.
Keep away from outlets and cords to prevent electrocution.
If you need to put the crib up against a wall, be careful not to put it in a dangerous spot. A newborn child is particularly vulnerable to electrical shock from outlets, despite the fact that this may not seem like a risk.
Fires can start from electrical sources like outlets that aren't working properly or sparking from cords. Eventually, as your child grows, they will be able to reach through the crib's bars and get to dangerous items like electrical plugs and cords. In its place, you should keep the crib away from any cords or plugs.
No Glass Picture Frames Allowed
They may be easy to move, but even if they weigh little they still risk being knocked down. Your child could be hurt if the glass shatters. Depending on the severity, the wounds could be minor or catastrophic. Avoid putting photo frames on the crib's mattress or bumper.
Do You Need To Avoid Having Anything Dangling Above The Baby's Crib
As was previously noted, you shouldn't hang anything too heavy over a crib. Even securely installed objects pose a risk of falling when used by a toddler who is tall enough to pull or hang on. In addition to the dangers already mentioned, cribs are also susceptible to injury from falling shelves.
You should also not hang these things above a crib:
- The baby could suffocate if the drapes were pulled into the cot, despite their adorable appearance on Pinterest.
- Baby gyms for cribs have the potential to be dragged down on top of a sleeping infant. Most of them feature dangerously long or loose strings or straps that might easily be used to strangle someone.
- Glass picture frames provide a significant danger to young children because of the danger of shattered glass.
The following items are not inappropriate for display over a baby's crib:
- A mobile for a baby's crib that is out of reach yet safely attached to the rail, wall, or ceiling. As soon as your baby is able to sit up on their own, or by the time they are five months old, you should take the mobile down.
- Simple decorations for the wall or photo frames without glass: Some paintings or images of the family may be visually interesting for both you and your baby, so long as they are not too heavy and are hung well out of the baby's reach. Be sure that all wall decorations are securely fastened, and consider moving the crib away from the wall by a few inches to prevent any potential falls from leading directly into the crib.
- An adhesive mural or decal: This is the most risk-free approach of adorning the space above the baby's cot. Vinyl wall decals are widely available and inexpensive, with a wide variety of designs available to complement any chosen nursery motif. A mural can be painted by a professional artist or, if you're feeling really creative, you can try your hand at it yourself.
Where In A Room Should A Crib Go?
Avoiding potential hazards like windows and electrical outlets might make finding a good spot to put the crib more challenging. Several excellent choices are listed below.
The area close to the entrance
The crib should be placed near the door so that you won't have to make any dangerous manoeuvres to go to your infant in the middle of the night. It also means you can go to your infant quickly in case of an emergency, as you will be near by.
In a perpendicular nook
This is ideal for bassinets but may be used with any type of crib. If you have a lot of wall outlets or windows, setting the crib at a 45-degree angle to the corner will keep the edges away from the wall. In addition, you can get to your kid quickly and easily from either side of the crib.
Use the corner as storage, or build some high shelves (that don't overhang the crib) to put things like a baby monitor or a cool-mist humidifier on.
Where the middle of the room is
This modern approach to arranging a crib has dual benefits: it makes your infant the room's centre point while also protecting him from harm. You can decorate to your heart's content without restricting yourself by windows or electrical plugs. Also, you might think about some unique options, like oval or round cribs.
There are some rules about crib safety that you should observe, but you can put it pretty much anywhere you like. Avoid the aforementioned potential dangers in whichever location you choose.
This style is fantastic. It's fashionable, and it'll update the style of your nursery right away. Nothing of the aforementioned dangers is something you need to worry about, either.
Instead, you're free to do whatever you like with the space, like installing shelves on the wall. Even thick drapes won't be an issue.
Next to a Wall
If the crib isn't going to be used near a window, electrical outlet, or draperies, it can be placed against any wall. Despite the difficulty, most rooms have a spot that satisfies the aforementioned requirements.
If you can't, it might be best to skip utilising the outlet and invest in some childproofing instead.
Conclusion
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has stringent rules for both manufacturers and sellers. Stronger mattress supports and crib slats, more long-lasting hardware, and comprehensive safety testing are all things that should be expected. The crib should also be placed far from any windows, as infants and toddlers are at risk of injury or death if they were to fall through the glass. The presence of window coverings can be a serious security risk. You should consider lowering the blinds or curtains your child can reach as they get older.
In nearly half of all window blind-related accidents to kids, the victim was struck by a falling object. Children shouldn't be able to pull or hang on them. To make matters worse, they tend to be terrible at escaping from them once they're trapped within. Modern window coverings meet voluntary safety requirements but the risk remains high whenever a young child is within reach of the blind or drapery cords. Placing a crib near a window is discouraged by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Your infant should be secure from harm if the window is high enough that he or she cannot reach the blinds or drapes. There are over 3,000 annual reports of injuries to children under the age of five in the United States that are attributed to falls from windows. The placement of cribs in relation to walls is another important factor to consider when designing a nursery. It is often safe to put the cot against a wall, but there are some potential dangers that you should be aware of. The crib is also a potential landing spot for posters that have fallen off the wall.
You should not hang anything too heavy or dangerous over a baby's crib. Glass picture frames, drapes and gyms for cribs pose the potential to be dragged down on top of an infant. Mural or decal adorning the space above the baby's cot is the most risk-free way to adorn the space. There are some rules about crib safety that you should observe, but you can put it pretty much anywhere you like. This modern approach to arranging a crib has dual benefits: it makes your infant the room's centre point while also protecting him from harm. Despite the difficulty, most rooms have a spot that satisfies these requirements.
Content Summary
- Put the crib in a room that doesn't have any potential hazards, such as near a window, blinds, or shelving.
- This will guarantee that infant cribs are safe for use.
- She suggests making sure a portable crib is likewise safety-approved.
- Follow the manual's specific instructions for assembling the crib.
- And what about getting your kid to sleep in the crib?
- Is there a reason why cribs shouldn't be placed near windows?
- The presence of window coverings, such as blinds or curtains, can be a serious security risk.
- You should consider lowering the blinds or curtains your child can reach as they get older.
- The crib should be placed away from any potential entry points, such as windows.
- In order to prevent suffocation, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises that infants be put to sleep on hard surfaces, without blankets or pillows.
- Although curtains are not considered bedding and should not be hung within the crib, young children may pull them into the crib if it is located too close to a window.
- Keep your baby away from any electrical outlets.
- Long pull cords, or the cords between the slats of horizontal blinds, provide a significant strangulation risk to infants and young children.
- By installing cord cleats to securely wrap the cords, you can reduce the risk of a youngster pulling on them from the floor.
- However, if the crib is placed too close to the window, the child may be able to pull the cord out.
- Keep any climbable furniture away from any window covering cables, especially in any area where your child sleeps and you may not be able to keep constant watch.
- The Pane Could Break This may be an issue with more modern, pull-out window designs.
- Yet if the crib is placed near a window, the infant can simply crawl out.
- There will be a nighttime cold for your infant.
- To Cite One Exception Generally speaking, putting the crib close to a window is not a good idea, but there is one notable exception to this rule.
- Babies and small children are particularly vulnerable to the dangers that windows present.
- Placing a crib or bassinet next to a window is discouraged by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
- Children as young as infants have been seen to fall through glass windows.
- If your infant's bedroom is not on the ground floor, this is a serious risk.
- It is possible to reduce the risk of these kinds of accidents by positioning the crib and any other potential climbing surfaces away from windows.
- Your baby's crib should be placed against a wall far from any vents.
- A child can get stuck between the crib and the wall if it is placed too close to the wall, hence some authorities advise keeping it at least a foot away from the wall.
- It is often safe to put the cot against a wall.
- Put no large items on the wall above the crib.
- Instead, it's preferable to refrain from hanging anything close to the crib.
- Keep away from outlets and cords to prevent electrocution.
- If you need to put the crib up against a wall, be careful not to put it in a dangerous spot.
- Your child could be hurt if the glass shatters.
- Avoid putting photo frames on the crib's mattress or bumper.
- Do You Need To Avoid Having Anything Dangling Above The Baby's Crib As was previously noted, you shouldn't hang anything too heavy over a crib.
- The following items are not inappropriate for display over a baby's crib: A mobile for a baby's crib that is out of reach yet safely attached to the rail, wall, or ceiling.
- Simple decorations for the wall or photo frames without glass: Some paintings or images of the family may be visually interesting for both you and your baby, so long as they are not too heavy and are hung well out of the baby's reach.
- Be sure that all wall decorations are securely fastened, and consider moving the crib away from the wall by a few inches to prevent any potential falls from leading directly into the crib.
- An adhesive mural or decal: This is the most risk-free approach of adorning the space above the baby's cot.
- Avoiding potential hazards like windows and electrical outlets might make finding a good spot to put the crib more challenging.
- The area close to the entrance The crib should be placed near the door so that you won't have to make any dangerous manoeuvres to go to your infant in the middle of the night.
- Where the middle of the room is This modern approach to arranging a crib has dual benefits: it makes your infant the room's centre point while also protecting him from harm.
- It's fashionable, and it'll update the style of your nursery right away.
- Next to a Wall If the crib isn't going to be used near a window, electrical outlet, or draperies, it can be placed against any wall.
