<div style=' background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana;width:auto;padding:5px;max-height:100%;'><span><p class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW242032816 BCX0" style="margin-bottom: 0px; user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; overflow: visible; cursor: text; clear: both; position: relative; direction: ltr;"></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW242032816 BCX0" paraid="1458486335" paraeid="{377b7b20-d2b4-484f-b7c0-515abdde1074}{196}" style="margin-bottom: 0px; user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; overflow-wrap: break-word; vertical-align: baseline; font-kerning: none; background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;">When it comes to your baby's safety during sleep, choosing the right crib and bedding is of paramount importance. In this article, we provide recommendations for selecting a crib that adheres to current safety standards and share best practices for ensuring a secure sleep environment for your infant. <br></span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW242032816 BCX0" paraid="1458486335" paraeid="{377b7b20-d2b4-484f-b7c0-515abdde1074}{196}" style="margin-bottom: 0px; user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; overflow-wrap: break-word; vertical-align: baseline; font-kerning: none; background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><b style="font-variant-ligatures: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Crib Selection: New vs. Old </b></span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW242032816 BCX0" paraid="1458486335" paraeid="{377b7b20-d2b4-484f-b7c0-515abdde1074}{196}" style="margin-bottom: 0px; user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; overflow-wrap: break-word; vertical-align: baseline; font-kerning: none; background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Regardless of whether your crib is new or hand-me-down, it must meet all current government safety standards to ensure your baby's well-being. Here are some essential crib safety guidelines: <br></span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW242032816 BCX0" paraid="1458486335" paraeid="{377b7b20-d2b4-484f-b7c0-515abdde1074}{196}" style="margin-bottom: 0px; user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; overflow-wrap: break-word; vertical-align: baseline; font-kerning: none; background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;">1)No Drop-Rails: Avoid cribs with drop-rails, as they are not considered safe for babies. </span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW242032816 BCX0" paraid="1458486335" paraeid="{377b7b20-d2b4-484f-b7c0-515abdde1074}{196}" style="margin-bottom: 0px; user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; overflow-wrap: break-word; vertical-align: baseline; font-kerning: none; background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;">2)Sturdy Hardware: Crib parts and hardware should be stronger and more durable than in the past. </span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW242032816 BCX0" paraid="1458486335" paraeid="{377b7b20-d2b4-484f-b7c0-515abdde1074}{196}" style="margin-bottom: 0px; user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; overflow-wrap: break-word; vertical-align: baseline; font-kerning: none; background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;">3)Older Cribs: If you have an older crib that predates the new safety standards, follow these steps: 4)Contact the crib manufacturer; they might provide hardware to prevent drop-side movement. 5)Regularly inspect the crib to ensure that all hardware is secure, and there are no broken or missing parts. 6)Check if your crib has been recalled before using it. <br></span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW242032816 BCX0" paraid="1458486335" paraeid="{377b7b20-d2b4-484f-b7c0-515abdde1074}{196}" style="margin-bottom: 0px; user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; overflow-wrap: break-word; vertical-align: baseline; font-kerning: none; background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;">If possible, consider investing in a new crib that complies with current safety standards. </span><br></p><p></p><span></div><div style=' background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana;width:auto;padding:5px;max-height:100%;'><span><p><b>Key Safety Checks for All Cribs&nbsp;</b></p><p>1)Whether your crib is brand new or has a history, certain safety measures should always be in place:&nbsp;<br></p><p>2)Firm Mattress: Always use a firm, tight-fitting mattress to prevent your baby from becoming trapped between the mattress and the crib.&nbsp;<br></p><p>3)Safety Inspection: Regularly check your crib for the following:&nbsp;<br></p><p>4)No missing, loose, broken, or poorly installed screws, brackets, or hardware.&nbsp;<br></p><p>5)No cracked or peeling paint.&nbsp;<br></p><p>6)Gaps between crib slats no wider than 2 3/8 inches (about the width of a soda can).&nbsp;<br></p><p>7)No missing or cracked slats.&nbsp;<br></p><p>8)Corner posts lower than 1/16th inch high to avoid catching the baby's clothing.&nbsp;<br></p><p>9)No cutouts in the headboard or footboard to prevent the baby's head from getting trapped.&nbsp;</p><span></div><div style=' background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana;width:auto;padding:5px;max-height:100%;'><span><p><b>Using the Crib Safely&nbsp;</b></p><p>To ensure the safety of your baby while using the crib, keep these points in mind:&nbsp;<br></p><p>1)Follow Instructions: Always read and adhere to the manufacturer's directions for setting up, using, and maintaining the crib.&nbsp;<br></p><p>2)Hardware Integrity: Never use a crib with loose or missing parts or hardware. Contact the crib manufacturer for replacement parts instead of substituting with items from a hardware store.&nbsp;<br></p><p>3)Cord Safety: Avoid placing the crib near cords from window blinds, curtains, or drapes to prevent potential strangulation hazards.&nbsp;<br></p><p>4)No Swinging Devices: Do not attach hammocks or other swinging devices to the crib, as they pose a risk of strangling the baby.&nbsp;<br></p><p>5)Adjust Mattress Height: Lower the crib mattress before your baby can sit up independently. It should be at the lowest level before your baby can stand.&nbsp;<br></p><p>6)Remove Crib Toys: Hanging crib toys should be out of the baby's reach. Remove them when your baby starts pushing up on hands and knees or reaches five months, as these toys can pose a strangulation risk.&nbsp;<br></p><p>7)Transition Time: Children should be moved out of the crib when they reach a height of 35 inches (90 centimeters).&nbsp;</p><span></div><div style=' background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana;width:auto;padding:5px;max-height:100%;'><span><p><b>Safe Bedding for Children</b>&nbsp;</p><p>While rare, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) remains a concern. To reduce the risk of SIDS, here are some safe bedding practices to follow:&nbsp;<br></p><p>1)Back to Sleep: Always place your baby on their back on a firm, well-fitted mattress.&nbsp;<br></p><p>2)Avoid Obstructive Items: Refrain from using pillows, bumper pads, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, stuffed toys, or any objects that could potentially suffocate or strangle your baby.&nbsp;<br></p><p>3)Opt for Sleeper Gowns: Instead of blankets, choose sleeper gowns to keep your baby warm and comfortable.&nbsp;<br></p><p>4)Uncovered Head: Ensure your baby's head remains uncovered during sleep.&nbsp;<br></p><p>5)Secure Sleep Surface: Avoid placing your baby on a waterbed, sofa, soft mattress, pillow, or other soft surfaces.&nbsp;<br></p><p><br></p><p>By following these safety guidelines, you can provide your baby with a secure and peaceful sleep environment, offering you peace of mind as a parent.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>&nbsp;</p><span></div>