Crib Safety

Your baby will spend a lot of time in the crib, napping during the day and sleeping at night. It's very important to make sure it's a safe environment. Always place your baby to sleep on their back to help prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Here are other important ways to make sure a crib is safe for your baby.

How Can I Make Sure a Crib Is Safe?

Check any crib for safety before placing your baby in it — whether it's a new crib or a hand-me-down that you use at home, or a crib your baby uses at daycare or at a relative's home.

Make sure that:

The crib was made after 2011 to be sure it meets the most current safety requirements.
The slats are no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart and aren't cracked, loose, splintered, or missing.
There are no decorative cutouts on the headboard or footboard in which the baby could become caught.
There are no sharp or jagged edges.
The sides do not drop.
No screws are sticking out and all screws are accounted for.
Tightly attached corner posts are no more than 1/16 inch (1.5 millimeters) high. This is so a child’s clothing can’t get stuck on the post.

Inside the crib, make sure that:

The crib sheet snugly fits the mattress (never use an adult sheet).
The mattress is flat and fits snugly against the sides of the crib and there aren't big gaps between the mattress and the crib.
If your child can stand, the mattress is at its lowest position.
The mattress is firm, not soft.
Soft toys, comforters, blankets, and pillows (including infant positioners) are never kept in the crib.
There are no bumpers in the crib.
There are no mobiles or toys with strings or ribbons that your baby could reach.
You remove any mobiles when your baby starts pushing up on the hands and knees, or by age 5 month (whichever comes first).

Also check that:

There are no cords from drapes or window shades anywhere near the crib or within the baby's reach.
The crib isn't subject to a safety recall (check the CPSC's website).