Crib Safety Q&A by Delta Children
Q: How can parents know whether or not they are buying a safe crib?
A: A safe crib is one that has been purchased new and has been certified by the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) and JPMA (Juvenile Products Manufacturer's Association). Any used cribs that were produced prior to the release of the new crib safety regulations on June 28, 2011 do not meet these standards, and can prove to be dangerous to your child, especially due to improper storage.
Every crib sold today, regardless of the retailer, must comply with these new regulations; all retailers are now required to sell only cribs that meet these safety standards. To cover your bases, be sure to ask the retailer you plan on purchasing from, whether or not the crib you are interested in meets these safety standards.
Q: What are the June 28, 2011 New Crib Safety Standard Regulations?
A: The new federal crib safety regulations, which apply to both full and non-full size cribs, prohibit the sales of traditional drop-side cribs, including those from retailers, thrift stores, and websites. In addition, these new regulations require more rigorous testing of all cribs, and the strengthening of crib slats, mattress support, and hardware.
Delta Children's Products' internal crib testing standards go above and beyond those recommended by the CPSC, JPMA, and even the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). We have seven testing facilities around the world that are dedicated to ensuring the quality and safety of our cribs and other products.
For a glimpse of our New Jersey testing facility, view this ABC Good Morning America segment: http://abcn.ws/qTMBBZ
Q: When should nursery furniture be assembled?
A: We recommend assembling nursery furniture at least one month prior to the baby's expected due date. This allows you ample time to put the furniture together and order any missing or additional parts without having to rush. In addition, many children's furniture manufacturers also suggest items be aired out prior to use.
Q: Where should the crib be placed in a nursery or room?
A: The ideal spot to place a crib is in the center of the room, because it is away from the walls, windows, or any other areas that could potentially be hazardous to your baby. In smaller rooms, cribs should be placed away from any windows, and nothing should be hanging from the walls or surrounding areas.
Q: What are some other tips for creating a safe nursery space?
A: Essentially, you want to create an environment that is clean and clutter-free. Anything that your baby may be able to grab, get tangled in, or grow to reach should be placed well way from the crib to avoid any potentially hazardous situations. Examples include extension cords, window accessories such as drapes, curtains, or rods, lamp chords, and baby monitors.
Growing babies can surprise you with their development, so it is important not to take any chances. They can go from sitting to standing before you know it, and will eventually learn how to walk, roll over, and grab things that were once out of reach.
Q: When is the best time for parents to transition their child from a crib to a toddler bed?
A: When your child reaches 35 inches, or begins to start climbing out of the crib. Many cribs manufactured today, which meet the new safety standards, are made to convert into toddler beds. You may contact your crib's manufacturer for the correct and up-to-date parts and instructions.
If you're interested in finding out more about your crib and crib safety, visit these links:
CPSC.gov – Consumer Products and Safety Commission
JPMA.org – Juvenile Products Manufacturer's Association
ASTM.org – American Society for Testing and Materials
