| If you're a new parent, it's important to be aware | | | | crib mattress; at least 9 in. between lowered crib |
| of guidelines for your baby's bed. These guidelines | | | | rails and the top of the mattress; and rail slats |
| are set out by official organizations to ensure the | | | | that are 2 3/8 in. apart. |
| optimum safety for your baby while they're | | | | Specifications for the mattress include that it |
| sleeping or even just playing in their bed. Since | | | | should be fire-safe, which all newer mattresses |
| your baby's bed is the only place you'll ever leave | | | | are required to be; that it fits tightly on the crib |
| them unattended, even for a minute, its | | | | with less than two finger widths of space |
| important that it be as safe as possible and follow | | | | between mattress and crib; that it has squared |
| all safety regulations. | | | | corners and no sharp edges or rough services; |
| Your baby's first bed will likely be a bassinet | | | | and that the mattress is firm for optimal support. |
| before they graduate to a crib, and this is where | | | | Single drop sides are more stable than |
| you have to be the most careful. Because a | | | | double-drop sides, and metal supports are often |
| bassinet is essentially a basket of some sort or | | | | much sturdier than wood, though this does |
| other similar design, there's very little safety risk. | | | | depend on the manufacturer. |
| But a crib has slots, designs and myriad other | | | | Think twice before getting an older bed or one |
| elements that are potential dangers to your baby, | | | | that has been used before. Check out the safety |
| many of which you've probably never thought | | | | commission's guidelines and see what cribs have |
| about. | | | | been recalled. A used crib can have all kinds of |
| Here are some guidelines for keeping your baby | | | | safety hazards, from lead paint to worn parts. |
| safe in their crib: | | | | Though it may be more expensive, buying a crib |
| Avoid headboards with cut outs or other | | | | new is the best way to ensure you get one that |
| décor. It is easy for a baby to get their | | | | has the correct specifications. If you do buy a |
| head stuck or scrape themselves on them, and | | | | new crib, always send in the registration card that |
| thus they should be avoided. Also avoid | | | | comes with it in case the manufacturer recalls the |
| decorative posts or other additions. | | | | crib for whatever is a manufacturer, wholesaler |
| If the crib has wheels, ensure that at least two | | | | and retailer of the finest baby, adult and |
| of them have brakes you can put on if you leave | | | | custom-sized sheets and bedding products. |
| the room. | | | | In business for over 25 years, we wholesale our |
| Specifications for the crib rails include at least 26 | | | | products to specialty and chain furniture stores |
| in. between the raised crib rails and the top of the | | | | throughout the United States. |