- CORNER POSTS:
- Corner posts should be the same height as the end panels, and NOT extend above the end
panels. Remove corner post extensions by unscrewing or sawing of and sanding smooth.
Children's clothing catches on corner post extensions, resulting in strangulation.
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- SLATS:
- Space between slats must be less than 2-3/8" and no slats should be missing.
Children attempt to squeeze feet first through wider slats, but their heads get caught,
resulting in strangulation.
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- CRIB HARDWARE:
- All screws, bolts, and hardware must be in place and tight to prevent crib's collapse.
The hardware and the crib should be smooth and free of sharp edges, points and rough
surfaces. Child's activity can cause crib to collapse, trapping and suffocating the child.
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- MISSING /BROKEN PARTS:
- Before each assembly and weekly thereafter, inspect crib for damage to hardware, loose
joints, missing parts, or sharp edges. Do not use crib if any parts are missing or broken.
Do not substitute parts.
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- MATTRESS:
- Must fit snugly so that two adult fingers cannot fit between the mattress and the crib
side. Baby may slip into wider gaps and suffocate.
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- CRIB PLACEMENT:
- The crib should be located with safety in mind. Avoid placing it near any lamps,
dangling cords or ribbons, windows, fans, heaters, or climbable furniture.
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- BUMPER PADS:
- Should be attached securely to all sides of the crib with at least six straps; excess
length of straps should be cut off; must fit snugly into all four corners; should be no
gaps between the bumper pads and the crib sides; must never be used to offset improper
spacing between slats; should be removed when a child is able to stand or kneel and move
around the crib.
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- PILLOWS:
- Not recommended for use in a crib. Infants may suffocate from soft spots. Toddlers will
use pillows to climb out of the crib. Never use a pillow with a granular material such as
plastic foam beads or pellets.
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- CRIB GYMS AND MOBILES:
- Along with all other hanging cords, must be removed when a baby is able to push up on
hands and knees.
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- PLASTIC BAGS:
- Do not use plastic bags or plastic material for mattress covers. Children suffocate when
plastic material clings to face.
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- DROP SIDE(S):
- Must not be releasable by a child; must hold securely in the raised position; must
require two distinct actions or a minimum force of ten pounds with one action to release
the latch or lock.
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- END PANELS:
- Be sure end panels and sides extend below mattress support at its lowest position. Child
can strangle by becoming trapped in gap between mattress and end panels or sides.
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- CUTOUTS:
- Cribs with cutout designs in end panels must not be used. Child can strangle by becoming
entrapped in cutout.
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- TEETHING RAIL:
- Remove or replace if damaged or loose.
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- PAINT:
- Cribs build before 1978 may have a higher lead content than current regulations allow.
When using an older crib, be sure to strip off all the old paint and repaint with a paint
designated for baby products. All wood surfaces should be free of splinters, cracks and
chipping.
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- CHILD'S HEIGHT:
- When a child first climbs out of the crib or is 32"-35" tall, he or she has
outgrown the crib and should sleep in a bed. In a full size crib the top rails of
drop-sides when raised, should be at least 26" above the top of the mattress support.
The top rail of a lowered side should be at least 9" above the mattress support to
prevent falls.
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