- WebMD Home

WebMD Home

Children's Health

Children's Health Related Topics

Email a Friend

Print Article

Font Size

Nursery Equipment Safety Checklist - Topic Overview

The following safety guidelines are adapted from the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). They are for various equipment found in nurseries, both at home and in child care settings.

Back carriers

All back carriers should meet the following safety standards:

Check if meets standards

1. Carrier has restraining strap to secure child.

2. Leg openings are small enough to prevent child from slipping out.

3. Leg openings are large enough to prevent chafing.

4. Frames have no pinch points in the folding mechanism.

5. Carrier has padded covering over metal frame near baby's face.

Note:

Do not use a back carrier until baby is 4 or 5 months old, when his or her neck is able to withstand jolts and not sustain an injury.

Bassinets and cradles

All bassinets and cradles should meet the following safety standards:

Check if meets standards

1. Bassinet/cradle has a sturdy bottom and a wide base for stability.

2. Bassinet/cradle has smooth surfaces-no protruding staples or other hardware that can injure the baby.

3. Legs have strong, effective locks to prevent folding while in use.

4. Mattress is firm and fits snugly.

Note:

Follow manufacturer's guidelines on weight and size of baby who can safely use these products.

Baby bath rings or seats

All bath rings and seats should meet the following safety standards:

Check if meets standards

1. Suction cups are securely fastened to product.

2. Suction cups are securely attached to the smooth surface of tub.

3. Tub is filled only with enough water to cover baby's legs.

Note:

Never leave a baby unattended or with a sibling in a tub of water. Do not rely on a bath ring to keep your baby safe.

Carrier seats

All carrier seats should meet the following safety standards:

Check if meets standards

1. Carrier seat has a wide, sturdy base for stability.

2. Carrier has nonskid feet to prevent slipping.

3. Supporting devices lock securely.

4. Carrier seat has crotch and waist strap.

5. Buckle or strap is easy to use.

Note:

Never use the carrier as a car seat.

Changing tables

All changing tables should meet the following safety standards:

Check if meets standards

1. Table has safety straps to prevent falls.

2. Table has drawer or shelves that are easily accessible without leaving the baby unattended.

Note:

Do not leave a baby on the table unattended. Always use the straps to prevent the baby from falling.

Cribs

All cribs should meet the following safety standards:

Check if meets standards

1. Slats are spaced no more than 2 3/8 inches (60 mm) apart.

2. No slats are missing or cracked.

3. Mattress fits snugly-less than two finger-widths between edge of mattress and crib side.

4. Mattress support is securely attached to the head and footboards.

5. Corner posts are no higher than 1/16 inch (1.5 mm) to prevent entanglement of clothing or other objects worn by child.

6. Head and footboards have no cutouts, which allow head entrapment.

7. Drop-side latches cannot be easily released by baby.

8. Drop-side latches securely hold sides in raised position.

9. All screws or bolts that secure components of crib are present and tight.

Note:

Do not place crib near draperies or blinds where child could become entangled and strangle on the cords. When the child reaches 35 inches (90 cm) in height or can climb and/or fall over the sides, the crib should be replaced with a bed.

1 | 2 | 3

Next Page >

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: March 13, 2007

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.

Nursery Equipment Safety Checklist Topics

Credits

Nursery Equipment Safety Checklist

Children’s Health: Ages & Stages

Age 0-5

WebMD Editors determine the topics and placement on our lists...

Childhood Development

Hot Topics in Children’s Health

Test Your Health IQ

And you could win a Wii Fit from WebMD.

When to Call the Pediatrician

It’s natural to call the doctor if you think your child is sick. But do you really need to call every time? Not every sniffle is as serious as you may think.