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Health & Baby

Essentials for Baby

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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. For more information, see the Consumer Product Safety Commission website (www.cpsc.gov).

Back carriers

All back carriers should meet the following safety standards:

Check if meets standards

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

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Leg openings are large enough to prevent chafing.

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Frames have no pinch points in the folding mechanism.

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

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Note:

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

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Bassinets and cradles

All bassinets and cradles should meet the following safety standards:

Check if meets standards

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

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

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

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Mattress is firm and fits snugly.

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Wood or metal cradles have slats spaced no more than 2 3/8 inches (60 mm) apart.

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Note:

Follow the manufacturer's guidelines on weight and size of baby who can safely use these products. Do not use sleep positioners.

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Carrier seats

All carrier seats should meet the following safety standards:

Check if meets standards

Carrier seat has a wide, sturdy base for stability.

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Carrier has nonskid feet to prevent slipping.

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Supporting devices lock securely.

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Carrier seat has crotch and waist strap.

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Buckle or strap is easy to use.

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Note:

Never use the carrier as a car seat unless it is labeled for that purpose.

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Changing tables

All changing tables should meet the following safety standards:

Check if meets standards

Table has safety straps to prevent falls.

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

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Note:

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

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Cribs

All cribs should meet the following safety standards:

Check if meets standards

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

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No slats are missing, loose, or cracked.

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Mattress fits snugly-no more than two finger-widths between edge of mattress and crib side.

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Mattress support is securely attached to the headboard and footboard.

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Corner posts are no higher than 1/16 inch (1.5 mm).

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Top edges of headboard and footboard have no cutouts.

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All screws, bolts, and other hardware are present and tight.

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Note:

Don't use sleep positioners or crib bumpers. Don't place the crib near draperies or blinds. A child can get strangled by window cords or fall through a screen. When the child reaches 35 inches (90 cm) in height, he or she has outgrown the crib and should sleep in a bed.

Movable side rails are a safety hazard, and new cribs are no longer made with them. If your crib has the kind of side rail that can be raised and lowered, always raise it and secure it properly when your child is in the crib.

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WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: October 31, 2011

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.