Comprehensive Baby Crib
Safety Guidelines

A baby crib is the only place you will ever leave your infant unattended. So you need to make sure it's absolutely safe.

We're committed to gathering and publishing the best and most thorough baby crib safety guidelines.

Check the crib you're considering for:

• At least 26 inches between raised crib rails and the top of the crib mattress.
• At least 9 inches between lowered crib rails and the top of the crib mattress.
• If legs have wheels, at least 2 wheels must have brakes.
• No decorative cutouts in headboard or footboard.
• Slats must be less than 2 and 3/8 inches apart.
• End panels must extend below mattress when mattress is at lowest position.
• Crib must be sturdy, not wobbly, when you try to shake it.
• Although double drop-sides are convenient, a single drop-side is more stable.
• Metal mattress supports are stronger than wood supports (important for withstanding a jumping toddler!)
• Mattress support hangers (4 of these attach mattress support to end panels), must be secure and able to withstand upward force from beneath the crib.
• Always send in the product registration card that comes with every new crib. By returning the card, you ensure you'll be notified if your crib is recalled.
• We do not recommend using a secondhand crib. Safety requirements are much more stringent today than in years past. Older cribs may present entrapment risks and other hazards, or contain lead paint or other toxic materials. If you do consider a used crib, make sure it hasn't been recalled by checking with the Consumer Product Safety Commission: Baby Crib Safety Recalls .

• Read these recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Consumer Product Safety Commission regarding the safest infant bedding .
• Mattress should fit snugly (less than 2 finger-widths between mattress and crib sides).
• Mattress should be firm and have squared corners.
• No sharp edges or rough surfaces.
• Corner posts should be the same height as the end panels, NOT extending above the end panels.
• No decorative knobs, posts, or protrusions anywhere on crib.
• The drop-side latches should require 2 distinct actions (or a minimum force of 10 pounds with one action) to release the lock.
• If a knee-bar mechanism is used to lower the crib side, it must not be able to be tripped by toddlers crawling under the crib.
• Make sure your crib mattress is fire-retardant. New crib mattresses are required to be fire-resistant, but some older mattresses were not. It's best to purchase a new mattress to be sure.