The following are some general guidelines the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Assocation (JPMA) provides to consumers on creating a safe sleep environment:
*Infants should ALWAYS sleep in a crib, which meets current Federal and ASTM standards.
*Normal, healthy infants should ALWAYS sleep on their backs unless otherwise advised by a pediatrician.
*NEVER place infants to sleep on pillows, sofa cushions, adult beds, waterbeds, beanbags, or any other surface not specifically designed for infant sleep.
*Only a fitted sheet, mattress pad, and/or waterproof pad should be used under baby.
*ALWAYS use a crib sheet that fits securely on the mattress, wraps around the mattress corners, and stays securely on the mattress corners.
*The crib mattress should fit snugly with no more than two fingers width, one-inch, between the edge of the mattress and the crib side.
*NEVER place the crib near windows, draperies, blinds, or wall mounted decorative accessories with long cords.
*Crib slats or spindles should be spaced no more than 2 3/8" apart, and none should be loose or missing.
*Never use a crib with corner posts over 1/16" above the end panels (unless they’re over 16" high for a canopy).
*When baby is put to sleep, remove pillows, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, pillow-like stuffed toys, and other pillow-like products from the crib.
*Never use pillows or add extra padding.
*No pillow-like bumpers.
*Use bumper pads only until the child can pull up to a standing position. Then remove them so baby cannot use the pads to climb out of the crib.
*Decorative bows and ribbons should be trimmed short and stitched securely to prevent strangulation.
*Flexible ribbons, strings, or ties attached to any infant bedding or related accessory item, with the exception of ties on bumper guards and headboard bumper guards, shall not exceed 7".
*Ribbons, strings, and ties on bumper guards and headboard bumper guards shall not exceed 9".
*Cover baby with a thin covering, specifically designed for infants, only reaching as far as baby's chest, and tuck the covering around the crib mattress. Consider using a sleeper, sleep sack, or other sleep clothing.
*No cutout areas on the headboard or footboard so baby's head cannot get trapped.
*No cracked or peeling paint, splinters, or rough edges.
*Mobiles should be removed when baby can pull himself or herself up.
*Don't tie items across the top of a play yard as they can entangle a baby and cause strangulation.
*Never suspend strings over play yards or cribs or attach strings to toys.
*Choose a play yard with mesh holes no larger than 1/4". Slats on a wooden play yard should be no more than 2 3/8" apart.
*Check vinyl or fabric-covered rails frequently for holes and tears.
*Choose a toddler bed that is low to the ground so that there is less chance of injury if your child falls.
*Place headboard against wall rather than the side of the bed so that the child can't become trapped between wall and bed.
