“Manufacturers of crib mattresses use a range of materials to meet the needs and preferences of families as they shop for nursery essentials,” says Lisa Trofe, executive director of the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA). However, unlike mattresses for adults, the best crib mattresses need to have certain features and standards in order to keep infants and toddlers safe and sound throughout the night. We all want a cozy mattress to fall asleep on at night-and that includes infants and toddlers.

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If staples are used, they are not missing, loose or exposed. Mesh securely attached to top rail and floor plate. Mesh with no tears, holes or loose threads that could entangle a baby. Mesh less than 1/4 inch in size, smaller than the tiny buttons on a baby's clothing. Infants can become stranguled when their head and neck become entrapped in gaps created by missing, loose or broken hardware or broken slats.įor mesh-sided cribs or playpens, look for: No cutouts in the headboard or foot board so a baby's head cannot get trapped.Ĭribs that are incorrectly assembled, have missing, loose or broken hardware or broken slats can result in entrapment or suffocation deaths. No corner posts over 1/16th inch high so a baby's clothing cannot catch. No more than 2 3/8 inches (about the width of a soda can) between crib slats so a baby's body cannot fit through the slats no missing or cracked slats. No missing, loose, broken or improperly installed screws, brackets or other hardware on the crib or mattress support. Use only a fitted bottom sheet specifically made for crib use.Ī firm, tight-fitting mattress so a baby cannot get trapped between the mattress and the crib. Tuck a thin blanket around the crib mattress, covering baby only as high as his/her chest. If you do use a blanket, place baby with feet to foot of the crib. Place baby on his/her back in a crib with a firm, tight-fitting mattress.ĭo not put pillows, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, pillow-like bumper pads or pillow-like stuffed toys in the crib.Ĭonsider using a sleeper instead of a blanket.

For infants under 12 months of age, follow these practices to reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) and prevent suffocation:

Board for under crib mattress