Crib Safety TipsCrib DesignDispose of antique cribs with decorativecutouts, corner posts or lead paint.The space between the slats should be nomore than 2-3/8 inches apart to preventinfants from getting their head stuck betweenthem. Cribs manufactured after 1974 mustmeet this and other strict safety standards.The corner posts should be the same heightas the end panels or less than 1/16 of an inchhigher than the end panels.No cut-out areas on the headboard orfootboard so a baby''s head cannot gettrapped.The top rails of crib sides, in their raisedposition, should be at least 26 inches abovethe top of the mattress support at its lowestposition.As soon as the child can pull himself to astanding position, set and keep the mattress atits lowest position. Stop using the crib once theheight of the top rails is less than three-fourthsof the child''s height.MattressThe mattress should fit snugly next to the cribso that there is no gap. If two adult fingers canbe placed between the mattress and the crib,the mattress should be immediately replaced.Do not use plastic packaging materials, suchas dry cleaning bags, as mattress covers.Plastic film can cling to children''s faces andshould never be in or near the crib.Put your baby to sleep on his or her back orside in a crib with a firm, flat mattress and nosoft bedding underneath. Talk to yourpediatrician about which sleeping position isbest for you child.Crib HardwareThe drop side(s) of the crib should require twodistinct actions or a minimum force of tenpounds with one action to release the latch orthe locks to prevent accidental release by thechild.The crib hardware should be checked fordisengaged, broken, bent or loose pieces.Special checks should be made of themattress support hangers and brackets sothey cannot drop. The hardware and the cribshould be smooth and free of sharp edges,points and rough surfaces.