RELATED: Signs Your Kid Has a Sleep Disorder “Parents shouldn’t use any cribs manufactured before that date,” says Joyce Davis, president of sleep safety nonprofit Keeping Babies Safe. In fact, she says, “It’s illegal to manufacture or sell any crib that doesn’t meet the new crib safety standards.” Also important is to check for crib recalls at and the Keeping Babies Safe website before buying one, as baby products are recalled for safety issues pretty frequently. Some parents who live in small apartments might be drawn toward a mini crib, which (obviously) takes up less space than a full-size crib. It’s a bit of a crapshoot, because some babies might grow out of mini cribs before they’re ready to transition to a toddler bed, so parents might end up shelling out for a bigger crib later. But in terms of safety, portable or mini cribs are fine as long as they meet the current safety standards, Davis says. The important thing is that the mattress is the right size for the crib, because you don’t want space between the pad and edges of the crib. “Never use a supplemental mattress or added mattress to a mesh-sided play yard,” Davis adds. “And only use the mattress or pad that comes with the crib, bassinet, or play yard.” To keep crib time safe, remember the “bare is best” rule: no soft bedding, no crib bumpers, pillows, blankets, comforters, or toys, she says. And keep the crib away from windows, curtains, and any chords that the baby could use to pull him or herself out of the crib or could pose strangulation hazards.
Things To Look For In A Baby Crib
Here are a few specific things parents should look for in a safe crib:
