Safe Nursery Equipment

Equipment for an older baby includes items such as high chairs, gates and enclosures, playpens, toy chests, and toys.  Specific guidelines for buying these items can be obtained by writing for a free copy of the Buyer’s Guide: The Safe Nursery at U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Washington, D.C. 20207.

Car Seats are necessary to take baby home from the hospital.

Cribs

• Slats are spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (60 mm) apart.
• No slats are missing or cracked.
• Mattress fits snugly - less than two fingers width between edge of mattress and crib side.
• Mattress support is securely attached to the head and footboards.
• Corner posts are no higher than 1/16 of an inch (1½ mm) to prevent entanglement.
• No cutouts in head and footboards to allow head entrapment.
• Drop-side latches cannot be easily released by a baby.
• Drop-side latches securely hold side in raised position.
• All screws or bolts which secure components of crib together are present and tight.

Bassinets and Cradles

• Bassinet/cradle has a sturdy bottom and a wide base for stability.
• Bassinet/cradle has smooth surfaces - no protruding staples or other hardware that could injure the baby.
• Legs have strong, effective locks to prevent folding while in use.
• Mattress is firm and fits snugly.

Pacifiers

The use of a pacifier is a personal choice.  During the first few days after birth, most babies will tend to be sleepy and may not show an interest in sucking and feeding.  It is best during this period if you are breastfeeding, to use baby’s sucking interest to practice suckling at the breast.

Just like many things, there are advantages and disadvantages to the use of a pacifier.  A pacifier may be soothing during stressful times for babies.  Some disadvantages of pacifier use include changes in the structure of the baby’s mouth (with long term use) or a decrease in interest in feeding.  Your health care provider will help you get the answers to your questions.

If purchasing pacifiers, keep in mind that the shield is large enough and firm enough so it cannot fit in the baby’s mouth.  The guard or shield should have ventilation holes so baby can breath if the shield does get into the mouth.  The pacifier nipple should have no holes or tears that might cause it to break off in the baby’s mouth.  It is best to not “share” pacifiers between children or to “re-use” a pacifier from an older child.

Changing Tables

• Table has safety straps to prevent falls.
• Table has drawers or shelves that are easily accessible without leaving the baby unattended.

Strollers

• Stroller has a wide base to prevent tipping.
• Seat beat and crotch strap are securely attached to frame.
• Seat belt buckle is easy to use.
• Brakes securely lock the wheel(s).
• Shopping basket low on the back and located directly over or in front of rear wheels.
• When used in carriage position, leg hole openings can be closed.

Back Carriers

• Carrier has restraining strap to secure child.
• Leg openings are small enough to prevent child from slipping out.
• Leg openings are large enough to prevent chafing.
• Frames have no pinch points in the folding mechanism.
• Carrier has padded covering over metal frame near baby’s face.

Peer Review Status: Internally
Peer Review Date: 2004