We're Getting a Baby

During the summer, I like to stop at yard sales and auctions. It’s a great time to pick up used items for a much lower cost than buying new. Hot items at yard sales are baby items: cribs, play pens, crib accessories, pack ‘n plays, etc.

Cribs

Be careful to choose a crib with the space between the slats no more than 2-3/8 inches. The corner posts should be the same height as the end panels or less than 1/16 of an inch higher than the end panels. Dispose of antique cribs with decorative cutouts, corner posts, or lead paint.
The top rails of crib sides, in their raised position, should be at least 26 inches above the top of the mattress support at its lowest position. As soon as the child can pull itself to a standing position, set and keep the mattress at its lowest position. Stop using the mattress once the height of the top rails is less than three-fourths of the child’s height.

Mattress

The mattress should fit snuggly into the crib with no gaps. If two adult fingers can be placed between the mattress and any part of the crib, immediately replace the mattress. Do not use plastic packaging materials, such as dry cleaning bags, as mattress covers. Plastic should never be in or near the crib.

Crib Hardware

The crib hardware should be checked for disengaged, broken, bent or loose pieces. Make special checks of the mattress support hangers and brackets. If they are insecure, the mattress could drop and seriously injure baby. The hardware should not have sharp edges, points and rough surfaces.

Crib Accessories

Do not use pillows, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, pillow-like bumper pads or pillow-like stuffed toys in the crib.  Keep the crib clear of plastic sheets, pillows and large stuffed animals or toys. These can suffocate children or enable them to climb out of the crib.

Mesh-sided Cribs or Play Pens

Use mesh that is less than 1/4 inch in size (smaller than the tiny buttons on a baby’s clothing).
Use mesh with no tears, holes, or loose threads that could entangle a baby.
Mesh should be securely attached to the top rail and floor plate and have no tears, holes, or loose threads that could entangle a baby. The top rail cover should not have tears or holes.  If staples are used, be sure none of them are missing, loose, or exposed.

As you start to develop your baby’s room to get ready for the new arrival, remember that safety should be your first priority. A lot of items you find at a yard sale may be very cute and low cost, but they may also pose a possible safety risk. Be a wise knowledgeable shopper.