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CPSC: Guidelines for Antique Cribs
Many new parents treasure the idea of using a crib for their newborn that has been passed down a generation or more. Others may search for a beautiful antique crib or a super thrift-store find. Older cribs can be dangerous for babies, though, if they don't meet modern safety standards.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission, an agency of the U.S. government, is charged with protecting the public from dangers associated with more than 15,000 types of consumer products, including cribs. CPSC seeks to protect people from products that pose fire, electrical, chemical or mechanical hazard or products that can harm children. Thanks to CPSC's vigilance, there has been a 30% decline in the rate of deaths and injuries from consumer products over the last 30 years
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has created some Modern Safety Standards to Prevent Injuries - Old cribs can pose a number of dangers to babies and toddlers. Old mattresses may be too soft and pose a suffocation risk, or may not fit the crib frame, allowing a baby to slip between the frame and mattress. Corner posts can pose a risk to babies who are able to stand up, as loose clothing could become caught on the posts. Slats that are too far apart or decorative holes in the headboards can trap small heads.
Use the following list of CPSC guidelines to determine whether your old crib is safe to use.
- The mattress should be firm and tight-fitting.
- There should be no missing or broken hardware or slats.
- Slats should be no more than 23/8" apart (about the width of a soda can).
- Corner posts should not be higher than 1/16".
- There should be no design cutouts in the headboard or footboard.
Though an old crib may be beautiful and sentimental, if it doesn't meet modern safety standards, it should not be used. Cribs that don't meet safety standards should be destroyed or used for decorative purposes only.
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