Of course you want to do everything you can to keep your precious newborn safe from harm. Some people don't realize that where baby sleeps can also be dangerous if you are not careful. Don't choose your baby's bedding just because it is cute or comes in the right colors. That crib you may be pining for could be lethal if you don't check it out properly. 
Mattresses and cribs that don't meet the exacting safety requirements set up for infant furniture can cause babies to suffocate and die… something that could have been avoided. Baby safety is very important to implement around the home.
Recalls and Safety GuidelinesAn announcement made by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission in 1995 suggested that used cribs should be destroyed as they were not built to current safety standards. After analyzing crib safety, the guidelines were updated and more stringent. Some older beds have gaps that can easily trap a baby's leg, arm or head, making them unsafe. Other cribs had safety latches that would give way without warning, allowing the railing to fall or slide. Older baby furniture can also contain materials such as lead paint or other toxins. Some baby bedding has also proven to be a suffocation hazard, or found to be filled with flammable mattress stuffing. Child safety has become a growing concern of the federal government as well as parents everywhere. Luckily now when an item is found to be dangerous to children, the alarm can be sent out easily to the entire country. Your Job as ParentCribs and other baby furnishings must meet strict safety guidelines before it can be marketed today. As a parent, it is your job to choose quality baby and juvenile furniture and accessories to provide your baby or toddler with a safe place to live, sleep and play. Spending the time to make your baby's environment safe is fairly easy and will let you enjoy watching your baby without worry. Use these guidelines when you are shopping for your baby's furniture and bedding. They will help you address any baby safety issues that may come up.
•When the crib rail is in the raised position, you should be able to measure a height of at least 26 inches from the top of the mattress to the top of the rail.
•There should be not less than 9 inches between the top of the crib mattress and the top of the crib railing when it is in the lowered position.
•All bars or slats on the sides of the crib should be 2-3/8 inches apart or less for baby's safety.
•Don't choose any baby furnishings with cut out designs in the head or footboards.
•While you may like decorative knobs on the furniture, don't use a crib that has them due to safety issues for babies and toddlers.
•All corner posts on the crib should be the same height as the head and footboards. Posts should never be taller than the anchor panels on baby furniture.
•Make sure the mattress supports are made of metal. This will keep your baby safe once they figure out how fun it is to bounce on the mattress.
•Push on the crib. If it is shaky, it is not safe. All furniture made for babies should be solid and sturdy to keep your child safe.
•All drop side latches on cribs should have two separate movements to unlatch them for safety.
•Toddler safety and baby safety is taken into account on knee releases on cribs. Always make sure that knee releases cannot be released by a crawling child.
•Do your homework and research any children's product you are considering for your child. Be sure it has passed the safety standards for your baby, toddler or small child. Send in the registration cards for any item you purchase so if there is a problem or if a recall is issued, you will be notified.
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