A full size crib is in fact a bed meant for infants to sleep in; the interior of which should be 52 inches long and 28 inches wide. Requirements for a full-size crib have been published in Code of Federal Regulations in Title 16, Part 1508 by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. These standards have been specified to ensure the safety of your baby. Such requirements include specifications like:

• The adjustable rails should be at least 26 inches above the mattress at its highest and 9 inches at its lowest level.
• The slats and spindles should not be more than 2⅜ inches apart.
• The hardware should not have any sharp edges which may pinch or bruise the baby in any way.
• The locking device must be able to withstand a pressure of at least 10 pounds of force for release.
• The use of wooden screws is restricted.
• The construction/finishing of the wood surfaces should not have splinters, cracks or other defects.
• All decorative openings should keep in mind that the baby’s head or neck does not get entrapped in them.
• Assembly instructions and labeling details must always accompany the product.

Cribs that do not match these requirements are banned as hazardous substances under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act, 15 U.S.C. 1261(q) (1) (A).

The Commission has also published requirements for the crib mattress. It is imperative that you read the guidelines for crib mattresses issued by the Commission for the safety and betterment of your baby.

A mattress used for a full crib should be at least 51⅝ inches long and 27 ¼ inches wide, and the assembly instructions for the crib and the mattress must prominently display these requirements. If the size of the crib mattress is not according to the specifications issued by the Commission, it may lead to suffocation or entrapment of the baby’s head between the sides of the crib and the mattress.

Your baby is going to spend the majority of his time in the crib and on the mattress after birth. There is a need to be particular about all aspects of safety and health of your baby in this respect. Crib mattresses should not only be the right size but safe for your baby. The fabric and material used for mattresses should be conducive to the health and growth of your child. Safe organic crib mattresses that are made of organic materials can ensure that your baby is not exposed to the harmful effects of synthetic materials that are known to emit harmful gasses upon contact with household mold.

References:

http://www.cpsc.gov/

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