We are used to throwing away everything, but for some reason we want to keep our baby’s items forever. Even so, before you give birth, many people will be happy to donate unused nursery furniture and crib bedding. Babies can be a big financial drain to a family, thankfully offerings of cribs and bedding can help keep those costs in check, and always remember to thank the giver. Always make sure before you choose to use any bedding and crib for your child, that they are safe and won’t harm your child.
Whether it is a Moses basket or baby crib, there is something very special about your child’s first bed. You’ll probably be taking some time to refinish the crib if you’ve been given a hand-me-down. If so, this is the perfect time to make sure that the bed is safe. Even new baby bedding and cribs should be checked for safety. If the cradle is of wicker, check up the joints and remove any loose things. The mattress must be replaced as it would have definitely become bad. Babies like to put things in their mouth, so be sure that no loose ends or pieces of material are left over when fitting the skirt.
When you are putting up new drapes, check to see that there are no loose threads or dangling material that a baby might be able to get a hold of and put in his/her mouth. The Juvenile Product Manufacturer’s Association (JPMA) in the USA and British Standards(BS) in the UK concerned about the safety of baby furnitures, warn that new furnitures and bedding should be bought for the crib if possible. The JPMA seal of approval or the BS ‘Kite’ mark are shown on products that have been safety tested and meet the requirements.
As for me, receiving products that were used before is perfectly fine when safety is not an issue and when the furniture is in food shape, even if it is baby bedding. Your baby will spend many hours in his crib, so it is important to carefully examine and test it for safety. Here are some tips to bear in mind when assessing the safety of the equipment you have for your baby. First off, always make sure to check for spots where a child’s clothes might get caught and any chipped, loose, or toxic lead paint. Make sure you purchase a crib where the bars are extremely close together, (closer than 2 & 3/8 inches apart), and there are no holes anywhere, to protect your baby’s head. A sturdy crib requires tight joints and fixings. You should be able to raise and lower the side rails with one hand and the rails must be secure when raised. Lastly, see to it that the top of the side rail is a minimum of 22 inches above the crib mattress, and that the mattress itself is firm and free of dirt.
I think it is important that each new baby should get a new mattress, but make sure the mattress fits well in the crib before buying. Nursery bedding can present a risk of suffocation, so tie bumper strings tightly and ensure that the baby can’t pull down the bumper, or simply remove the bumper. Babies under the age of 12 months should not have access to the following in their cribs: duvets, quilts, sheepskin or pillows, while use of these items could cause overheating. Keep a thermometer in the room, and try a mixture of blankets and sheets. Babies learn faster than we can observe sometimes, so it’s important to take preventative measures such as placing the crib far away from cords, lamps, blinds or curtains, or any other item the baby could climb or pull into the crib with them.
Always remember to enjoy every moment with your baby, they grow up before you even realize it.
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