Crib Dos and Don'ts

At some point, most new parents realize that the assembly instructions that came with their newly-purchased crib are pretty much useless. Sure, the manual tells you how to get the crib upright and where to put the screws, but it doesn’t tell you what you really need to know: how to get your baby to sleep in the thing. When it comes to cribs, you’re bound to have a few questions, like how to get your baby to like the crib, the best time to move a toddler out of one, and whether it’s OK to use a crib for time-out. Here are a few dos and don’ts to keep your little one happy and safe in the crib.

DO give your child quiet playtime in her crib. Starting this habit in infancy gives your child the freedom to play in a safe, familiar environment and helps her to develop positive associations with her sleeping space. Infants shouldn’t be placed in a crib with soft toys, but can gaze at a mobile, pictures, or their hands. Toddlers can relax in the crib with books and a blanket.

DON’T use the crib as a place for time-out or punishment. According to Elizabeth Lombardo, Ph.D., this can lead your child to develop a negative association with his bed, setting the stage for sleep problems.

DO explore alternative to traditional crib bumpers. Last fall, I posted about Chicago’ controversial ban on crib bumpers, and I got some heated comments in response. Turns out, some parents are still pro-bumper, and are understandably grumpy about the government meddling with their baby’s bedding. If you just can’t picture a crib without a bumper, consider this breathable bumper from One Step Ahead. (And if you do buy a traditional bumper, don’t invest too heavily. If other cities and states follow Chicago’s lead, reselling the bumper later might prove difficult.)

DON’T resell or give away a hazardous drop-side crib. Instead, check out these nifty ways to reuse an old crib. (I love the creativity center idea!).

DO move your child from a crib to a toddler bed when he's ready. How do you know if he's ready? If the crib is no longer comfortable (because he’s too tall or heavy for it), safe (because he’s climbing out of it), or practical (because you need the crib for a new baby), it's time to make the switch.

DON’T move your child to a toddler bed too soon. Many parents rush the move to a toddler bed, thinking they need to make the transition during a certain “window” of time. In fact, if your child is experiencing sleep problems or resisting naps, moving to a toddler bed prematurely can make things worse. (My article “Tips For A Smooth Toddler Bed Transition” in this month's Montgomery Parents magazine covers this topic in more detail.)

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For more answers to toddler sleep questions, including a more detailed response to the toddler-bed question, check out my guest post at Abby Off The Record.

Bye-bye, Bumpers: Should the Government Ban Crib Bumpers?

They’re soft, inviting, and adorable, and many new parents can’t imagine a crib without them—but crib bumpers may soon become a thing of the past. This fall, Chicago became the first US city to ban the sale of crib bumpers. Maryland is the first state to seriously consider a state-wide ban, but it certainly won’t be the last.

In September, the Baltimore Sun called the potential ban “a smart public health policy that's also likely to save lives.” Nationwide, 27 deaths have been attributed to crib bumpers over the past two decades. Health experts say the real number of casualties is probably much higher, because crib bumpers are likely suspects in many more SIDS deaths.

But bumpers pose another potential health risk that I haven’t seen discussed in the media: they can give an intrepid toddler a leg up in climbing out of his or her crib. Back before the days of bumper bans, my oldest daughter used hers as a means of escape. Her thick Pottery Barn bumper gave her just the boost she needed to get out of the crib so she could do a little midnight exploring around the house. Needless to say, we promptly removed the bumper, and moved her to a toddler bed soon afterward.

Though the bans are intended to promote public safety, they're controversial. Get a bunch of parents talking, and you’ll find that bumpers have a quite a few fans, despite their potential safety drawbacks. Many parents don’t see what the fuss is all about--their kids used bumpers and turned out fine. For me, the biggest benefit to crib bumpers was the way that they kept pacifiers in the crib instead of on the floor.

So, I’m wondering: When will everyone give bumpers the heave-ho? Though doctors and health officials are urging parents not to use them, many still are. And major retailers like Pottery Barn are still selling them, so that means people are still buying them. Are parents simply ignoring the warnings, or are they unaware or unconvinced of the risks?

Do you think the government should ban bumpers, or leave the decision up to parents? What do you think?