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Crib safety

Crib safety is your number one priority when putting your baby to sleep. Follow the clear guidelines below to protect your child from SIDS and prevent injuries.

A safe crib automatically also makes your baby feel safe and secure. Baby or adult, it is when we feel safe and secure, that we can relax en are able to sleep well.

So a safe crib also helps your baby sleep better. And knowing that your child is safe, you'll feel and sleep better too of course.

Note: All guidelines on these pages are based on international health and safety regulations from reports by governments, health and sleep research associations.

Crib safety guidelines

A baby under one year old should sleep in a crib (or cot, or baby bed) that leaves no risk for her to get stuck with any part of her body.

Making your baby's crib safe is an important part of preventing SIDS.

With crib we refer to any baby size bed, usually wood, with a frame (made up by the slats) around it to ensure baby cannot roll or fall out.

Some cribs have adjustable mattress heights. These can be used during the first months when there is no risk yet for baby to climb out. With the mattress higher up you don't have to reach so deep to put your baby in or take her out.

A safe crib will have the following characteristics:

The crib is in a perfect condition and correctly assembled. No loose or broken parts.

Bed slats high enough or mattress deep enough to prevent baby from rolling out, or an older baby from climbing out.

A distance between the slats from 4,5 cm (1 3/4 inches) to 6,5 cm (2 3/8 inches).

A firm and tight-fitting mattress so that baby cannot get stuck between the mattress and bedside or slats.

No toys, pilows, quilts, stuffed animals, strings, ... in the bed. In short: a safe crib holds the baby and nothing but the baby.

Tightly fitted bumpers (often used to decorate and soften the sides of the bed) are OK only as long as baby is not mobile. Remove them as soon as your baby could start climbing or pulling herself up using the bumpers.

A mobile is OK as long as baby cannot reach and pull it into the bed.

Make sure no small parts like screws or protection pads can come loose or stick out.

Suggested resource for reviews of fire-safe and non-toxic Sealy crib mattresses (external link).

Crib safety questions

Is a travel crib safe?

A folding travel crib can be used but is only recommended when the real crib is not at hand, e.g. when traveling or sleeping over at family or friends.

Also the travel crib must be in an excellent condition, be set up correctly and have a firm and tight-fitting mattress and have nothing but the baby in it.

When can I use a baby pillow in the crib?

Never use a pillow under one year old and preferably only after your child is two years old.

Baby's head can sink in the pillow and prevent good breathing.

A pillow will also heat up your child which can be dangerous as well.

Can I use a duvet, blanket or quilt to cover my baby?

Duvets and warm covers will heat up your baby too much which increses the risk of SIDS.

It is better to use a layer, or several layers, of light blankets/sheets. Remember to place your baby's feet at the foot end of the bed so she can not slide downwards and under the covers.

Better still is a well-fitting baby sleeping bag. It will keep baby covered without overheating (choose a light one) and without the risk of covering her head.

Make sure the sleeping bag is the right size so baby cannot slip down into it.

Combine these crib safety guidelines, with the guidelines to prevent SIDS for optimum safety for your baby.

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