Being a part of a throwaway society, something about our baby things tells us to hang on to them. Even so, when you are expecting a baby, people can’t wait to pass on their cribs 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. Don’t wait until after baby is using his crib and bedding to check for safety issues, the time to inspect is before baby spends his first night in his new home.

Whatever you decide, a Moses basket or crib, the first bed belonging to your baby will no doubt be something special and a keepsake. The best time to check a crib for its safety is when you are given a hand-me-down crib and you are spending some time refinishing it. Even if the baby bedding looks untouched, when you receive it you should inspect it for safety. An old wicker cradle can be beautiful to look at but check for safety as there may be loose or broken bits of wood, and some joints can become loose or weakened from age; we also would recommend that you replace the mattress with a new one. When you fit the skirt, see that there are no loose ends or things that can go into the mouth of the baby.

As a matter of your baby’s safety, choose window drapes that do not have any dangling material that your baby might choke on. If the budget allows it is always best to buy new for baby in lieu of safety reasons says the organization of the Juvenile Products Manufacturer’s Association (JPMA), regulating the USA and the British Standards (BS) set in the UK. Look out for products which either display JPMA seal of approval or the BS ‘Kite’ mark, as they have been tested painstakingly to meet all the safety regulations.

Hand-me-downs may be ecologically friendly, as well as generous, preventing the loss of perfectly good furniture and baby bedding. As your baby will spend quite a good time in the crib, it is worth spending time on it to see whether it is safe and comfortable. Here are some tips to bear in mind when assessing the safety of the equipment you have for your baby. Be sure that snags that could catch on a baby’s clothes, as well as all chipped, loose, or toxic lead paints, are removed. 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. The fixings and joints should be holding tight to keep the crib from shaking too much. It’s critical that the side rail’s raising and lowering mechanism stays fully secured when raised in place, and one should be able to manage this simple task with one hand. The mattress should be at least 22 inches below the top of the rail, and the mattress should be clean, firm and made from good materials.

It is a good idea to purchase a new mattress for your baby, and you should make sure that it is a good fit for your crib. Nursery bedding can lead to a possibility of suffocation;  to reduce this, remove the bumper or keep it very tightly tied so that the baby cannot grab it and pull it down. Avoid duvets, quilts or sheepskin totally as they would overheat. Put something to measure the temperature and utilize blankets and sheets in the room. Babies are very quick little creatures, take climbing for example, before you know it they will have mastered the talent, that is why one should keep cords, lamps, window blinds/curtains and other pieces of furniture out of reach of the crib.

Please have a safe and enjoyable time with your infant, as they quickly mature.