Hidden Hazard in Babies' Cribs
CPSC releases safety alert regarding cribs to
remind parents about the hidden hazards of loose or oversized sheets in
babies' cribs.
Since 1984, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has learned
of the deaths of 17 babies, most under 12 months old, who suffocated or
strangled when they became entangled in sheets in their cribs or beds. Two
of these deaths were with fitted crib sheets.
These deaths have prompted the CPSC to strengthen the safety requirements for cribs and fitted crib sheets. Consumers soon will see warning labels on fitted sheets that says, that reads, "Prevent suffocation or entanglement. Never use a crib sheet unless it fits securely on the mattress." CPSC has also pushed industry to improve the fit of these sheets on mattresses.
CPSC has issued a safety alert on this hidden hazard in cribs and is working to distribute this information to pediatrician's offices through the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The information will be published in the June issue of the Academy's membership newsmagazine, AAP News, which reaches 55,000 pediatricians nationwide.
"This is a hidden hazard that even the best caregiver may not know about," said CPSC Chairman Ann Brown. "We are pleased the American Academy of Pediatrics is helping us get the word out about cribs to parents."
To prevent tragedies, parents and caretakers can take the following precautions to ensure a safer sleeping environment in cribs for their young children.
- Make sure the cribs sheet fits snugly on a crib mattress and overlaps the mattress so it cannot be dislodged by pulling on the corner of the sheet.
- Never use an adult sheet on a crib mattress; it can come loose and present an entanglement hazard to young children.
- Place a baby on his/her back on a firm, tight-fitting mattress in a crib that meets current safety standards.
- Remove pillows, quilts, comforters, and sheepskins from cribs.
Article is courtesy of the following website:
http://babyparenting.about.com/library/blhighchairsafe.htmm
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