Cradles & Safety

History

• The earliest type of cradle was known as a rocker and was made from a hollowed-out log. These were soon replaced with simple boxes mounted on curved pieces. Early American colonials used cradles that had sloping sides and a hooded end. In the early 15th century, cradles were commonly boxes suspended by chain, rope or hooks from a stand. Modern cradles vary in size and shape and are even available with motors to rock the cradle automatically.

Considerations

• Babies are safest in cribs, because cribs must comply with safety standards. Cradles are not required to comply with safety standards, but they may voluntarily comply if their manufacturer so chooses. Risks involved with cradles include suffocation and strangulation, as well as dangers involved with moving the cradle or leaving the child alone in a cradle.

Regulations

• The federal government has put regulations on cribs to keep them safe. While cradles do not have to comply with these rules, purchasing one that does comply is a good idea. These standards include having slats that are no more than 2 3/8 inches apart and are not broken or damaged, corner posts no taller than 1/16 inch taller than the end panels of the crib, mattress support secured to the frame and no missing or loose parts on the frame.

Second-Hand Cradles

• The Consumer Product Safety Commission discourages the use of second-hand cradles. A new cradle is always better than an old one, because a recalled product cannot be sold and old cradles may not conform to safety standards. There are two common hazards found in old cribs: cutout designs in the headboard or foot board and lead-based paints. If a second-hand cradle is to be used, it should be inspected to ensure that it is safe for the baby.

Tips

• Buying a cradle that complies with regulations for cribs will help keep babies safe, but there are a few other cradle safety ideas to keep in mind. Babies should not be left unattended while the cradle is rocking and should never be carried in a cradle. Sheets and mattresses should fit snugly and no pillows or stuffed toys should be placed in a cradle to reduce suffocation hazards.