After 19 years of studying injuries associated with cribs, playpens and bassinets, The Center for Injury Research and Policy announced today that deaths and injuries associated with these important nursery items is still unacceptably high. The study examined injuries resulting in ER visits that were associated with cribs, playpens and bassinets among children younger than 2 years of age. The study, conducted between 1990 and 2008, found an average of 9,500 injuries and more than 100 deaths see in U.S. emergency departments every year. That’s more than one ER worthy injury an hour!
Cribs and Falls are the Most Common Dangers
Most of the injuries involve cribs (83%) and two thirds of the injuries were the result of a fall. The most common type of injury was soft-tissue (bruising, sprains, muscle injury, but not broken bones) followed by concussion or head injury. Infants’ heads are so heavy that their center of gravity is higher than adults and many falls result in a head first decent. The study was consistent with this, finding the head or neck the most frequently injured (40%), followed by the face (28%).
Cribs, Playpens and Bassinets Must be Held to a Higher Standard
Recent recalls of more than 11 million cribs have drawn attention to crib safety and drop-side cribs are banned from manufacture, sales and lease starting in June of 2011. This is a step in the right direction according to Dr. Gary Smith, but more needs to be done.
“Despite the attention given to crib safety over the past two decades, the number of injuries and deaths associated with these products remains unacceptably high,” said Dr. Gary Smith, senior author of the study and director of the Center for Injury Research and Policy. “Unlike other child products that require adult supervision for their safe use, cribs, playpens and bassinets must be held to a higher standard because we expect parents to leave their child unattended in them and walk away with peace of mind.”
“Educating caregivers about the proper use and potential dangers of these products is an important part of making cribs safer for children, but education alone is not enough,” said Dr. Smith, also a Professor of Pediatrics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. “Innovations in product design and manufacture can provide automatic protection that does not rely on actions of caregivers to keep children safe.
Cribs are Still the Safest Place for Babies to Sleep
Even with the frightening numbers and seemingly endless recalls, cribs are still the safest place for babies to sleep and recommended by leading pediatricians and safety groups, including The Center for Injury Research and Policy and the authors of this study. They offer these tips for keeping your child safe.
Pay close attention to the crib you select.
- Select a crib that meets all current safety standards, does not have a drop side and is not old, broken or modified.
- Avoid cribs with cutouts or decorative corner posts or knobs that stick up more than 1/16th of an inch.
- Measure the slats to make sure they are not more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart (use a soda can to check).
- Visit www.recalls.gov to make sure the crib has not been recalled
- Make sure the mattress fits tightly into the crib. If you can fit more than two fingers between the mattress and the crib, you need a bigger mattress
- Frequently examine the crib to make sure it is in good repair and that there are no loose parts
- Carefully read and follow all assembly instructions
When putting your child in a crib to sleep, consider the following:
- Always place your baby on his or her back to sleep
- Remember that a bare crib is best. Do not add pillows, blankets, sleep positioners, stuffed animals or bumpers to the crib
- Crib tents and mesh canopies are not safe to use over cribs. Children can become trapped or strangle in them if they try to get out
- Avoid placing the crib near a window to prevent falls and possible strangulation from cords from window blinds or shades
Monitor your child’s developmental milestones and make changes to the crib as needed.
- Once your child can push up on his hands and knees or is 5 months old (whichever occurs first), remove all mobiles and hanging toys
- When your child can pull herself up or stand, adjust the mattress to the lowest position. Having the crib sides at least 26 inches above the mattress can help prevent falls
- Check the manufacturer’s instructions to know when your child will outgrow the crib. This generally occurs when your child reaches 35 inches in height
Editor’s Note: these recommendations are those of the professionals at The Center for Injury Research and Policy.
What have you done to keep your baby safe while sleeping?
Shannon Kelly
February 17, 2011Wow. Thanks, Malia. I still remember the day my daughter met me at my bedside and woke me. It took my fuzzy brain less than .01 second to realize she had climbed over and out of her crib. Can you say, “big girl bed?”