The No-cry Sleep Solution by Elizabeth Pantley Read Free Book Online Page B

create a dangerous tangle of fabric. Do not use plastic mattress covers or any plastic bags near the crib.
    • Remove any decorative ribbons, bows, or strings. If you use bumper pads, make certain they surround the entire crib and that they are secured in many places—at a minimum, at each corner and in the middle of each side. Tie securely, and cut off dangling string ties.
    • Remove bumper pads before your baby is old enough to get up on his hands and knees. If your baby can pull himself to stand, make sure the mattress is on the lowest possible setting. Also, inspect the area around the crib to make sure no dangers await him if he does climb out of the crib.
    • Be certain that all screws, bolts, springs, and other hardware and attachments are tightly secured, and check them from time to time. Replace any broken or missing pieces immediately. (Contact the manufacturer for replacement parts.) Make sure your crib or cradle has a sturdy bottom and wide, stable base so that it does not wobble or tilt when your baby moves around. Check to see that all slats are in place, firm, and stable—and that they are spaced no more than 23⁄8
    inches (60 millimeters) apart.
    • Corner posts should not extend more than 1⁄16 inch (11⁄2 millimeters) above the top of the end panel. Don’t use a crib that has decorative knobs on the corner posts or headboard and footboard designs that present a hazard, such as sharp edges, points, or pieces that can be loosened or removed.
    Always raise the side rail and lock it into position. Make sure your baby cannot operate the drop-side latches.
    • Don’t hang objects over a sleeping or unattended baby—that includes mobiles and other crib toys. There is a risk of the toy falling on your baby or of your baby reaching up and pulling the toy down into the crib.

    Do a Safety Check
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    • If you are using a portable crib, make sure the locking devices are properly and securely locked.
    • Make sure your baby is within hearing distance of your bed or that you have a reliable baby monitor turned on.
    • Check the manufacturer’s instructions on suggested size and weight limits for any cradle, bassinet, or crib. If there is no tag on the crib, call or write the manufacturer for this information.
    • Any crib or cradle your baby sleeps in when away from home should meet all of the above safety requirements.
    General Safety Precautions for Co-Sleeping
    The safety of bringing a baby into an adult bed has been the subject of much debate. All four of our babies have been welcomed into our family bed. My husband, Robert, and I have naturally allowed our children to share our bed, and our children have enjoyed sleeping in a sibling bed as well. The fact that we have religiously followed known safety recommendations for sharing sleep with our babies is of the utmost importance.
    However, in the interest of keeping you informed and present-ing a legal disclaimer, I must tell you that in 1999 the U.S. CPSC
    announced a recommendation against co-sleeping with a baby younger than age two. Nevertheless, some polls show that like us, nearly 70 percent of parents do share sleep with their baby either part or all night. Most parents who do choose to co-sleep are avidly committed to the practice, and they find many benefits to sleeping with their babies.
    The CPSC’s warning is controversial and has stirred heated debate among parents, doctors, and childhood development experts about the accuracy and appropriateness of the recommendation, and many experts believe that the issue demands more research. In the meantime, it is very important that you investi-

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    The No-Cry Sleep Solution
    gate all the viewpoints and make the right decision for your family. Even if you decide that you feel uncomfortable sleeping with your infant, you can look forward to sharing sleep with your older baby if that suits your family.
    The following safety list and references to co-sleeping are not intended to be construed as