142 HAWAII PARENT November/December 2024 Lower mattress heights can help hinder falling. After a few months, some babies pull themselves up on the side of the crib, and some can even hoist themselves up to climb over the side. An adjustable mattress height setting allows caregivers to move the mattress up and down based on a baby’s developmental stage. Keiki can get appendages stuck in crib slats. How wide apart are the crib slats? Does the crib have mesh sides? Slats that are too wide apart can present a danger to babies and toddlers, as their arms or legs can get stuck in the gaps. Set up the crib with safety in mind. Crib mattress should fit snuggly in the crib, and it is recommended to pair the crib with its recommended mattress to ensure safety. Soft, tightly fitted sheets can cover in narrowing the search – with the best crib ultimately depending on the family’s needs and desires as well as the baby’s uniqueness. New cribs bought in the U.S. must meet certain standards, and other seals and certifications can indicate even higher quality. In the U.S., all cribs sold must pass stringent safety regulations set by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Check cpsc.gov/SafeSleep for the latest recalls on cribs and crib accessories. Two common certifications indicate that the crib meets even higher standards: the Juvenile Products Manufactures Association (JPMA) seal (exceeds federal and state laws) and the Greenguard Gold certification (product doesn’t have certain chemicals). The mattress height in most cribs can be lowered to prevent babies from climbing out as they grow and begin to stand. “Slats that are too wide apart can present a danger to babies and toddlers.”
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