April 2007
Bassinet and cradle safety
Here are more safety considerations to keep in mind:
- Say no to an heirloom cradle or bassinet. It's a quaint idea to use one that's been in the family for generations, but chances
are it isn't up to today's safety standards.
- Don't leave your baby unattended in a rocking cradle. Use the hardware to stop the rocking motion before your baby's bed and
naptime, and around pets and toddlers.
- If you carry or move a bassinet or cradle, do it without your child in it.
- Use only the mattress or pad provided by the manufacturer and only the fitted sheet made for the bassinet, and put your baby
to sleep in a wearable blanket (swaddle sack) instead of covering him with a blanket.
- Don't add any bedding, such as a mattress, pillow, comforter, or padding, to your baby's bassinet or cradle.
- Don't let strings, toys suspended from a mobile, or window blind or curtain cords hang into the bassinet. Position the mobile
so your baby can't reach it. Don't worry; it will still stimulate him. And don't add any suspended toys on your own. Use only
those provided with the product. Shorten window blinds by cutting the looped cords in half and keep them out of your baby's
reach.
- To reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, place your baby on her back in a cradle or bassinet, just as you would in a full-size crib.
