Cribs, Bassinets, & Pack and Plays

Full-size and portable (a wooden or metal crib that can fold up) cribs manufactured and sold (including resale) in the United States must comply with federal safety standards (effective date 6/28/11).

The crib you are using should not be more than 10 years old. You can tell the date the crib was made by looking at the label on the crib.

Bassinets and cradles are smaller beds for infants. When using a bassinet or cradle, it is recommended that you:

• Make sure it is in the locked position when your baby is sleeping if it has a rocking base.
• Follow the manufacturer's recommended weight and age limits. Bassinets and cradles can usually be used until baby weighs 15 pounds or until they begin to push up on their hands and knees or begin rolling.

Federal safety standards for bassinets and cradles were put into place in 2013.

A pack and play has a floor and mesh or fabric sides. When using a pack and play, make sure you:

• Follow the manufacturer's instructions for set up. Test that the rails and floor are locked by giving it a few firm shakes.
• Properly secure the mattress to the bottom of the pack and play. Check the manufacturer's instructions on how to do this.
• Follow the manufacturer's recommended weight and age limits.

Some pack and plays include accessory items that attach to it, such as toy bars, bassinets, and changing tables. The bassinet attachment is safe to use for sleeping until baby reaches the recommended weight or age limits for the bassinet.

Some older pack and plays may come with a removable seat attachment. These attachments are not safe for sleep because they allow babies to sleep on an incline. If baby falls asleep in one of these attachments, they should be moved to the regular sleeping surface of the pack and play. 

Federal safety standards for play yards were put into place in 2013.

Mattresses should be firm and maintain their shape when a tightly fitting sheet is on. To check the size and firmness of the mattress:

• With the sheet is on, there should not be a gap greater than 2 fingers between the slats/mesh side and the mattress.
• Firm means the mattress maintains its shape and will not indent or conform to the shape of baby's head when they are on mattress. The mattress should feel firm and bounce right back after pressing down. 

Warning: Pillows or cushions should not be used instead of mattresses or placed on top of the mattress. Memory foam mattresses and mattress toppers are not safe for babies. These types of items can become a suffocation hazard.

If a mattress cover is used to protect against wetness, it should be tightly fitting and thin.

Note: Portable cribs, bassinets, cradles, and pack and plays must be sold with a mattress. Only that mattress should be used. If you need a replacement mattress, contact the manufacturer.