THE NEW YORK TIMES TODAY LEADS OFF THE
BUSINESS SECTION WITH AN ARTICLE ABOUT CRIB SAFETY.
TheTimes covered the prevailing issues now resolved, like the elimination of drop-side cribs,
but today added to the subject of safety with the question of what is in the crib with the baby.
Coincidentally, a client whose nursery I am currently designing telephoned to ask me that
very question just yesterday. "How do I weigh in on the safety of the crib bumper?"
All mothers-to-be and new mothers are daily exploring the questions of crib safety.
In the opinion of Baby Decorator, testing has been cursory, so, as always, mothers must be ever vigilant .
The law now protects us by approving new requirements for safety in all cribs sold in the U.S.,
but the Times article reveals that the testing of other safety factors has been minimal.
We at Baby Decorator want new mothers to use caution and make intelligent choices
in protecting their baby from the unforeseen. Cribs should NOT be cluttered with
extraneous toys and dolls when the baby is able to move about.
Beautiful crib bedding is charming surrounding newborns, but should be
removed once the baby can grab beneath them or wiggle next to them.
The Tmes suggests eliminating pillow-like bumpers for the flatter style.
But always the baby MUST lie face up, not tummy down, to avoid facial contact
with bedding, mattresses, pillows, bumpers, and toys in the crib.
The testing of baby products today has been too long in coming.
No lives should have been lost due to carelessness or
ignorance. As with all unknowns in our lives,
first and foremost we must be vigilant.
