Babies, Parenting, Child Health, Infant Nutrition

Baby Development – Crib and Bassinet Safety Issues Examined

06.26.2008 | 2:06:08 pm | Posted by mummums

By Colleen Hurley, RD, Certified Kid’s Nutrition Specialist

Where your new baby is to sleep is probably the most important component of nursery preparation. During baby’s first few weeks, many parents opt to use a bassinet so that the baby may be in the room with her parents, yet have her own sleeping space. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises that babies sleep in a separate but nearby bed for the safest baby sleeping environment. This week, 2 poignant news articles discuss safe sleeping for babies.

baby development, parenting Of the first and most alarming articles, Toys ‘R’ Us and Babies ‘R’ Us have recalled over 320,000 cribs yesterday due to safety issues. The cribs, made by Jardine, contain wooden slats and spindles in the frame that can easily break. Once those slats or spindles break, a child can then get caught in the remaining gap. Recently, 4 instances of children getting trapped have been reported, with 2 of those children sustaining cuts and bruises.

The Jardine cribs were manufactured in China and Japan and sold at exclusively by Toys ‘R’ Us Inc. Retailers include both Geoffrey and KidsWorld stores, which are now both closed but did sell the recalled cribs. The head of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) states they do not hesitate to recall a product the moment babies and toddlers are believed to be at risk. A Toys ‘R’ Us spokesperson said all Jardine cribs have been removed from all stores once they became aware of the complaints. For more information on the specific cribs recalled, consumers can call 1-800-646-4106.

In other news, 2 new studies evaluating bedsharing and bassinet risk factors will be published in the July issue of the AAP’s Journal of Pediatrics. Researchers from Children’s National Medical Center utilized the CPSC’s records from 1990-2004 detailing reported risk incidents from bassinet usage. The predominant risk factors for bassinets usage was lack of oxygen from other items found in the bassinet such as pillows, blankets, and plastic bags. The minority of the cases reported were from malfunctioning bassinets.

The same researchers also evaluated the sleeping locations of 708 mothers and infants and found that babies were safest when sleeping alone. Bassinet usage allows for the baby to sleep close to mum without having to sleep in the same bed, until he is ready for a crib. According to researchers, following the CPSC’s guidelines for safe bassinet usage will provide the safest night’s sleep for baby. Researchers also note to make sure the bassinet is free from additional items such as pillows and blankets, be sure baby is sleeping on his back, and choose a bassinet with side that are made of air permeable material such as mesh.

Resources:
1. "Bassinet use and sudden unexpected death in infancy" by Jodi Pike, and Rachel Y. Moon, DOI 10.1016/j.jpeds.2008.04.052

2. "Infant sleep location: Associated maternal and infant characteristics with SIDS prevention recommendations" by Linda Y. Fu, Eve R. Colson, Michael J. Corwin, and Rachel Y. Moon, DOI 10.1016/j.jpeds.2008.05.004

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