Latest news with #safesleep
Forbes
22-05-2025
- Health
- Forbes
How To Choose The Right Crib Mattress Size
As a new parent, selecting the right crib mattress size is essential for ensuring your baby sleeps safely and soundly. 'When it comes to crib mattresses, size really does matter,' says Harvey Karp, a pediatrician and founder of the Snoo Smart Sleeper. When the mattress is correctly sized, it prevents gaps between the mattress and the crib, reducing potential safety risks. Crib mattress sizes vary by the type of crib you'll be using, so parents should pay close attention. In addition to size, the firmness of the mattress matters, too. Though you might think your baby would be more comfortable on a soft, plush mattress, a firm mattress is the safest option for babies. Babies sleep a lot, so you want to make the right mattress choice. Learn more about what crib mattress size you should be using and how you can make sure to pick the right one for your baby. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), all full-size crib mattresses should measure at least 27 ¼ by 51 ⅝ inches and be no more than six inches thick. This helps ensure the mattress fits snugly within a standard-sized crib, which has interior measurements of 28 by 52 ⅜. These standardizations make it safe to mix and match full-size cribs and mattresses. Unlike full-size crib mattresses, the dimensions of mini crib, travel crib and bassinet mattresses can vary. On average, mini crib mattresses are 24 by 38 inches. Travel crib and bassinet mattresses vary more widely in size—and even shape. Because the sizes of these types of cribs and mattresses are not standardized, the CPSC states that the correctly-sized mattress should always come with the crib. It's crucial that caregivers only use the mattress that comes included with the mini crib, travel crib or bassinet. Using the correct mattress size is a must for your baby's health. 'A mattress that doesn't fit snugly inside the crib can create serious safety risks for your little one. If there's even a small gap between the mattress and the crib frame (more than two fingers wide) your baby could accidentally get an arm, leg or even their head trapped,' says Dr. Karp. If the mattress is too big, it won't fit in the crib properly, which would create an uneven sleep surface. When it comes to the height of the mattress, you want it to stay under 6 inches to prevent older babies from climbing out and falling. Choosing the right mattress size is easy once you know what type of crib you'll be using. Standard-sized cribs sold in the US are compatible with standard-sized mattresses sold in the US. Although these regulations allow you to mix and match cribs and crib mattresses, it's still a good idea to get measurements for your mattress and the interior of your crib before purchasing to make sure they are a good fit. The manual for your crib should also list the ideal mattress size for the best fit. When it comes to travel cribs, mini cribs and bassinets, always use the mattress that comes with the product, as sizes differ greatly by brand. In addition to fitting cribs, crib mattresses are also compatible with standard-sized toddler beds sold in the US. Many mattresses even have a slightly less firm side to flip to when you're ready to make the transition to a toddler bed. If you're looking to purchase a crib and a crib mattress for your baby, check out our guides to the best crib mattresses and the best cribs. Keeping your baby safe while they're sleeping is about more than just their mattress. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), babies should always be placed on their backs in an empty crib (no bumpers, blankets, pillows or stuffed animals). Karp offers additional safe sleep recommendations, including room sharing (not bed sharing) with your baby, using a pacifier and keeping the room between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. 'Following safe sleep guidelines is one of the most important things you can do to reduce your baby's risk of the sleep-related deaths, which tragically claim the lives of about 3,700 babies a year,' he says. Yes, a standard crib mattress can fit in a toddler bed. This includes cribs that can transition to toddler beds as well as standalone toddler beds. Av standard crib mattress is 27 ¼ by 51 ⅝ inches and should be no more than six inches thick. This ensures the mattress will fit snugly in a standard crib and create a safe sleep space for your baby. No, a twin mattress is larger than a crib mattress. Standard twin mattresses are 38 x 75 inches, while standard crib mattresses are 27 ¼ by 51 ⅝ inches.
BBC News
18-05-2025
- BBC News
Genevieve Meehan: Safety training call after baby's nursery death
The parents of a baby who was killed at a nursery are calling for mandatory safe sleep training to be introduced in all nurseries, among a raft of other safety Genevieve Meehan died from asphyxiation when she was tightly swaddled, strapped to a beanbag, and left unattended at the Tiny Toes nursery in Cheadle Hulme, Stockport, on 9 May worker Kate Roughley was later jailed for 14 years for manslaughter. Genevieve's parents, Katie Wheeler and John Meehan, have now launched a campaign to improve safety standards in early years settings, with extra training provided where necessary. The couple have previously described as "horrifying" figures obtained by the BBC that show there were almost 20,000 reports of serious childcare incidents in England's nurseries in the past five latest figures for serious incidents in the year 2023-24 are 40% higher than five years previously. Ms Wheeler said when police reviewed CCTV footage at the nursery following Genevieve's death they "discovered multiple examples of harm being caused to children over a short period of time".The family is now calling for:Compulsory CCTV in nursery settingsUnannounced inspections by Ofsted to be routine in early years settingsReview of CCTV footage during Ofsted inspectionsClear, statutory safe sleep guidance for early years settingsMandatory safe sleep training for all nursery staff and Ofsted inspectors andClear statutory guidance as to the use of sleep products in early years settingsThe family are calling for people to write to their local MPs to support their on their campaign website, Ms Wheeler said: "Like many other working parents, we enrolled Gigi at a nursery. We trusted that she would be kept safe. We never imagined that she would come to harm whilst in the care of trained professionals."The way in which Gigi was put down to sleep carried a high and obvious risk of death. Her death was entirely preventable. "Gigi is not the only child to die in a nursery in the last five years. It is incomprehensible that other families are suffering the same heartache that we are and we want to ensure that no child dies or comes to harm in a place where they are meant to be safe."Gigi deserved to live a long and fulfilling life but instead she has suffered and died in a way that no child or person ever should," Ms Wheeler said."The system failed Gigi and urgent reforms are needed." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
