When to Lower Crib Mattress: Safe Sleep Guide

Did you know that around reported cases of injuries related to cribs, bassinets, and playpens occur each year for children under two years of age¹? Keeping our little ones safe is our top priority. It’s important to know when and how to adjust the crib mattress height as your baby grows. This guide will help you understand the key factors, from your child’s age and development to recommended crib and mattress standards. We aim to ensure a secure and comfortable sleep environment for your baby.

Most babies move from a bassinet to a crib around 4 months old². They start reaching mobility milestones around 6 months old². As your child grows, adjusting the crib mattress height is key to prevent falls. It’s essential for a safe, age-appropriate sleep setup. By following the American Academy of Pediatrics’ guidance and healthcare providers’ insights, you can ensure your baby’s safety and well-being during this important developmental stage.

Key Takeaways

• Most babies move from a bassinet to a crib around 4 months old
• Babies typically start reaching mobility milestones around 6 months old
• Toddlers should transition to a bed if they are at least 35 inches tall or if the crib rail aligns with the middle of their chest
• The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against using crib bumpers
• Healthcare providers can offer guidance on the best safe sleep practices for babies

Crib Safety Practices

Keeping your baby’s sleep area safe is very important. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says there are about³ 9,561 injuries each year from cribs, bassinets, and playpens for kids under two. Most of these, around³ 83%, happen in cribs. To lower these risks, it’s key to follow crib and mattress safety rules.

Crib and Mattress Standards

When picking a crib and mattress, choose ones with safety stamps from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). Look for cribs and mattresses with low VOCs and non-toxic stuff for a safe sleep spot for your baby⁴. Safety rules also mean a firm mattress, no gaps, and no bumpers or crib tents.

Safe Sleep Environment

Choosing a safe crib and mattress is just the start. The AAP says to put your baby on their back for sleep and avoid pillows, blankets, and crib bumpers to prevent suffocation⁴. A breathable crib mattress, like Newton Baby’s, helps make sleep safe and comfy for your child.

“The goal is to create a safe, healthy sleep environment for your baby, and following crib and mattress safety standards is a key step in achieving that.”

By focusing on crib safety, sticking to safety rules, and making a safe sleep space, you can help keep your baby safe and sound. This ensures they get the rest they need to grow and thrive.

Signs It’s Time to Lower the Crib

Keeping your little one safe is very important as they grow. Adjusting the mattress height in the crib is key when your baby reaches certain milestones⁵. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) reports around 9,561 injuries each year from cribs, bassinets, and playpens for kids under two. Most of these injuries happen in cribs⁵.

But, most accidents can be prevented by being proactive and watching your baby’s progress.

When Your Baby Starts Sitting Up

⁵ Babies usually start sitting up on their own between five and eight months. This means it’s time to lower the crib to the middle setting⁶. About 67% of parents notice their child is ready for the crib mattress to be lowered based on their behavior⁶.

This change helps stop your child from climbing out of the crib, reducing the risk of falls and injuries.

When Your Baby Starts Pulling Up

⁵ When your baby starts pulling up, it’s best to lower the crib to the lowest setting. This prevents accidents because babies become top-heavy and might fall out of the crib⁷. Around 4-6 months, babies start rolling over, sitting up, or pushing themselves up during tummy time⁷.

It’s important to watch these milestones and adjust the crib height to keep your child safe.

⁵ Cribs and mattresses should be low VOC and non-toxic to meet safety standards⁷. Modern cribs have adjustable height mattresses, with 2-3 different settings⁷. Lowering the crib mattress as your baby grows is key to safety and preventing accidents.

⁷ It’s time to switch to a toddler bed when your baby is about 35 inches tall, usually between 6-8 months⁷. If your baby is taller than 35 inches, moving to a toddler bed is safer and more comfortable for them.

⁶ About 45% of parents lower the crib mattress between 4 to 6 months, and⁶ 22% wait until their child is 6 to 12 months old⁶. Safety concerns are the main reason for lowering the crib mattress for 82% of parents, and⁶ 37% ask healthcare providers for advice before making the change.

By watching your baby and adjusting the crib height as they grow, you can make their sleep environment safe. Remember, your baby’s safety is the most important thing.

Crib Height Settings Explained

Adjusting the crib height is key for safety. Most cribs have three settings: high, middle, and low⁸. The high setting is best for newborns, making it easier to lift them in and out⁹.

When your baby starts sitting up, around 5-8 months⁸, switch to the middle setting. This prevents them from falling over the edge.

As your baby becomes more active, usually between 6-10 months⁸, lower the crib to the lowest setting⁹. This reduces the risk of falls and accidents⁹. Always check your crib’s manual and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for adjusting the height⁹.

The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests moving to a toddler bed when your child is over 35 inches tall, around 2-3 years old¹⁰. This move helps prevent toddlers from falling out of the crib⁹. Never try to lower the crib mattress yourself, as it could be dangerous⁹. Instead, use the manufacturer’s instructions for a safe transition.

Understanding and adjusting the crib height settings ensures your baby’s safety and comfort as they grow⁸. Staying informed and following best practices is vital for a safe sleep space for your baby⁹.

When to Lower Crib Mattress

Based on Baby’s Height

The American Academy of Pediatrics says it’s time for a toddler bed when the crib rail is below the baby’s chest. This usually happens when the baby is about 35 inches tall¹¹. Babies under 35 inches need cribs that meet specific safety rules¹¹. The mattress should be 5.5 to 6 inches thick, with no more than a half-inch gap¹¹.

Based on Baby’s Milestones

Watch your baby’s height and milestones to know when to lower the crib mattress. When they can sit up on their own, between 5-8 months, it’s time for the middle setting¹². Around 6-10 months, when they start to stand, the crib should be at its lowest level¹².

Adjusting the crib height is key for your baby’s safety. Around 35 inches is when it’s time for a toddler bed¹¹. You can convert some cribs into toddler beds without buying a new one¹¹.

Lowering the crib mattress is a vital safety step. It prevents falls and keeps your baby safe. By adjusting the crib based on your child’s height and milestones, you create a safe sleep space. This makes the switch to a toddler bed easier when the time comes¹¹¹².

“It’s advised to use fitted crib sheets made of baby-safe fabric to prevent risks of entanglement, allergies, or suffocation. Babies should sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).”¹¹

Transitioning to a Toddler Bed

As your little one grows, it’s time to move from the crib to a toddler bed. This big step usually happens between 2 and 4 years old. Experts say waiting until closer to 3 is best¹³. If your child is climbing out or too tall, it’s time for a toddler bed¹⁴.

Keep using the same crib mattress in the toddler bed, like the Newton Baby Crib Mattress¹⁵. This makes the change feel more familiar and comforting. Let your toddler pick their new bedding and pillows. This makes them feel more in control of their sleep space¹⁴.

Make sure your child’s room is safe. Anchor furniture, secure cords, and remove hazards¹⁵. Keep a bedtime routine that’s consistent and comforting. This gives your toddler the reassurance and structure they need¹⁴.

Transitioning from a crib to a toddler bed can be tough. But with patience, consistency, and a safe, loving environment, your child will do great¹⁵. Stay confident and focused on your child’s needs. Then, moving to a toddler bed will be easy¹⁵.

Conclusion

Keeping your baby safe in their crib is very important. Knowing when to lower the crib mattress is key. By following safe sleep practices and keeping up with crib and mattress standards, we can make a safe and comfy sleep area for your baby¹⁶.

As your baby grows, check the crib mattress height often. Lower it when needed to avoid falls and accidents. It’s also vital to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and safety rules, like keeping the right distance between the mattress and crib rail¹⁷.

The team at Newton Baby is ready to help you with this important journey. By focusing on safe sleep and adjusting the crib, we can keep your baby safe and comfortable. This way, your baby can rest well and grow in a caring environment¹⁶¹⁷.

Source Links

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5. When To Lower Crib Mattress Height: An Expert Guide | Newton Baby – https://www.newtonbaby.com/blogs/hush/when-to-lower-crib?srsltid=AfmBOor-Sp_yMbPfVAtjgBvNe6jUdyNEgj0LdaWDDE7GlWRpPzBsFF-t
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8. When To Lower Crib Mattress Height: An Expert Guide | Newton Baby – https://www.newtonbaby.com/blogs/hush/when-to-lower-crib?srsltid=AfmBOopOxlSwcPdFzMrf_462pWT4tHG0oQd4Q2L5XO0peujiSBrLuYfl
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12. When To Lower Crib Mattress Height: An Expert Guide | Newton Baby – https://www.newtonbaby.com/blogs/hush/when-to-lower-crib?srsltid=AfmBOoqEHWYbTHHVO4FUrS2O662ug389QEP_9_7MLYZB00p3bGNPd99v
13. When to Lower the Crib Mattress – https://takingcarababies.com/when-to-lower-the-crib-mattress?srsltid=AfmBOop4gLx-wXVdCxIsN6Wse7AxT7yMzvF-0GWYa805XaYaWCeQz3VA
14. Time for a Big-Kid Bed? – https://health.clevelandclinic.org/from-crib-to-toddler-bed
15. How to Transition to a Toddler Bed — The Sleep Consultant – https://www.thesleepconsultant.ca/blog/how-to-transition-to-a-toddler-bed
16. When to Lower Crib Mattress: Expert Guide – https://puffy.com/blogs/best-sleep/when-to-lower-crib-mattress-expert-guide?srsltid=AfmBOopMNAe-mOdqfM_0V3g97hV9JFcgG026Fcs_3vHeBt5bR78dvmbv
17. When to lower your baby’s crib mattress – an easy guide | Evidence-based mommy – https://evidence-basedmommy.com/when-to-lower-crib/