Is That Crib Safe? What the Federal Rules Require

Every crib sold in the U.S. today has to meet strict federal standards. What you put inside it matters just as much.

What to remember

1. Cribs made and sold since June 28, 2011, must meet federal standards that ended drop-side designs.
2. Crib slats should be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart, about the width of a soda can.
3. Padded crib bumpers and inclined infant sleepers are banned under federal law.
4. A bare crib with a firm, tight-fitting mattress and a fitted sheet is the safest setup.

A crib is one of the few pieces of baby gear your child uses every single day, often without anyone watching. That’s why it’s one of the most tightly regulated products in the nursery.

What changed in 2011

New federal crib standards from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) took effect on June 28, 2011. They ended the manufacture and sale of traditional drop-side cribs, which had been linked to infant deaths, and required stronger slats and mattress supports, more durable hardware and tougher testing.

Any new crib you buy from a store today has to meet those rules. The questions come up with hand-me-downs, older cribs at a grandparent’s house and online resale listings.

A quick check before you buy or assemble

• Slats: no more than 2 3/8 inches apart, with none missing, loose or cracked.
• Corner posts: flush with the end panels, so clothing can’t catch on them.
• Headboard and footboard: no decorative cutouts where a child’s head could get trapped.
• Mattress: firm, flat and the right size, with no gap between the mattress and the sides.
• Hardware: every screw and bolt in place and tight. Check again every time you move the crib.

Parent tip: Write down the brand, model number and date of manufacture from the label on the crib. You’ll need them to search for recalls now and to register the crib with the manufacturer.

Two products that are now banned

The Safe Sleep for Babies Act, signed in May 2022, made it illegal to make or sell:

1. Padded crib bumpers. They were sold to stop arms and legs slipping between slats, but they create a suffocation risk.
2. Inclined sleepers. Products meant for infant sleep with a sleeping surface tilted more than 10 degrees.

If you’re given either one, don’t use it. A separate CPSC rule, in place since June 2022, also covers other products marketed for infant sleep and limits their incline.

Setting up the sleep space

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends these basics for babies up to 1 year old:

• Place your baby on their back for every sleep, including naps.
• Use a firm, flat surface: a crib, bassinet or play yard that meets federal standards, with only a fitted sheet.
• Keep soft objects and loose bedding out of the sleep area.
• Share a room, but not a bed, ideally for at least the first six months.
• Avoid letting your baby sleep for long stretches in car seats, swings or strollers.

Bassinets and play yards have their own federal standards, and the same advice applies: firm, flat and bare.

Furnishing the rest of the nursery

Dressers and changing tables are a tip-over risk once your child starts climbing. Our guide to stopping furniture and TV tip-overs covers anchoring. If you’re collecting secondhand items, see what to buy used and what to skip.

Parents also ask

Can I use a crib made before 2011?

Safety experts advise against it. Older cribs weren’t built to the current federal standards, and drop-side cribs can no longer be sold. If you can’t tell when a crib was made, choose a newer one.

Are mesh crib liners banned too?

The federal ban covers padded bumpers, including vinyl bumper guards and vertical slat covers, but not non-padded mesh liners. The American Academy of Pediatrics still recommends keeping bumpers of any kind out of the crib.

When can my baby sleep with a blanket or pillow?

Safe sleep guidance covers babies up to 1 year old. Until then, keep pillows, blankets, quilts and soft toys out of the sleep area.