CRIB SAFETY

Moms (and other people who also love to take care of babies), please ead and follow the instructions of the cribs you buy or borrow.

There is usually a WEIGHT LIMIT for the bassinet that comes with the play pen. Don't risk a collapse of this crib--- remember, even if it breaks down, it is still steel or any similarly rigid material. You don't want your baby trapped under all that framing.

Use beddings made for the crib or are fitted perfectly to its dimensions. Loose sheets and too many pillows may be hazardous.

When you put in toys, it's not just enough for you select the soft kinds and not the ones your infant might hurt his head or tender limbs against. It's also a must that you oversee his or her playtime to ensure that the child does not choke or stumble over any of them.

And this last one may be against your interior designer's advise, but if you have no choice but to position your playpen near walls or furniture, make sure there are absolutely no electrical outlets within reach. Use baby-proofing safety plugs if there are. The furniture by the playpen should also be very sturdy and clear of things that might fall into the crib. Also, if the playpen has net sides as shown in the picture, it is best to put a safety cushion between the crib and the wall or furniture to keep the baby from hitting his or her head in case he or she falls from the crib-standing routine. Now, you thought side protection was just for sanitary pads?

Don't fret about having a bad-looking nursery (or even master bedroom) with all these baby-proofing precautions. Once you look inside the crib, that's where the beauty all lies. Or crawls, or sits, or stands, you know what I mean.