By Daily Press staff
Babies are complicated. Even choosing basic furniture for your infant can be mind-boggling. Child and infant experts like Jeffrey Penso, M.D., a pediatrician at Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, stress that there are many different styles of cribs, high chairs and playpens, but the most important thing to keep in mind is safety.
The following is a list of items you should start looking at and budgeting for prior to bringing the baby home.
Cribs and mattresses You may choose to have your baby sleep in a bassinet in your room for the first several weeks, but eventually you will need to move them into a crib.
When choosing a crib, look for these basics: ■ Make sure the vertical slats are no more than two and three-eighth inches apart — about the width of a soda can. ■ Check that there are no missing or cracked slats and that construction is sturdy. ■ Choose a mattress that fits the crib snugly. There should be less than two finger widths of space between the mattress and the crib. ■ Make sure mattress supports are attached firmly to the head and the foot of the bed. ■ Choose a crib with easy to operate drop-side latches that firmly hold the sides in a raised position — and cannot be released by the baby.
In addition, Dr. Penso reminds parents to position the crib away from any dangling cords or window blinds in which babies can become tangled.
High chairs There are three basic types of high chairs available: Folding models with plastic or metal frames and vinyl seats, non-folding wooden or plastic models, and convertible models that can be used as a youth chair and table set.
Whatever type of high chair you choose, keep the following in mind: ® Make sure there is either a permanent center barrier with a lap belt or a t-style restraining strap. ® Look for a clamp that securely fastens the chair to a table. If your chair has wheels, make sure the wheels are in a locked position any time the baby is in the chair.
Playpens Your mother might want you to reuse the playpen she’s been saving since you were a baby, but safety features have progressed in the last 30 years, and sometimes newer is better. Wherever you purchase your playpen, make sure you check for the following safety features: ® Fabric-sided playpens should have mesh panels with a tight weave and no tears or holes. ® Playpen sides must be securely fastened to the top rail and the floor plate. ® Slats on wooden playpens should be spaced no more than two and three-eighth inches apart.
Once your baby is home and using the furniture, make sure to examine all items on a regular basis. Look for rips, tears, splinters and broken elements.
To find a pediatrician like Dr. Penso, log onto the Saint John’s Web site at www.stjohns.org. Select “Find a Physician” and respond to the computer prompts. Browsers can choose from a wide range of specialists, which are then sorted by location, gender and language.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on March 15, 2005. Read the original PDF.