When To Lower Your Baby's Crib According to Experts

When you become a first-time parent, there are so many questions about everything to do with your baby, including crib safety. From the way your baby sleeps to making all the adjustments, you need to do your homework to make sure your baby is safe. Make sure you always have the right crib mattress height to determine how secure your crib is.

More: The 8 best convertible cribs in 2020

Many parents are unsure when this magical time is and how to do it. We'll take a closer look at different crib settings, some signs that are sure-fire warning signs that it's time to lower the crib for your little one, and some tips for getting it right.

Various crib settings

All cribs are different, but there are standard settings that you should follow to keep your baby's crib safe.

Highest crib setting

This setting is usually best for newborns who won't be moving much. Babies are often still in a sleeping bag or swaddle when in this mattress setting. This is usually the setting parents use when moving their baby from the cradle to the crib.

Medium setting

At this point, your baby can move, but cannot stand up on his own. The exact time you need to switch to this setting will depend on how fast your baby is growing.

Lowest crib setting

This is the setting to keep in mind as your baby shows they can stand up on their own, or at least push themselves up. You never know when they'll hit the next stage and try to weave their way down the rails when you're not looking. Babies are pretty fearless, so you should always be one step ahead of them.

Signs it's time to lower your baby's crib

It is important to be aware of when to lower your baby's cradle to avoid injury. Each year, 10,000 children are brought to the emergency room for cot-related accidents, with many children falling out of their cot. Many children fall out of their crib because they are big enough to get up and out.

dr Tribeca Pediatrics' TJ Gold says she advises parents to lower the crib before they feel it is necessary.

"Let's assume once you hit six months, but definitely before nine months because children reach milestones at such a different rate," says Gold. "Some children are sitting all alone (without support) by six months and some children are sitting alone by nine months."

With that in mind, here are some other signs that it's time to lower the crib mattress.

• You try to pull yourself up into a standing position. If they manage to do that, there's a chance they might throw themselves over the bars of the crib.
• You have reached 36 inches. The American Academy of Pediatrics makes this recommendation and advises that they be moved to a crib at this point.

As you consider these recommendations, also remember that the AAP recommends that the crib rail should be at least 26 inches from the top of the crib mattress. This is for the safety of your baby.

It's important to note that you don't have to immediately drop the crib to its lowest point. As long as you lower it enough to meet safety standards and security policies, you can do it gradually. It is important to know how active your baby is and what he can do. This is the best indication of when to lower your crib. You may need to do it earlier than recommended if your baby is developing faster.

"Very active infants can find a way to get their leg over the covers and fall out of the cradle," says Gold.

She says that when this happened, it was mostly because the child was already in the cradle holding on and the cradle wasn't lowered.

Also remember that you should never use a crib with side rails. The American Academy of Pediatrics considers these unsafe and should be avoided.

If you're looking at when to lower the crib, you may have heard of some people lowering the mattress to the floor. This is quite unusual and should only be done if your crib was built for it. Check the manufacturer's instructions to see if this is even an option. In most cases it is sufficient to place the cot on the lowest level. If they need it even lower, they should probably be in a cot.

How to lower the crib mattress in your baby crib

As all cribs are manufactured differently, you should consult the assembly instructions to find out how to lower your specific crib. However, there are some basic rules that most cribs follow when it comes to mattress height adjustment.

• Decide what mattress setting you want for your crib.
• Remove all linens. Make sure all sheets and mattress protector are removed. This makes changing the mattress setting easier. Also, always make sure there are no crib bumpers nearby. Bumper pads pose a choking hazard, according to the AAP. You should also avoid quilts or other blankets, as they can pose a strangulation and suffocation hazard.
• Make mattress height adjustments. By consulting the manufacturer's instructions you can ensure that the crib is still properly stable when the mattress height is adjusted. Whatever adjustment you make to lower the crib mattress at the foot of the crib must be made at the head end.
• Make the bed. Once you have a bottom mattress, it's time to put the sheets and mattress protector back on so your baby can have a good night's sleep. Make sure to hold your baby on their back when sleeping to avoid the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).

Lowering your baby's mattress is also a good time to ensure other safety precautions have been taken. This includes that the mattress is firm and has no gaps. Also, any corner posts on the cradle that could cause injury or clothing snagging should be removed.

Always keep large toys and stuffed animals away from the cradle as they can pose a choking hazard. These toys should be reserved for playtime outside of the crib. The same goes for pillows, heavy blankets and duvets. Neither of these should have a place in your baby's crib.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to lowering your baby's crib, it's important to remember that you need to keep an eye on your baby's growth and milestones. Your baby may be growing faster than the recommendations for when to lower the crib mattress, or your baby may be growing more slowly. You need to be aware of how your baby is developing and if it's time to lower the crib for safety.

Instead of keeping track of the baby's age, be aware of what he's capable of in the crib. Be sure to stay one step ahead of their development so that your sleeping baby always has a safe resting place.

By: When To Lower Your Baby's Crib According to Experts