When deciding on a crib, look for certain features. The mattress
should fit snugly against all four sides, and it should be firm and of good
quality. A snug fit prevents the baby from getting any of his body parts
stuck between the mattress and the slats. The guardrail should be at least
twenty-six inches above the top of the mattress. This will discourage any
attempt to climb out when the baby is older. The spaces between the crib
slats should be no more than 23/8 inches apart. A crib bumper guard is a
good investment and is safer for the baby than using pillows or stuffed
animals. The latter should be kept out of the newborn’s crib because of
the potential danger of suffocation.
The location of the crib in the room is another consideration. Avoid
placing the crib near drafty windows, heaters, or hot air ducts. A steady
blast of hot air can dry out your baby’s nose and throat, leading to
respiratory problems.
Infant Seat
You will use the infant seat from day one and use it more than any other
piece of equipment in the early weeks and months. When your child is
old enough to be spoon fed, an infant seat is preferable to a high chair,
since at this age the child does not have the strength to sit up. Please note:
The infant seat is not a car seat.
Infant Sling
There is a place and time for backpacks, snuggles, and slings, such as
when mom, dad, and their baby are out shopping, hiking, or taking a
walk. But it is not a good substitute for the crib. In some third-world
nations and primitive settings, mothers carry their babies in an infant
sling as they move through their day. We have visited these nations and
talked with these mothers. Their actions are not based on a need to create
an attachment with their child nor spurred on by Freud’s writing. For
these mothers it is simply a matter of convenience and safety. Because
where they go, the baby must go.