By Desiree Miller, Bottles to Britches Premier Baby Planners

In many cases, drop-side cribs present hazards parents may not be aware of.  In the last few years, there have been numerous recalls involving millions of drop-side cribs. Some incidents occurred without consumers noticing detachment or after they tried to repair the crib.  Meantime, the CPSC is investigating other crib
manufacturers for potential hazards. 
While this is happening, parents and caregivers should do the following:
--Check crib for recalls.  Visit www.cpsc.gov
--Register to receive recall notices from CPSC.
--Regularly inspect your crib.  Do not use any crib with missing, broken or loose parts.  Check all sides and corners of the crib. Disengagements can create a gap and entrap a child.
--Do not try to repair the crib without contacting the manufacturer for instructions.  Babies have died in cribs where caregivers attempted repairs.
--Contact the crib manufacturer to check on updates. Some manufacturers have kits available to secure drop sides.  Cribs should only be changed in
accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

Beyond that, and no matter what kind of crib used, parents are advised to place babies to sleep on their back and keep cribs free of everything other than the base sheet and a firm mattress. Safety experts even suggest leaving bumpers and blankets out of the crib, having children sleep in what's known as a "sleepsack".  Crib
slats should be no more than 2 3/8" apart and parents should not use cribs with missing slats. 

By Desiree Miller, Bottles to Britches Premier Baby Planners
I help a lot of moms figure out what they need most for their baby and also give advice on what makes a great shower gift.  Right after a car seat (which you are required to have by law in order to leave the hospital), my top recommendation is the Halo SleepSack.  That's because the SleepSack, essentially a wearable blanket, isn't just about comfort for the baby, it's also designed to help save their life.  Every year, 5,000 babies dies of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and accidental suffocation.  It's heartbreaking for everyone involved.  The Halo SleepSack founder, Bill Schmid and his wife, lost their first born to SIDS.  It was through their grief and loss that Halo was created.  For more than 15 years the company has been educating parents about SIDS prevention and a portion of every sale goes to help charities in the fight against SIDS.  The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that blankets be left out of the crib to reduce the risk of suffocation.  Parents looking for a safe alternative typically turn to the SleepSack.  The company now makes an organic line and offers all kinds of fabrics and patterns for moms with particular tastes.  It's my favorite gift for new moms because I know the baby will sleep better and safer.

So your child has graduated to a booster and you are nervous about their safety. It’s understandable. But there are several new booster seats on the market that went through intense research and development with engineers exceeding the safety standards required by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Association. Chicco’s KeyFit Strada Booster, the company’s first booster seat, which was introduced this year, is one such seat.