6.4.1.3: Crib Toys

Crib gyms, crib toys, mobiles, mirrors, and all objects/toys are prohibited in or attached to an infant’s crib. Items or toys should not be hung from the ceiling over an infant’s crib.

RATIONALE

Falling objects could cause injury to an infant lying in a crib.

The presence of crib gyms presents a potential strangulation hazard for infants who are able to lift their head above the crib surface. These children can fall across the crib gym and not be able to remove themselves from that position (1).

The presence of mobiles, crib toys, mirrors, etc. present a potential hazard if the objects can be reached and/or pulled down by an infant (1). Some stuffed animals and other objects that dangle from strings can wrap around a child’s neck (2).

Soft objects/toys can cause suffocation.

COMMENTS

Ornamental or small toys are often hung over an infant to provide stimulation; however, the crib should be used for sleep only. The crib is not recommended as a place to entertain an infant or to “contain” an infant. If an infant is not content in a crib, the infant should be removed.

Even though this is best practice for infants in any environment, the recommendation for prohibiting all crib gyms, mobiles, and all toys/objects in or attached to cribs may differ from what is done at an infant’s home. Caregivers/teachers have a professional responsibility to ensure a safe environment for children; therefore, child care settings are held at a higher standard, warranting the removal of these potential hazards.

TYPE OF FACILITY

Center, Early Head Start, Large Family Child Care Home, Small Family Child Care Home

RELATED STANDARDS

3.1.4.1 Safe Sleep Practices and Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID)/SIDS Risk Reduction

REFERENCES

1. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). CPSC warns of strangulation with crib toys. Consumer Product Safety Alert. http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/5024.pdf.
2. American Academy of Pediatrics, Task Force on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. 2005. Policy statement: The changing concept of sudden infant death syndrome: Diagnostic coding shifts, controversies regarding the sleeping environment, and new variables to consider in reducing risk. Pediatrics 116:1245-55.