When babies are asleep, they move in ways that amaze a professional contortionist.
“Can my baby’s legs get stuck in the crib?” is one of the questions that several mothers ask.
It’s not uncommon for babies to get caught in their cribs.
In addition to crying until help arrives, these babies will also get their other foot trapped between crib slats when they are upset and unable to free the limb.
All parties tend to suffer during these circumstances.
How To Keep Baby’s Legs From Getting Stuck In A Crib?
Despite their innate ability to get into trouble even in the safest of spaces, parenting sometimes feels like a never-ending battle to keep your kids from being injured.
You think you have your baby under control, and then they start rolling, crawling, pulling themselves up, and getting into everything.
The advice of medical experts is relatively straightforward when it comes to preventing your child from sticking their legs through a crib.
Every baby is different, as are most baby-related issues that parents deal with.
This article will explain a couple of things you can do to keep your baby safe in the crib if you find one solution that works for one baby but not for another.
1. Ensure That Your Crib Meets The Required Standards
You should start protecting your little one’s legs from the crib itself.
Caring for Your Baby and Young Child, written by doctors at the AAP and endorsed by them, says that your crib should meet the following requirements:
- The crib slats and headboard should not have cutouts or distinctive designs that could cause the baby’s head or other body parts to become stuck.
- There are no corner posts where a baby’s clothes might be hung.
- It has sturdy screws and bolts that are tight and secure.
- You should use lead-free paint. Even though today’s safety standards should make this a given, using an older crib means that you should do your research to make sure it’s safe.
2. What are the safety concerns with crib bumpers and liners?
More than that, it seems as though there are always new products out there touting themselves as the best.
Medical experts do not always certify that all products are safe to use, regardless of what many manufacturers claim.
Baby products are a very prolific and very lucrative industry.
As a result, many of these products are unregulated and have not been tested for safety and efficacy,” Drs. Ana and Sami explain.
Our world can be overwhelming for parents, and we understand how challenging it can be.
Thus, you should always consult with your pediatrician about what to use, avoid, and what is safe at what age for your child.
3. The Safest Way To Sleep With Your Infant
Regarding infant sleep guidelines, a baby should sleep on their back and have a flat sleeping surface designed for infants, like a crib or bassinet.
“A firm mattress is the only thing we recommend for safe sleeping in babies,” they advise.
A firm mattress is best for placing your baby on so that the mattress doesn’t indent.
Pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, toys, or loose bedding should not be present in a baby’s sleeping area.
It is not recommended to use crib liners or bumpers attached to the crib perimeter.
Suffocation, strangulation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) are risks associated with these different objects in the crib or sleep area.
Sleeping on one’s back is always better for a baby, even when taking a nap.
If your baby rolls over, place them on their back until they can roll both ways.
So your baby won’t roll over in a position that blocks their airway, and spit-up won’t go into the wrong pipe, causing them pain or choking.
Parents should also keep infants from sleeping in car seats, strollers, slings, loungers, nursing pillows, couches, or sofas, as they may compromise their airway.
Similar post: Baby Sleeps Against Side of Crib
How To Handle A Stuck Baby
As a precaution to prevent your baby from sticking their hands and legs through the crib, Drs. Ana and Sami recommend these tips. “Choose a crib that doesn’t have cut-outs,” they suggest.
You should ensure the crib mattress fits snugly, so you do not have to worry about your baby getting their limbs caught between the mattress and the crib side.
By following CPSC safety standards, your crib’s space between bars will be ideal for preventing your child from getting stuck between bars.
You won’t likely have a problem resolving it if your baby gets a little wedged in the crib.
“If an arm or leg does get stuck, gently assist them in getting unstuck (perhaps by taking out and replacing a slate), then comfort them until they have been soothed.”.
Summary
When it comes to making sure your baby’s legs don’t get stuck in the crib, there are many things that you should avoid.
Further, you can take a few steps to ensure your baby’s safety without causing other issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can You Prevent Your Baby From Getting Their Arms And Legs Stuck In Their Crib?
An infant’s legs can get surprisingly stuck in the crib slats when wearing a properly fitting sleep sack.
It’s the most cost-effective and straightforward solution, so you should try it first.
Does A Baby’s Leg Break In A Crib?
Similarly, even if the baby’s arm or leg gets caught in the crib slats, it is improbable that the limb will be broken, which means that the experience will, at the very least, be upsetting and unsettling but will not be life-threatening until someone arrives to help the baby.
The Crib Should Be As Safe As Possible For My Baby.
Cribs and other nursery furniture shouldn’t be placed near windows. Cordless window coverings should be used.
It is best to use bare cribs. Do not place pillows, blankets, sleep positioners, bumper pads, or stuffed animals.
Iesha is a loving mother of 2 beautiful children. She’s an active parent who enjoys indoor and outdoor adventures with her family. Her mission is to share practical and realistic parenting advice to help the parenting community becoming stronger.
