July 7, 2025, 10:55 am | Read time: 2 minutes
The sleeping area for a baby is a crucial factor for its health and safety. Therefore, it’s important for parents to follow some basic safety guidelines.
It is the central piece of furniture in the first months of life: the baby crib. But what should parents consider when buying one? How big should it be, and what should the spacing of the bars be? Here are the most important tips at a glance.
What to Consider in a Baby Crib?
According to the German Furniture Quality Association (DGM), baby cribs should have some basic safety features:
- The sleeping surface should be at least 70 x 140 cm.
- There should be a distance of at least 60 cm between the mattress and the top edge of the crib.
- The bars should be spaced at least 4.5 cm and no more than 6.5 cm apart to prevent the baby from getting stuck or slipping out.
- All corners and edges should be rounded to prevent injuries.
- Avoid protruding parts or gaps where ribbons or cords could get caught.
Not only the crib but also the mattress should be tailored to the child’s needs. Here you can read about what to look for in a children’s mattress.
The Right Place for the Baby Crib
The German Society for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine (DGKJ) recommends that babies sleep in their own bed in the parents’ bedroom during the first year of life. The baby should be within hearing distance of the parents so they can quickly reach it in an emergency.
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What Else to Consider?
Additional tips for safe sleep: Ensure the baby does not sleep in a room that is too warm–20 degrees Celsius is ideal during the cold season, according to the DGKJ–and do not place the crib near radiators or other heat sources.
Also, do not use blankets, bumpers, pillows, or stuffed animals in the crib–there is a risk of suffocation. The baby sleeps safely in a sleeping bag on its back.
with material from dpa