5101:2-13-42 Cribs in licensed type A homes.

 

 

 

5101:2-13-42               Cribs.

 

 

 

(A)Each infant shall be provided with a separate crib. There shall be one crib available which meets the requirements of this rule for each infant in attendance at the home.

 

(1)Each crib shall be labeled with the infant's name who is assigned to use the crib, and shall be for the infant's exclusive use.

 

(2)Cribs and mattresses shall be thoroughly cleaned with an appropriate germicidal detergent and regularly sanitized before assignment for use by another child.

 

(3) Cribs shall be defined by size as follows:

 

(a) "Full size crib" has an interior dimension greater than fifty-two inches (plus or minus five-eighth inch) in length and twenty-eight inches (plus or minus five-eighths inch) in width. With the mattress support in its lowest position and the crib side in its highest position. The vertical distance from the upper surface of the mattress support to the upper surface of the crib side or end panel shall not be less than twenty-six inches.

 

(i) Only children under thirty-five inches tall shall be assigned to use a full size crib.

 

(ii) Children over thirty-five inches tall shall be assigned to use a cot.

 

(b) "Porta crib" has dimensions less than those specified for a full size crib. Only children under thirty inches tall shall be assigned to use a porta crib.

 

(c) Porta cribs with dimensions less than thirty-six inches in length and twenty-four inches in width shall not be used. With the mattress support in its lowest position and the crib side in its highest position,  the vertical distance from the upper surface of the mattress support to the upper surface of the crib side or end panel shall not be less than twenty-two inches.

 

(4)An infant sixteen months or older may be assigned to a cot with written parental permission.

 

(5)If a crib is considered hazardous for an infant, regardless of age, the infant may be assigned to a cot with written permission from parent or guardian.

 

(B)Each crib shall be of sturdy construction, with closely spaced bars and with corner posts that do not exceed one sixteenth of an inch above the top of the end panel.

 

(1)Spaces between the bars of the crib and between the bars and end panels of the crib shall not exceed two and three-eighths inches.

 

 

(2) Stacked cribs shall be prohibited.

(3) Mesh cribs, playpens and bassinets of any type shall be prohibited for use during any nap time period.

(C) Mattress: each crib shall have a firm mattress that is at least one and one half inches thick.

(1) The space between the mattress and the side or end panels of the crib shall not exceed one and one-half inches.

(2) Each mattress shall have a properly fitted clean crib sheet which is changed at least weekly, or more often as necessary. If a crib is used by more than one child, the crib sheet shall be changed before use by another child.

(D) Sanitation and safety: cribs shall be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected in accordance with rule 5101:2-13-15 of the Administrative Code.

(1) Each mattress shall be securely covered with a waterproof material which is not dangerous to children.

(2) Bumper pads shall not be used in cribs or porta cribs.

(3) Nothing shall be placed in the crib or be hung over the side of the crib that obstructs the child care staff member's visibility of the infant.

(4) Infants shall not be placed in the cribs with bibs or any other items which could pose a strangulation or suffocation risk.

(5) Infants shall be placed in their cribs for sleeping, and shall not be allowed to sleep in swings, car seats or other equipment. If a medical condition exists where a child needs to sleep in equipment other than a crib, written permission shall be obtained from a physician and shall be on file for review.

(6) Infants shall be placed on their backs or sides to sleep unless parents or guardians provide a written request to do otherwise on the JFS 01235 "Sleep Position Waiver" form. These completed forms shall be maintained on file for review by the director's representative.

Replaces:                                 5101:2-13-69

Effective:                                07/01/2003 R.C. 119.032 review dates:                           04/01/2007

CERTIFIED ELECTRONICALLY

Certification

03/13/2003

Date

Promulgated Under:   119.03

Statutory Authority:   5104.011

Rule Amplifies:           5104.011

Prior Effective Dates: 9/5/86.