Final answer:
Kelly should choose a crib with slats no more than 2 3/8 inches apart and no items that pose suffocation risks such as soft mattresses, pillows, or padded crib bumpers. It's imperative to place the baby on their back to sleep and maintain a smoke-free environment to lower the risk of SIDS.
Step-by-step explanation:
When shopping for furniture to ensure the safety of her baby during sleep and to prevent sleep-related deaths such as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), Kelly should look for a crib with certain safety features. Based on research and guidelines provided by various health organizations, the safest option for an infant's sleep environment is a crib that adheres to the following criteria:
- A crib with slats that are no more than 2 3/8 inches apart to prevent the baby's head from getting trapped between them.
- A firm mattress that fits snugly within the crib frame without gaps, as a soft mattress can create a suffocation hazard.
- It's crucial to avoid placing items in the crib such as pillows, blankets, or padded crib bumpers as they pose suffocation risks.
- Keeping the crib free of soft toys and loose bedding to reduce the risk of entrapment and suffocation.
Importantly, infants should always be placed on their backs to sleep, and parents should ensure a smoke-free environment for the child. These measures significantly decrease the risk of SIDS.