Child Bed Rails, Adjustable Safety Beds, Hospital Cribs

Who uses hospital cribs?

Cribs are generally used by children under 44 inches in height. Weight restrictions vary according to the manufacturer and whether the crib is intended strictly for use by the child, or if it’s designed to allow for a caregiver to join the child for some extra nurturing.

Infants and toddlers receiving in-patient treatment at a hospital are the most common users of hospital cribs. There are also many other applications for hospital cribs. They can be useful for children receiving care at home for conditions related to premature birth, neuromuscular or musculoskeletal conditions including cerebral palsy, profound developmental disabilities, neurological conditions such as epilepsy or other seizure disorders, respiratory and cardiac issues, during hospice care, and when using IVs on a regular basis. They are also beneficial for children who use medical equipment and for those would be at risk for injury if they tried to leave the crib unassisted. They may additionally benefit children suffering from digestive conditions which cause acid reflux and are at risk for aspirating stomach contents into the lungs.

Specially designed hospital cribs are also often used for children living with autism and related conditions and developmental disabilities who sleepwalk or would be a danger to themselves if they climbed out of the crib unattended.

When are hospital cribs used?

Hospital cribs are used when a toddler or infant requires positioning that cannot be achieved in a conventional crib, such as raising the head to an angle of 30 degrees or more to prevent episodes of gastric reflux or to allow the child to breathe easily.

Children with seizure disorders that include epilepsy sleep more safely in specially constructed hospital cribs. The high sides and narrow spaces between the slats prevent them from falling out of bed during an episode and prevent entrapment of heads or limbs.

They are also used by children who require the use of IVs, oxygen or monitoring devices. A hospital crib allows caregivers easy access to both the child and the medical equipment.

How are hospital cribs used?

In compliance with the guidelines employed in pediatric units, the caregiver positions the child in the middle of the mattress, usually on his or her back unless directed otherwise by the child’s physician. Any IV lines, oxygen equipment or monitor leads are placed off to the sides of the child to avoid entangled limbs or heads. The side rails are raised or closed in the locked position, and the child may then take a nap or go to sleep for the night.

Some models feature a platform that can be raised and lowered to facilitate diaper changes, treatments such as the application of topical medication or bandage changes, or transfers to strollers or wheelchairs. Some models have side rails that open like cupboard doors instead of the type that is raised and lowered. Hospital cribs also feature wheels to facilitate easy movement from one location to another, and to allow for ease in cleaning the child’s room.

The narrow spaces between the rails and tight spacing between the mattress, platform and sides prevent entrapment of the head or limbs if a child should have a seizure while in the crib, if he or she rolls over while sleeping, or is simply exploring his or her environment and testing the boundaries. The rails on some models are up to twice as high as the ones found on conventional cribs, reducing the chances of the child climbing out of it unassisted. Some models also feature canopies both for physical safety and to provide a feeling of enclosure that some children find soothing.

Depending on the manufacturer and the model, the head of the sleeping platform may be raised to the optimal position manually or by an electronic motor.

Where are hospital cribs used?

Hospital cribs are used in medical facilities providing in-patient care along with respite, residential or day treatment centers for special needs children. They are often incorporated in birthing centers and the private homes of infants and toddlers requiring specialized accommodation for chronic conditions and disabilities.

Rehabmart proudly carries hospital cribs by renowned manufacturers that include MJM International and KayserBetten.

Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Co-Founder & CEO

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