LAW
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Ohio Laws and Rules
(A) Each infant in attendance shall be provided with a separate crib that meets the requirements of this rule.
(1) Cribs and mattresses shall be thoroughly cleaned with soap and water and sanitized with an appropriate germicide at least monthly and before use by another child.
(2) 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 use a full size crib.
(ii) Children thirty-five inches or taller tall shall use a cot.
(b) "Porta crib/playpen" has dimensions less than those specified for a full size crib. Only children under thirty inches tall shall use a porta crib/playpen.
(c) "Porta cribs/playpen" 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.
(3) At all times, cribs and porta cribs shall be used with the mattress supports in their lowest positions and the crib sides in their highest positions.
(4) An infant sixteen months or older may use a cot with written caretaker permission. The crib assigned to the sixteen month old infant may be placed in storage in the residence once the infant is no longer using it.
(5) If the use of a crib or playpen is considered hazardous for an infant, regardless of age, for example, children who are capable of climbing out of a crib or playpen, the infant may use a cot with written permission from the caretaker.
(B) Each crib or playpen 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 or playpen and between the bars and end panels of the crib or playpen shall not exceed two and three-eighths inches.
(2) Playpen mesh openings shall be less than one quarter inch.
(3) Stacked cribs shall be prohibited.
(C) Each crib shall have a firm mattress that is at least one and one half inches thick. Each playpen shall have a firm mattress or pad that shall not exceed one inch in thickness.
(1) The space between the mattress and the side or end panels of the crib or playpen shall not exceed one and one-half inches.
(2) Each mattress shall have a properly fitted clean sheet which is changed at least weekly, or more often as necessary. If a crib or playpen is used by more than one child, the crib shall be washed with soap and water and sanitized with an appropriate germicide and the sheet shall be changed before use by another child.
(D) Cribs and playpens shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized.
(1) Each mattress shall be securely covered with a waterproof material which can be thoroughly sanitized and is not dangerous to children. The waterproof cover shall be free of rips or tears.
(2) Bumper pads shall not be used.
(3) Nothing shall be placed or be hung over the side that obstructs the provider's visibility of the infant.
(4) Infants shall not be placed in cribs, porta cribs or playpens with bibs or any other items which could pose a strangulation or suffocation risk.
(5) Infants shall be placed in their cribs or playpens for sleeping, and shall not be allowed to sleep in bassinets, swings, car seats or other equipment. If a medical condition exists where a child needs to sleep in equipment other than a crib or playpen, written permission shall be obtained from a physician and shall be on file for review.
(6) Infants shall be placed on their backs to sleep unless the caretaker provides written authorization on the JFS 01930 "Sleep Position Waiver" (8/2008) signed by the child's physician to the provider for the child to be placed on his or her stomach or side to sleep. The JFS 01930 shall be maintained on file for review by the county department of job and family services (CDJFS). Infants who are able to turn themselves over shall be placed initially on their back for sleeping but allowed to sleep in a position they prefer.
(7) Cribs or playpens shall not be used for storage of toys and other materials.
Effective: 08/14/2008
R.C.
119.032 review dates: 11/30/2007
and 03/31/2013
Promulgated Under:
119.03
Statutory
Authority:
5104.011,
5104.11
Rule
Amplifies:
5104.011,
5104.01
Prior
Effective Dates: 4/1/82, 9/1/86, 5/1/89, 10/1/97 (Emer.), 12/30/97, 4/1/03