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| What to Look For in a Baby Crib |
You are preparing to welcome a new baby to
your home, buying a baby crib is one of the most important purchases you will
make so you must know what to look for in baby crib. There are so many
choices when it comes to new cribs, so research is a must before making such a
big purchase. This perhaps is the most important investment you will make for
your nursery but by keeping a few things in mind, you can find the right baby crib
for your growing family.
What
to Look For in a Baby Crib: Features
Safety
Safety is of
paramount importance, before you even consider
a crib;
- Look for the Juvenile Products Manufacturing Association certification (JPMA). This confirms that the crib was tested for quality and safety. Also check to see whether the crib you're planning to buy has not been recalled.
- Could you imagine walking into your nursery to find your baby’s head stuck between the slats? Well to prevent this from happening ensure that the slats on the cribs are close enough. The distance between the crib slats must be no more than 2 3/8 inches (about the size of a soda can).
- If the crib contains corner posts, they should be no higher than 1/16 of an inch; unless they're over 16 inches high to support a covering. The reason being if corner posts are higher than 1/16 of an inch, your baby can be injured or even choke when their clothing catch on the post
- Ensure that the mattress fits snugly with no more than two finger widths between the edge of mattress and the crib.
- Don’t even consider buying a crib with a drop-side. These cribs are not considered safe and are responsible for the death of many babies. Between the years 2000 to 2010, at least 32 infants have died by being entrapped and strangle or suffocate in the space between the drop side and the crib mattress if the drop-side detaches or becomes loose according to the CPSC. In December of 2010, the agency announced strict new safety standards that banned the sale of drop-side cribs, starting in mid-2011.
Determine your
price point.
Cribs range anywhere from $100 to $1000+ so take a good, hard look at
your budget, and figure out how much money you are willing to spend before you
start looking. Once the crib meets government standards, you can be confident
that you are purchasing a quality product for your baby, regardless of price.
Sturdiness
Remember that your baby will grow over time
and so bouncing in the crib is inevitable. Therefore, choose a crib that is
firm and sturdy and is able to withstand the weight of a bouncing baby. Bear in
mind that most cribs have to be assembled after purchase.
So, if you that you
are not capable of putting things together, buy one that is easy to assemble
and yet stable. Give the crib a good shake in the store or after you put it
together at home. If it wobbly or rattles, this may be a sign that the crib has
been put together improperly. This could also be a sign that you should look
for a sturdier crib.
Casters
If casters are a feature you desire, then
ensure that they contain a locking mechanism. Cribs with casters are more
practical as you can easily move them to a different location when needed. For
example, if your baby is sick, you may want the crib in your room instead of
the nursery and this is where the casters are useful.
Adjustable Mattress Base
Most cribs have the option to change the
height of the crib’s mattress by simply raising or lowering the mattress
support. These cribs usually have three-level mattress height adjustments
although a few models have up to five. You lower the mattress when your child
begins sitting up.
As your baby gets more active and move to pulling up and
standing, you don't want him/her to climb or fall out of the crib. If you are a
little short, you can you access your baby can easily raising the mattress
height.
The important consideration is how far down
the mattress base can go. Generally, the lower it can go, the longer you would
be able to keep your baby in the crib before the toddler bed transition.
Convertibility
Some cribs can be converted to a toddler
bed, children’s bench and even a full-sized bed. While this broadens the use of
the crib, I must mention that most of these convertible cribs require you to
purchase the conversion kit separately. Hence, you would need to work out the
total cost by adding in the parts required for the conversion.
Style
When it comes to style, not every one’s the
same. Here are some popular types of crib
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What
to Look for in a Baby Crib: What to Avoid
There are
certain add-ons you should avoid such as:
Bumpers: Crib bumpers are padding
that you attach to the inside railings of the crib to cushion all four sides.
Bumpers pose a hazard and are no longer recommended. They are still a standard
feature of crib bedding sets, but a number of organizations, including the
American Academy of Pediatrics, now discourage them as a SIDS risk.
Decorative
touches:
Fancy decorations can break off and pose a choking hazard, so steer clear.
Cribs that feature cut-out designs along the rail may look appealing, but they
could trap your baby's arm or neck.
So
as you prepare to welcome your new baby and purchase your new crib, you must
always remember that the first thing that you must consider is the security and
safety of the crib. You must choose a crib that has enough safety features to
keep your baby safe at all times. Budget is also a big factor and you must only
buy a crib that will fit your budget. The
above are just some of the factors to consider when making your decision. Hope
you find the perfect crib to dress your nursery.
Check out some Modern Baby Cribs Here.
Also check out Baby Crib Safety
Check out some Modern Baby Cribs Here.
Also check out Baby Crib Safety
