Since 2011 the government has set new safety standards for cribs, which should make choosing a crib for your baby simpler and easier than ever before. Still wondering how to choose a crib?
These tips on how to choose a crib provide information on the vital things to consider when buying a crib for your baby.
Table of Content
How To Choose A Crib
Type of Material Used to the Make the Crib
Cribs are made from different materials and while most new parents prefer natural wood baby cribs, there are also other types of cribs available, including some of wood like cribs that may be made of plastic resin or some other material.
So knowing what material you want your crib made from is the first of many decisions you will have to make when shopping for a crib.
Crib Height Adjustments
Another thing you are going to want to consider is whether or not the crib you are interested in has height adjustments and how many.
Since newer model cribs have to be made with fixed sides to ensure your child’s safety, you are going to want a crib where the mattress can set high enough in to easily place a small infant the crib.
It should also be able to be lowered for safety as the child grows so that when your baby starts pulling himself up he can’t fall over the side.
You need to choose a crib that has at least 2 height adjustments, and 3 is even better.
Mattress Support
Different companies make the mattress supports in different ways.
Some manufacturers use wood or metal slats while others use a metal frame with criss cross wires to support the mattress.
Studies suggest that the criss cross wire supports are generally strongest and safest for your baby.
Convertible or Standard Crib
Next you are going to want to consider whether you want a crib that can only be used as crib or one that can be converted into a toddler bed, day bed, or full size bed.
While the idea of a convertible bed sounds great, you do need to keep in mind that these cribs are more expensive and you normally need to purchase extra parts or rails for some of the conversions.
If this baby is going to be your only or last child then a convertible crib may be a good idea.
However, if you are planning on having more children, then you will need the crib to remain a crib and may decide that the added expense of purchasing a convertible crib simply does not make a lot of sense.
Casters
Not every crib comes with casters, yet these little wheels can make moving the crib for cleaning or rearranging the room easier than having to drag or lift a crib that doesn’t have casters.
So even deciding whether or not to buy casters should figure into your decision about which crib to buy.
Price
Last but not least, you also need to consider your budget and the price of the crib.
Babies are expensive and you don’t want to spend so much on that cute looking crib that you can’t afford those diapers and other things your baby is going to need.
Once you have chosen the crib you think is perfect to meet your baby needs as well as your budget, then make sure that you examine the crib closely.
While safety standards do ensure that all cribs must meet minimum safety guidelines, sometimes there are issues with cribs, that just slip past quality control.
So make sure that you check the following on any crib that you purchase.
- Make sure there is no missing or broken hardware and the directions for assembly are easy to understand and follow.
- Check the crib slats and make sure they are evenly spaced and not more than 2 3/8” apart. The slats should also be free of cracks and not wiggle.
- Make sure that you choose a mattress for your crib that is firm and fit tightly into the crib.
If you take all of these various things into consideration when choosing that new crib for baby, you and your child should be able to sleep comfortably and worry free.
Baby Cribs to Consider
Graco Benton 5-in-1 Convertible Crib, Pebble Gray Easily Converts to Toddler Bed, Day Bed or Full Bed
Storkcraft Portofino 4-in-1 Fixed Side Convertible Crib and Changer, EspressoDaVinci Charlie 4-in-1 Convertible Crib, White
