How to Choose A Crib

crib safety guidelines

One of the most well-researched aspects of any given baby crib is how safe it is. As of 2011, all cribs manufactured are required to meet the standards put forth by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). One of these crib safety standards is that the date of manufacture must be printed somewhere on the crib—making it easy for parents to ensure it’s up to code. Read on to learn about other safety precautions you should take into consideration.

LOOK AT THE CORNER POSTS

The height of corner posts should not exceed 1/16th of an inch. Anything taller can catch your child’s clothing.

KEEP THE CRIB BARE

Do not put any toys, stuffed animals, pillows or blankets inside the crib with your child. The only bedding they’ll need is a waterproof pad and fitted sheet.

PREVENT DUST BUNNIES

Babies are sensitive to dust and dander. Vacuum the underside of their crib often, especially if you use a crib skirt. As an additional precaution, keep pets off the crib.

STAY AWAY FROM CORDS & STRINGS

Keep the crib away from windows, curtains, cords and anything else your little one can pull. Hanging baby mobiles are fine as long as they’re kept out of reach.

FIND THE RIGHT MATTRESS

The crib mattress should be a snug fit, reaching every corner of the crib’s frame. If more than two fingers fit between the crib and the side of the mattress, it’s too small.

THOROUGHLY CHECK HAND-ME-DOWNS

If your crib is a hand-me-down, be sure it meets current safety standards. Check for stable hinges, as well as sharp or protruding pieces. If it's made of wood, be sure the finish is smooth and splinter-free.

types of cribs

Deciding on the right baby crib is a big decision. Not only is it the foundation of your nursery, it also keeps your new addition safe as they slumber away. When shopping for different types of cribs, it’s important to take more than just aesthetics into consideration. Read on to learn about the different types and choose the best one for your baby.

standard cribs

This is probably what comes to mind when you picture a crib. Long-lasting and sturdy, standard cribs have a simple construction—4 fixed sides with slats throughout. Standard cribs are ideal for parents planning to have multiple children because they’re durable and come in many different designs, materials and finishes. Spindle cribs, a variation of standard cribs, feature slats that come in interesting designs such as square, round and rectangle. While they make an excellent sleeping solution in permanent homes, families who are constantly on the go might want to look for a more portable option.

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convertible cribs

Also known as a “lifetime crib” or “3-in-1 crib,” convertible cribs transition to toddler and beyond, making it more of a long-term furniture solution. Typically, these cribs have a timeless design or a subtle color scheme, meaning you avoid a potentially dated look as your child gets older. Keep in mind, convertible cribs carry a larger up-front price tag than other alternatives, and minor manual labor (as well as a conversion kit) is required for each transition.

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bassinets

One of the more versatile options for new parents is a bassinet. Ideal for the first few months of life, this type of crib makes it easy to keep an eye on your baby while in bed. Due to their smaller size, bassinets are a wonderful solution for apartments and lofts, too. They don’t take up much floor space and are easy to move from room to room. It’s recommended that once your baby is 3-6 months old or rolling over, to move them to a bigger crib.

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mini crib

Don’t let its small size fool you, this compact crib has many of the same features as its larger counterparts, including an adjustable-height mattress and casters that make gliding from room to room a breeze.Keep in mind, your baby will quickly outgrow their mini crib. You will likely have to invest in a larger one before making the transition to a toddler or twin bed.

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portable crib

From weekend trips to weeklong vacations—portable cribs are ideal for travel as they can be packed up and easily transported by car or plane. Travel cribs tend to be very soft and lightweight, often made with breathable mesh. Most come with a storage bag for added convenience. Similar to bassinests, travel cribs are not recommended for use as a permanent sleeping solution.

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