Tips for Choosing a Crib

Answer 1

Tips for Choosing a Crib

If you're a first time parent, you might not know what to look for when shopping for a new crib. Follow these helpful hints to help you make a wise purchase when buying a crib for your newborn.

Don't Wait Til the Baby is Born

The best time to purchase a crib is during the final trimester of the pregnancy. Take your spouse or a friend along with you to pick out a crib that will suit your baby the best. After you've given birth, you may be too tired to go look for a crib. So make crib shopping a priority before the baby arrives.

Check Slat Spacing

Some cribs have wide slat spacing to give a more creative look to the crib. However, these wide spaces are safety hazards for little babies who can get limbs caught in them and sometimes fall through. Purchase a crib with slats no bigger than 2 ? inches apart to make sure your child is safe at all times.

Height Matters

If your baby's crib is high off the ground, make sure that the railings are stable and that your baby cannot climb out. Crib falls are one of the leading causes of infant deaths so if you're worried that your baby may fall out the crib, consider buying a crib closer to the ground.

Wood Quality

The better the wood quality the longer your baby's crib will last. The better the wood the more sturdy the crib will be. Some good quality woods include cherry, oak, maple and ash.

Convertible Cribs

Although they are expensive, investing in a convertible crib may save you money on child furniture in the future. These nifty cribs can be converted into a small bed for a growing toddler. Eventually, your infant will need a bigger bed, so consider buying the convertible crib to get two beds in one.

Shoot for Security

Make sure your baby's crib is as secure as possible to avoid safety hazards. Mattresses should fit perfectly into the crib to ensure your baby's head doesn't get caught between the mattress and the frame. Avoid cribs that have flexible railings or sharp edges or objects protruding from. Safety should be your main priority when it comes to your baby's new home.

Cribs are an Investment

Remember, your baby will sleep in the new crib for the next two to three years. Cribs are an investment and buying one should not be taken lightly. When shopping, ask a store attendant to help you find a crib that meets all your safety and creative standards.