Baby Crib
Baby Crib
How To Purchase A Safe Baby Crib
Babies are a wonderful addition to any family, but can add up to a lot of added expense. One of the most expensive items that you will purchase for your baby is a baby crib. It can also be one of the most dangerous.
When searching for one of these pieces of baby furniture, you should keep in mind that according to some statistics, approximately 50 infant deaths and 9000 infant injuries occur each year in crib-related accidents. Because of these facts, you should always check to ensure that any crib that you may want purchase is safe for your baby.
There are several safety features that you should look for when purchasing a new baby crib. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has enacted regulations to ensure the safety of your baby while in these beds. You should make sure that any baby crib that you may purchase has these specifications. The first regulation states that the vertical bars or slats should be no further apart than 2 3/8″ or 60 mm. This prevents the baby’s body being able to fit through them and the child becoming lodged by his head.
A second regulation deals with holes or decorative cutouts on the headboard. These should not exceed 2 3/8″ also to avoid your child’s head being stuck. Purchasing a crib with a solid head board is probably the best way to go.
The third regulation by the Commission suggests that you check to make sure that none of the vertical bars on a crib side are broken off. You should be sure that all the bars in the crib are sturdy and intact. Any missing bars will leave a big gap that can cause your child to slip through and fall to the floor.
Other safety issues that are not addressed by the Commission but are still important for the safety of your baby include baby cribs that come equipped with wheels. A new baby crib on roller wheels may seem like a good purchase. However, there are certain factors that you need to consider when looking at this style. If your house has hardwood floors, the slightest bump will cause the crib to begin rolling. The crib will also roll if you lean against it as you are bending over your baby. Older siblings can also be a danger to the baby in a crib with wheels. Your other children may push it around, causing it to overturn or slide down stairs. You can purchase a baby crib on wheels that has a locking mechanism, but it is probably a better idea to avoid this style completely.
Another valuable safety tip is to check to ensure that the crib mattress fits inside the crib properly. The standard mattress size for a crib is 51 5/8″ by 27 ¼”, although some cribs on the market today do not use the standard size. To check to make sure that the crib mattress is the right size for the crib, place your fingers between the mattress and the crib sides. If you can fit two fingers side by side, the mattress is too large and may enable your baby to slide between the mattress and the crib side and end up with the mattress on top of him. Mattress firmness is also important. As soft mattresses have been linked with Sudden Infants Death Syndrome you should make sure that your baby’s mattress is firm and solid.
Buying a baby crib can be one of the most important purchases you can make. By completing the safety checks that were previously discussed you will be able to purchase the safest baby crib possible.
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How to Choose a Baby Crib
If you are an expectant parent, a baby crib would certainly be at the top of your ‘must-buy’ list. Here is a rough guide on what to look out for when you are buying a baby crib:
Safety
Cribs have to be certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA). Although a crib may have a JPMA seal, it is also prudent that you check it out physically to ensure that it is not too flimsy. The slats should also not be too far apart to avoid your baby’ head from being caught in between them.
Sturdiness
Bear in mind that your baby will grow over time and it would not be long before he or she would be bouncing in the crib. Therefore, pick one that is firm and sturdy that 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 are not good at putting things together, buy one that is easy to assemble and yet stable.
Casters
If you want to buy a crib with casters, ensure that it comes with a lockable mechanism. Cribs with casters are practical as you can easily push it to a different location when needed. For instance, if your baby is sick, you might like the crib to be in your room instead of the nursery and this is where the casters come in handy.
Drop Sides
If you are worried about safety, there are cribs in the market that have no drop sides. However, most parents would not be tall enough for such cribs. If you need to buy one that has at least one drop side, check the latches. Make sure that they can’t be easily released by a child. Remember that your baby will grow to be a toddler and if you are still using the crib by then, it makes sense to have hard-to-release drop sides. There are one-handed and two-handed drop side releases for different cribs. Test it out yourself to see what works best for you.
Adjustable Mattress Base
It only makes sense to be able to adjust the mattress base of the crib to accommodate your baby as he or she grows. Most cribs have three-level mattress height adjustments although a few have up to five. 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.
Style
Different people have different preferences when it comes to style. But just bear in mind that there are cribs with a clear head and foot board that enables you to see your baby from all angles. Some cribs have slats instead for both ends while others have solid wood panels. While those with solid wood panels for the head and foot board certainly look classy and nice, your view of your baby would be partially blocked. So, apart from color and style, do take into consideration the practicality of the designs as well.
Convertibility
Some cribs can be converted to a toddler bed and even a full-sized bed. While this will lengthen the use of the crib, do take note that some 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.
Store
Apart from physical stores, there are also many online stores now that can give you a good bargain for baby cribs. Because a crib is heavy, check out the shop’s shipping policy and delivery charges before ordering. Other important considerations are the store’s return policy and customer service. Parts may be defective or damaged during delivery and you would want a store that has excellent customer service to get replacement parts or handle returns. Do weigh all these factors apart from the price before you buy.
The above are just some of the factors to consider when you choose a baby crib. One last piece of advice is always consider your needs and the practicality aspect as well rather than just style and color.
About the Author
Visit http://babycrib-toddlerbed.com for a crib buying guide. Also read about sleepness nights with a baby which is a very common experience among all parents.
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Cotton Tale Arctic Babies 8-piece Crib Bedding Set $114.99 The arctic babies 8-piece nursery set from Cotton Tale is inspired by the plight of mothers and their babies to survive in our changing world. This baby bedding set will make your baby’s room warm and inviting. |
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Cotton Tale Arctic Baby 4-piece Crib Bedding Set $72.49 Create a comforting nursery with this artic baby themed crib set by Cotton Tale. The soft colors and animals are featured on a comforter, bumper, fitted crib sheet and a dust ruffle. |
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LA Baby Memory Foam Crib Mattress $109.52 Crib mattress features 260 heat-tempered coilsHeavy, 6-gauge border wire provides extra strength and side support fir babyToddler baby mattress features a memory foam layer for extra comfort |
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Sealy Baby Firm Rest Crib Mattress $94.04 The Sealy Baby Firm Rest Mattress is a comfortable crib mattress with vertical support bars to help evenly distribute baby’s weight for a comfortable sleep. The mattress features a plush, non-allergenic gentle sleeping surface. |
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St. Croix Baby 4-piece Crib Bedding Set $67.99 Quilted design and comfortable cotton construction highlight this neutral crib bedding from St. Croix. This boy’s bedding set is machine washable. |