When buying a crib for your baby, safety should be at the forefront. Make sure that it’s up-to-date with all current standards and regulations about what age groups can use certain types of beds or frames (e.g., newborns shouldn’t have rigid wooden ones). Buying new from shops geared towards this age group will ensure you know exactly where they stand on quality control.
Antique cribs look pretty, but they can be dangerous. The spacing between slats doesn’t usually conform to current standards and there may still exist old layers of lead paint on the finish as well! New furniture has Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association safety certification seal for peace of mind when it comes time to buy baby’s first bedding set or quilt coverlet.
How to choose the right crib for your baby: useful tips
- The perfect sleeping environment for your baby is one where they can sleep peacefully without any discomfort. That’s why it’s so important to make sure that the crib bars are at least 2 3/8 inches apart.
- Make sure the mattress is very firm and doesn’t sag under your baby’s weight. It should fit snugly, with no space between it or their crib walls for them to bang their head against as they sleep (Note: You can never let children sleep on soft surfaces such as water beds).
- Make sure your baby’s crib sides are at least 26 inches high and remember that you’ll need to lower them as he or she grows taller.
- The footboards and headboards should be solid, with no decorative cutouts. Corner posts that could cause injury or snag clothing are removed to reduce the risk of accidents in your bedroom.
- You don’t want your child to end up in a crate. Stay away from drop rails on cribs.
- Your baby’s room needs to be made out of flame retardant fabrics. This will help protect them from any accidents that may happen while they sleep, and you won’t have to worry about waking up with an unfortunate burn sensation on your skin.
- Crib bumpers are a popular way to protect babies from the cold and bumps in their sleep, but they should never be used as protection for your child’s crib. There is no evidence that these pads can prevent serious injuries such as suffocation or entrapment; on top of which older children also use when climbing out (and could get stuck).
- Keep large toys and fluffy blankets out of your baby’s reach. Babies may use them to get a leg up on the rail or fall into it while pressing against their chest with an arm (a common occurrence).
- Babies don’t need extra support, such as from rolled blankets or commercial devices to keep them on their backs. Cumbersome materials can clutter up your crib and may be hazardous for a baby.
- To ensure your baby’s comfort, keep the crib at least 3 feet away from windows and warm surfaces like radiators. Too-close proximity can make them sweaty or sticky.
- Strap your baby in carefully so they don’t get strangled by any strings from blinds or curtains nearby.
- The fabric of your baby’s room should be flame retardant. It would not only protect them from smothering, but also keep you safe.
- When your baby starts crawling, it’s time for them to move onto the next level of beds. The best way is with a twin single mattress so that they can get used to sleeping in one space without any distractions or Possible dangers from other objects nearby like furniture and open doors which might cause accidents when you least expect them.
Sources:
- A Parents Guide To Safe Sleep: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/sleep/Pages/A-Parents-Guide-to-Safe-Sleep.aspx American Academy of Pediatrics (Copyright © 2016)
- Choosing a Grib https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/prenatal/decisions-to-make/Pages/Choosing-a-Crib.aspx Copyright © 2013 American Academy of Pediatrics
Editors Choice |
---|
Best cribs for babies |
The best mattres for baby crib |
Best portable baby crib for travel |
Best mattress for baby cribs |
The best crib changing table |