How to Buy a Baby Crib
Are you getting ready to buy a baby crib? If so, there are several features you should look for in a crib that will help make your crib safe and easy to use for you and your child.
Safety Standards
The first thing you want to look for is a crib that is safe. Make sure the distance between the crib slats is not any wider than 2 3/8 inches wide. Also, in order to make sure your child will not accidentally fall out of the crib, make certain the drop sides are at least 9 inches higher than the mattress when the side is lowered. When the side is raised, the top should be at least 26 inches higher than the support. Even better, you might want to consider purchasing a crib without any moveable parts. This way, you can be sure it will always be at the proper height and that your baby's fingers will not accidentally get pinched.Adjustable Mattresses
When purchasing a crib, you should look for one with an adjustable mattress. When your child starts to sit up, you can lower the mattress so he or she does not accidentally fall out. While he or she is still an infant, on the other hand, you can keep the mattress a little higher so you can easily pick him or her up. Just make certain the mechanism for adjusting the mattress is not easy for your child to access.Frame Size
Getting a crib with the proper frame size is essential for getting a snug fit with your crib mattress. Therefore, your crib's frame should be at least 51 ¾ inches long by 27 ¾ inches wide. A good rule of thumb to remember is that you should not be able to fit two fingers between the side of the mattress and your crib. Otherwise, your baby could get trapped in that space. So, take special care to make certain the mattress fits properly in the crib.Stability and Ease of Use
Before purchasing a crib, check out the stability of the crib by shaking the display model in the store. If it rattles or wobbles, you should look for another model of crib. Of course, the wobble of the crib could be because it was put together poorly. Nonetheless, it is a good idea to look around some more and find a crib that seems to be more stable.While checking out the display model, you should also see how easily the crib can be adjusted. Keep in mind that you may need to adjust the sides while holding your baby, which means you need to be able to lift and lower the side of the crib with one hand. You should also be able to adjust the side without making much noise. After all, you don't want to wake a sleeping baby!