A baby crib is one of the most important items that you will purchase as a new parent, and picking the right one can be overwhelming. How do you know which type is best? There are so many options from traditional drop-side models to eco-friendly materials and even ones that convert into toddler beds!
When it comes to choosing the best baby crib for your little one, consider these five key features:
1. Size and weight
There are four main types of baby cribs: bassinets, co-sleepers, full-size furniture and car seats. Keep in mind that the more space a crib takes up, the more you will have to store it away once your baby is older. For example, a car seat is not only large but also heavy while co-sleepers are compact but much lighter than bassinets. Choosing one of these options will also help you determine how to buy floor space for your new baby’s room.
2. Safety
While there are some cribs that don’t pass the test of being safe, most do and it is important that you make sure its one of them. For example, safety standards require a crib to be able to withstand more than 50 pounds of force without risking any injuries to infants. It needs to have a sturdy construction made with wood, not pressed wood or cardboard. It should also have holes in the mattress for air circulation and cross bars for added stability. The sides of the crib need to be tall enough so that an infant can’t climb out and the mattress should fit snugly over the frame so it isn’t loose or able to move or fall off easily.
3. Size
A crib needs to be large enough for your baby. This should have a minimum of 28 inches wide and at least 40 inches tall. The latter measurement matters, as there are some smaller cribs that have been recalled because the headboard can cause suffocation or even injuries to the baby. When you are choosing the right size, you need to consider the child’s weight and height as well as how they will grow over time. The more compact size of co-sleepers may be ideal for an infant, but once your baby grows into a toddler bed, you may need a larger model that can accommodate their size.
4. Comfort
When buying a baby crib, the level of comfort is very important. Your baby will spend many hours in it, so choose one that is soft and can make sound-proofing for your baby. For example, a soft mattress top with a high clearance between the mattress and the crib sides will keep your baby’s head free from bumps and bruises, as well as reducing the risk of suffocation when your little one is sleeping. You should also consider charcoal or white mattresses to prevent stains from skin oils or fluids that may leak from your baby’s diapers. Air mattresses come in various sizes and have an adjustable height so they can be adjusted without you having to move them around while they are still inflated.
Conclusion
The top five features to consider when buying a baby crib include: safety, size, comfort and price. If you want to buy an infant or toddler crib, then inform yourself about the safety standards used by the manufacturer. When your baby starts moving around more, a convertible crib will most likely be a better choice than one that has to be dismantled when your child grows up and out of it. A pre-assembled model is also an option for you but if you prefer to assemble it yourself as well as take it apart when you sell or move so that it can easily fit in a small space or car, then make sure the instructions are clear. Lastly, always consider the price.