Buying something new and safe for your newborn is one of the most satisfying things you’ll ever do. While there are many baby products which seem to be a luxury, your baby’s sleeping arrangements are vitally important. The crib you choose for your newborn baby could either be a dream come true or a nightmare. As a parent, your top priority is your child’s safety and comfort. It’s no wonder that we should choose the best crib possible for our child.
From the 2011 US CPSC guidelines we know there are crib models that fail when it comes to safety standards.
Which safety certifications to look for?
Look for a crib that’s JPMA certified. This means that it’s considered safe if it passes the JPMA design and manufacturing standards. JPMA stands for Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association and only the best cribs obtain certification.
What is a baby crib?
A crib is essentially a bed that’s designed for specifically for infants. Imagine your own bed, only surrounded by an open topped railing.
How long will your baby use a crib?
Your baby will usually sleep in their crib for around 24 months. Although the best time for your baby to move from a crib to a bed will vary with each child. A sure sign that your baby is ready to move is when they become too big for the crib or escape with minimal effort!
When is the best time to buy a baby crib?
Typically parents buy their baby crib during pregnancy, just before the start of the third trimester. While you can hold off until you know the sex of your child, it’s best to plan ahead. Many online stores take quite a long time to deliver cribs so it’s advisable to be well prepared. You don’t want to be waiting after your baby has arrived home.
The different types of cribs
A convertible crib is perfect if you are looking for a cot which will last for years, a mini crib is ideal if the baby’s nursery is compact, and a portable crib is good for short stays at grandparents’ home.
Convertible crib
Convertible cribs are built in 3-in-1 combination (crib, toddler bed, twin bed size) or a 4-in-1 combination (crib, toddler bed, daybed, full size bed).
Mini crib
Mini cribs are perfect for apartment residents or smaller nurseries. Most will convert to a twin size bed, but the conversion rails need to be purchased separately.
Portable crib
Portable cribs can be a life-saver for people who travel, don’t have much space, or only need a crib occasionally. Intended for short stays or infrequent use, they are lightweight and easy to use, and have a lower baby weight limit (around 30 lbs.) than standard or convertible cribs.
Is it possible to continue to use the crib as your child grows?
If you purchase a convertible style crib, you can make the most of your investment by using the crib for the next several years. Some cribs grow with your child, converting into toddler beds and then transforming into full-sized beds or daybeds. Convertible beds often require that you buy extra components to make the conversions, such as bed-rails.
Drop-Side cribs
Drop-side baby cribs are considered a safety hazard because they contain plastic components which are flimsy and easily-broken. Once the plastic material is weakened, spacing between the railing and mattress is created. When your baby starts to crawl and move around in bed, he/she could slide into the space created and suffocate against the mattress. Incorrect installation of the drop-side railing could also lead to accidents where babies fall from the crib and sustain injuries.
Which colors and styles are available?
Baby cribs are available in a wide variety of styles, finishes and shapes, providing plenty of decorating options. Cribs feature various colors, including white, espresso, gray and many shades of brown. Buyers concerned about the environment should consider DeVinci, they manufacturer their products from sustainable New Zealand Pine forests. While some crib models are ornate, others feature simple, clean lines. Many cribs are rectangular in shape, but there are some on the market that are oval and even round which deliver an individual look.
Sources:
http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/cribs/
http://cribsafety.jpma.org/content/jpma-certified-products
http://www.pickmybabycrib.com/find-best-rated-baby-cribs-online
