How to Purchase a Crib
It is a known fact that babies spend more time in their cribs than any place else. Due to this fact, parents should take extra precautionary measures when purchasing a crib for their child. With so many options available on the market, ensuring you know the key things to look in a crib can make the experience much easier and less stressful.
Important Factors to Consider:
Safety Standards – When you are purchasing a crib ensure that it is certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturing Association, as these products have all been tested for both their quality and safety. It is also helpful to research that the product is not part of a recall before purchasing.
Adjustable Mattress Height – Many cribs allow you to adjust the height of the crib mattress by raising or lowering the mattress support system. Newborns are safer with an elevated mattress height and older children are safer with a lower mattress height. The ease of use of this option should be considered when you are considering your crib because often times you will have your infant in hand when utilizing this feature.
Stability – Ensure that the crib can handle an occasional or frequent shaking-up. A safe crib will not wobble under pressure and should not be considered as an option for the safety of your child.
Slate Spacing – Verify that the crib slates are close enough together to prevent your baby’s head from sliding through. An ideal space between the slates is 2 3/8 inches apart, which is about the width of a can of soda.
Corner Post – If you are considering a crib with corner post, ensure that they are no higher than 1/16 of inch. Any post that is higher than this should be used for the support of a canopy. Otherwise, your infant’s clothing has the potential of getting caught on them and poses a severe choking hazard.
Frame Size – The crib mattress should snuggly fit into the interior of the crib. As a rule of thumb, if you can fit two fingers between the mattress and crib, the mattress is not the correct size. This space poses a danger because it leaves room for your baby to become trapped in this space.
Versatility – Economically, it is a good idea to consider a crib that converts into a toddler bed. Many cribs on the market offer versatility from a basic crib to a full size bed. Even though they are more costly than a standard crib, they easily pay for themselves after years of continued use.