Best Cribs for Baby
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Night time is when your baby is out of your sight for the longest amount of time. Most new parents are nervous about this separation and it turns out that there is good reason for concern. We read about instances of babies becoming injured or even dying because of faulty cribs that allow them to roll into unsafe places. The tips provided here will let you know how to choose a baby crib so you can rest easy knowing that your child is safe from harm.
Is a crib safe for my child?
When you choose the right crib it is actually the safest place that you can put your baby. Infants kept in bassinets or sleepers are at a higher risk for injury in many cases. Some bassinets are up to great safety standards but they lack the stability of a crib.
Advances in crib safety standards
Due to the number of injuries involving baby cribs, regulations for manufacturing and strict testing processes have made them safer than ever. That is those which are certified. Inquiries into design and construction have made the use of drop side cribs obsolete because they are considered unsafe. Much more is known about crib safety in just the last 10 years.
What should I look for in a crib?
The best crib is one that will provide the maximum possible safety for your baby. The Consumer Product Safety Commission and the JMPA have established strict safety guidelines and it is recommended that you make certain that the crib you purchase is JMPA certified. It should have stationary sides and you should only purchase a new crib that is full sized. A certified crib will have labeling that confirms it has passed rigorous testing standards. If this is absent, move on to one that has it.
Simpler is the safest
There are hundreds of different crib sizes, styles and models available. Research into their safety records has shown that the simple designs are most often the safest. It is best to choose a crib that does not have any appendages that the baby’s clothing can get caught on.
Other important details
Check the slat strength to ensure that it is sturdy and durable enough to hold the weight of the mattress and baby. They should also be spaced close together (no further than 2 and 3.8 inch) to provide ample mattress support. The crib should be solid upon assembly with no weak areas that would indicate a lack of structural integrity. Make sure that there are no screws or dowels protruding. The wood finish should be smooth to prevent slivering. Your baby’s crib should be solid when tested from all angles. Make sure that the railings are tight and that there is no movement when tested.
The mattress must fit firmly into the crib so there are no small spaces for baby to roll into. If you can fit two fingers between the mattress and crib at any point, it is not a snug enough fix. The hardware holding the slats to the crib must be tight and secure with no wiggles or wobbles.
Final thoughts on choosing the best crib
Selecting the right crib for your baby is one of the most important decisions that you will make. These tips are given so you won’t have to guess, but you’ll know what to look for in a baby crib. The most expensive is not necessarily the best, neither is the most economical. Quality in construction and materials with the appropriate safety certification are the most important things to look for before you make the final purchase. You’ll rest a lot easier knowing that your baby is sleeping in a safe environment that has passed the test of experts in the field. Your final inspection will help you to make double sure and give you additional peace of mind.