Buying a baby crib is often the first big decision you will make as a parent. Choosing a crib must be taken seriously. Safety is the most important consideration. Cribs manufactured in the United States have strict safety standards, which have been in place since 1973. These standards are updated as needed. Keep these things in mind when you buy a baby crib.
Design Safety is the number one concern with design. Be sure that the slats of the crib are no further apart than 2+3/8 inches. The head and foot ends of the crib should not contain cutouts. A baby can get caught in these cutouts and may be unable to get free. The head and foot ends are best made of either solid design or slats.
Mattress Baby Crib
Most cribs have adjustable sides and mattress positions to make it easier to pick up the baby. While these are helpful when the child is tiny they can pose problems later on. The distance between the top rail when it is raised and the mattress when it is in its lowest position must be no more than 26 inches. Once the child can pull himself up always put the mattress in the lowest position possible.
The mattress must fit snugly into the crib frame for safety reasons. A space as small as an inch can pose a possible safety hazard for infants. Remove any plastic on the crib and mattress. Check that the hardware is tight and that no sharp edges protrude.
Check the display model for sturdiness. If you will be assembling the crib at home look at the display to ensure that you know the proper way it should work. The crib should come with the proper hardware and complete detailed assembly instructions.
Features
Here are some additional features to consider when looking to buy a baby crib.
Teething Rail - These are attachable plastic covers that can attach to the top rails of the crib sides. Teething rails can help prevent children from chewing on the wood keeping them safe while protecting the crib.
Bumper Guards - Bumper guards are padded and fit snugly against the sides of the crib. The purpose of the bumper guards are to protect the baby from hitting into the sides of the wood or metal crib as they roll. There is much discussion about the safety of bumper guards. Be sure to choose bumper guards that fit tightly with no loose material that could pose a choking or suffocation hazard. Choose Velcro fasteners to avoid loose hanging ties.
Rolling Casters - These are often quite useful particularly if you need to move the crib around from time to time. Be sure that the casters are attached securely and have a locking mechanism so that they can be locked into position to prevent rolling when the crib is stationary.
Additional Safety Information Always register your crib with the manufacturer by filling out and sending in the product warranty card. Keep the crib information including model number, manufacturer and date and place of purchase in a file along with the instruction manual. This will allow you to more easily check for product recalls.