What Safety Features To Look For In A Crib?

Results We Observed

You should definitely get a brand-new crib for your youngster. You can't be sure you're getting one that complies with modern safety regulations unless you do this. A full-sized, stationary-side crib that has been verified by the JPMA is what you should look for. Follow this advice and you'll soon be sleeping soundly, even if you're shopping for a complete family.

Simple Is Best

The best cribs to use have clean lines with no decorative flourishes. If an infant's clothes becomes entangled in such intricate work, it could cause a fatal strangulation. In addition to ensuring the security of your infant, taking this advice will help you save money.

Since 2011, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has banned drop-side models from both stationary and transportable cribs because to their association with 32 infant deaths.

(With a drop-side crib, parents may simply lift and lower one side to access the mattress and pull the infant out. (They are no longer guaranteed to be risk-free.) Enhanced warnings and labelling, as well as more stringent new durability testing, are also part of the norms.

The new mandated safety criteria are reflected in Consumer Reports' testing procedures for mattress support, slat strength, and structural integrity.

To Acquire a New

To the extent you can help it, never settle for a used crib. Safety regulations have improved throughout the years, but older vehicles may be either unreliable or unsafe to drive. The manufacturing date of a crib must be clearly marked on the product and its packaging per federal regulations.

In any case, keep an eye out for potential dangers. Bring a ruler with you to the store to measure the distance between the slats and other parts of the crib, even if you're purchasing a brand-new one. A distance of more than 2 3/8 inches between them is excessive. When a crib is ordered online, it may arrive with a variety of openings that need to be measured right once.

Make sure there are no protruding screws, nuts, corner posts, decorative knobs, or other items that could cause your baby's clothing to become caught. Investing in a new crib will ensure that your child is safe from potential hazards such as loose hardware or glue joints caused by changes in humidity during storage, as well as from drop sides, slats, or hardware that have been weakened by rigors use.

Validate Building and Mechanics

To make the structure more stable, you can add one or more stabiliser bars by securing metal rods to the underside of the crib's end boards. Shaking the crib slightly at the store is the quickest way to check for a loose frame.

Be wary, though, because the models on exhibit aren't necessarily well put together. Check that each slat is securely fastened to the railings by gently twisting it without using too much force. New cribs shouldn't have any cracks or loose slats or spindles.

Don't wait to get the bed; get the mattress at the same time

It's a good idea to test the compatibility of the mattress with the crib beforehand. (Mattresses are usually purchased independently.) A mattress for a standard crib must meet minimum dimensions of 27 1/4 inches in width, 51 5/8 inches in length, and a maximum thickness of 6 inches. However, it wouldn't hurt to double-check.

The mattress and the crib frame should not have more than a two-finger clearance.

When putting together your crib, double check all of the screws and bolts and replace or tighten any that are loose. Accidents and infant deaths frequently result from missing or loose components, which can create crevices into which a baby's head or neck can become trapped, causing him to choke or strangle.

Secure all loose fasteners. Make it a habit to check the mattress's attachments for signs of wear and tear, such as bending or breaking. Ensure the mattress hangers (which keep the mattress in place) are firmly attached before you move the crib.

Please Use Appropriate Sheets

Make sure you get fitted crib linens along with your mattress. Babies might easily get caught in sheets that don't fit properly. You can get some fantastic use out of your ancestors' old sheets, but check to see that the corner elastic is in good shape before you use them.

Pulling up on each corner of a new or used sheet to make sure it doesn't come loose from the mattress corner is a good way to accomplish this test. While sheets can be purchased independently, many comforter sets also include bumper cushions. Throw away any bumpers you may receive as they pose a suffocation risk to infants.

For the same reason, you shouldn't place your child's cute plush animals in the cot with them. Blankets, blankets, and pillows are also not safe for use in the crib because they might cause suffocation. Keep your baby safe and cosy in a swaddle wrap or other form of wearable blanket.

Set Up a Meeting

If you're not confident in your ability to put together a crib (it's usually a two-person job and can take up to an hour from unpacking to complete assembly), either recruit a friend or family member who has some handyman skills, or contact the store to see if they can send someone to your house to put the crib together for you. The latter option may come with a price tag of $70 or higher, but it may provide much-needed relief.

Having the retailer send someone out to assemble your crib not only saves you from losing your cool, but also gives you the opportunity to check it out immediately and return it if you find any defects. Preparing the space where your baby will first sleep by putting together the crib.

(During the first six months, we believe it is best for infants to share a bedroom with their parents.) You may have to deconstruct the crib and reconstruct it in the nursery six months later if it does not fit through the doorway after it has been assembled. While inconvenient, at least you'll know your kid is resting in the safest environment possible.

Find the Perfect Mattress Height

Most crib mattresses can be raised or lowered to a number of different levels (often three, but sometimes more). Elevated cribs are convenient for removing newborns, but they pose a safety risk as your child begins to pull herself up to stand. The mattress should be adjusted to its lowest position about six months before your child reaches that age.

Your little ninja shouldn't be in the crib since bumper pads and big toys can make it easier for them to get out.

Keep your infant's crib away from potential hazards like windows, blinds, wall decorations, curtains, toys, and furniture. In the same vein, be sure that the baby monitor and its cord are safely out of reach.

For your child's safety, you should discontinue the use of a crib as soon as he can get out. Consider a bed designed for toddlers, complete with rails to prevent falling out, or simply set the mattress on the floor. If your child "escapes" from his crib for the first time, no matter how old he is, do not put him back in it. A child that tries to escape their crib by climbing out can damage themselves if they fall out.

Types

The cost of a crib can range from $100 to well over $3,000 for a completely unique design. This is what you may expect to find at different pricing tiers.

Worries about the Economy

Despite the fact that they may have been made with cheaper components and hardware and have a less polished look and feel, these versions may nonetheless do the trick. In comparison to more expensive cribs, these ones are typically easier to move around. Subtle flaws in the wood, like knots and colour differences, can be disguised with a paint or lacquer-like finish.

Minor faults in the finishing, such as sanding marks, paint that isn't even, and nail heads or adhesive residue at the slat bases, may be seen. The crib shouldn't rattle when shaken and should be made of robust materials.

Cheap to Moderately Priced Cribs

The options in this price range are plentiful. If you're looking for something more durable and stylish than the budget options, look no further. They are available in a number of different wood finishes, including natural (in the style of Scandinavia), golden maple, and deep mahogany.

Many types feature slats on all four sides, and end boards are often solid and smooth. The slats on deluxe versions are either completely rounded or flat with rounded corners, making them far more sturdy than those on cheaper variants. These mattresses include heavier-gauge springs and more robust mattress supports.

Casters or wheels that lock give stability and are sometimes considered an accessory. One or two stabiliser bars, which are metal rods that run between the two end rods, might also be present for added rigidity. A well-made crib in this category will have a consistent polish and no visible nails or glue where the slats are attached to the rails. You might find drawers in some of them.

Cribs that can be transformed into twin beds, full size beds, or even twin XL beds are widely available in this price range. A common kind can be transformed into a full- and a daybed.

You may convert a daybed from a sofa to a bed by removing the back panel and one of the side panels. The long sides of the crib serve as the headboard and footboard when extending it to full size, though in rare circumstances only the headboard is needed.

Cribs that may be used as both a toddler and full-sized bed are also available. In order to prevent your toddler from rolling off the side of the bed, you will likely need to acquire a second rail. Only the most adaptable of cribs can be used afterwards as a couch, a toddler bed, or a full-size bed.

Luxury Cribs

Many of these pieces have been manufactured in China or elsewhere, but they have a European look because of their hand-rubbed, glazed, or burnished finishes. Cribs come in all shapes and sizes, from those with hand-painted accents and curving end boards to wrought-iron masterpieces and even round and circular variants.

(Round cribs remain something of a novelty, and as such are not included in federal rules for full-size cribs. (Forget about the trouble of tracking for suitable crib linens in a round or oval shape.) Round cribs are more appropriately classified as play yards or alternative crib sizes. In our opinion, the best place for your infant to sleep is in a full-size crib. While play yards and similar products might be useful for nap time or temporary use on the go, a crib should be used nightly.

You can find businesses that will make you a special crib to fit the decor of your baby's room. In Crib safety advice, you can learn more about the dangers posed by cribs that have finials or other design elements that stick out.

Luxury crib mattresses typically rest on thicker gauge springs and metal frames. These cribs may have a drawer and be convertible to a daybed, toddler bed, or even another piece of nursery furniture, like other mid- and low-priced cribs do.

The "fairy-tale" canopy is just one component of the elaborate nursery sets that include both standard and convertible cribs created to order. In order to prevent the canopy from falling onto the crib, it should not be used. (It also collects dust.) A newborn is safer in a plain, unadorned crib.

High-end options include a large range of custom-made cribs, though certification is unlikely to be present for these products.

Folding Cribs

A play yard is favoured by some parents. For information on purchasing and utilising a play yard properly, check out our handy guide! A portable crib is used by others.

Since you may never be sure if a hotel will have a safe crib, bringing along a foldable play yard can be a good backup plan. Pick one with the JPMA seal of approval and study the instructions carefully.

A portable crib is smaller and more portable than a play yard, but otherwise is the same as a standard crib. One major difference is their shorter length compared to standard cribs. For some, JPMA accreditation is a mark of quality. When space is at a premium, for as in an apartment or when visiting grandparents, some parents choose a portable crib.

Do not forget to also purchase a mattress and bedding set tailored to fit this smaller crib. Use only the sheets that came with your portable crib, were created by the same company, or that the crib's maker approved for use with their product.

Features

To ensure the safety of your children, you should prioritise certain characteristics, while others may appeal to your sense of style because of their practicality or aesthetic appeal.

Investing in Drop Sides Is Not Recommended.

For cribs to meet safety standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, manufacturers must remove "drop-sides" that can be lowered to access the baby. At least 32 deaths have been associated with drop sides in the last ten years.

Enhanced warnings and labelling, as well as more stringent new durability testing, are also part of the norms. Using a drop-side on one child is fine, but if you have another child and were planning on passing it along, you should reconsider. Having fixed crib sides is preferable for the security of your youngster.

Gates That Only Drop One Way

A single drop gate, also known as a single folding side, allows only one side of the crib to be folded down. Because of this, you won't have to worry about the dangers associated with a full drop side, but you'll still have an easier time removing the infant.

Bed vs. Mattress

All full-size cribs include at least two mattress-height adjustments, and some have as many as four. Once your baby reaches the sitting or pulling up stage, around the age of 6 to 8 months, you should lower the mattress support to the lowest height possible to prevent her from falling out of the crib.

Some versions may include difficult-to-reach screws or bolts for altering the mattress height, while others don't require equipment. At its lowest setting, the mattress support must leave at least 26 inches between the mattress and the top of the crib rail. Inspect the crib first before utilising it.

In a nutshell, a mattress bolsters

Common mattress foundations are metal frames with heavy-duty springs. The mattress support on some cribs is a whole piece of wood, while on others it's only metal hooks put into a wooden frame that holds up a spring-wire grid or a set of wood slats.

Conclusion

Some infants outgrow their mini-cribs long before they are ready for a toddler bed. Compact cribs and portable cribs are acceptable alternatives. Be sure to only utilise the mattress or pad that comes with the crib, bassinet, or play yard. If you're shopping for a crib for your baby, make sure they have a firm, dense, firm mattress and that all four corners are level. A full-sized, stationary-side crib that has been verified by the JPMA is what you should look for.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has banned drop-side models from both stationary and transportable cribs. Enhanced warnings and labelling, as well as more stringent new durability testing, are also part of the norms. Investing in a new crib will ensure that your child is safe from potential hazards. Mattresses for a standard crib must meet minimum dimensions of 27 1/4 inches in width, 51 5/8 inches in length, and a maximum thickness of 6 inches. Blankets, blankets, and pillows are also not safe for use in the crib because they might cause suffocation.

If you're not confident in your ability to put together a crib, ask a friend or family member to do it for you. You may have to deconstruct the crib and reconstruct it in the nursery if it does not fit through the doorway after it has been assembled. The cost of a crib can range from $100 to well over $3,000 for a completely unique design. They are available in a number of different wood finishes, including natural (in the style of Scandinavia), golden maple, and deep mahogany. Many types feature slats on all four sides, and end boards are often solid and smooth.

Content Summary

1. Your baby will spend a significant portion of their first two to three years in a crib, so it's important to treat the purchase as an investment and find a sturdy, child-safe option.
2. Baby products are routinely recalled due to safety concerns, so it's vital to check the Keeping Babies Safe website for crib recalls before making a purchase.
3. A micro crib, which (obviously) requires much less floor space than a standard crib, may appeal to parents who reside in smaller dwellings.
4. Some infants outgrow their mini-cribs long before they are ready for a toddler bed, making the decision to purchase one a gamble for parents.
5. However, as long as they conform to modern safety regulations, compact cribs and portable cribs are acceptable alternativesYou don't want there to be any breathing room for baby between the mattress and the crib's sides, so make sure it fits properly.
6. Be sure to only utilise the mattress or pad that comes with the crib, bassinet, or play yard; never add more bedding.
7. Always remember the "bare is best" rule when it comes to a baby's crib, which states that no pillows, blankets, comforters, or toys should be placed within.
8. Particularly, these features should be present in a secure crib for infants: Spacing between crib slats or bars shouldn't exceed 2 3/8 inches.
9. Some authorities recommend seeing if a Coke can will fit through as a general indicator of how far apart they are.
10. Your infant's mattress should be dense, firm, and not sag.
11. It's also important that they can get to all four corners of the crib without any gaps.
12. Find a crib that allows you to alter the mattress height.
13. Your baby's crib mattress should be no more than 26 inches from the top of the crib rail; this may require occasional adjusting as your child develops.
14. Check the entire crib for protruding screws, nails, or glue.
15. Results We Observed You should definitely get a brand-new crib for your youngster.
16. A full-sized, stationary-side crib that has been verified by the JPMA is what you should look for.
17. Simple Is Best The best cribs to use have clean lines with no decorative flourishes.
18. With a drop-side crib, parents may simply lift and lower one side to access the mattress and pull the infant out. (
19. They are no longer guaranteed to be risk-free.)
20. To Acquire a New To the extent you can help it, never settle for a used crib.
21. Bring a ruler with you to the store to measure the distance between the slats and other parts of the crib, even if you're purchasing a brand-new one.
22. Make sure there are no protruding screws, nuts, corner posts, decorative knobs, or other items that could cause your baby's clothing to become caught.
23. Investing in a new crib will ensure that your child is safe from potential hazards such as loose hardware or glue joints caused by changes in humidity during storage, as well as from drop sides, slats, or hardware that have been weakened by rigors use.
24. Shaking the crib slightly at the store is the quickest way to check for a loose frame.
25. Check that each slat is securely fastened to the railings by gently twisting it without using too much force.
26. Don't wait to get the bed; get the mattress at the same time It's a good idea to test the compatibility of the mattress with the crib beforehand. (
27. The mattress and the crib frame should not have more than a two-finger clearance.
28. Secure all loose fasteners.
29. Make it a habit to check the mattress's attachments for signs of wear and tear, such as bending or breaking.
30. Ensure the mattress hangers (which keep the mattress in place) are firmly attached before you move the crib.
31. Please Use Appropriate Sheets Make sure you get fitted crib linens along with your mattress.
32. Pulling up on each corner of a new or used sheet to make sure it doesn't come loose from the mattress corner is a good way to accomplish this test.
33. For the same reason, you shouldn't place your child's cute plush animals in the cot with them.
34. Blankets, blankets, and pillows are also not safe for use in the crib because they might cause suffocation.
35. If you're not confident in your ability to put together a crib (it's usually a two-person job and can take up to an hour from unpacking to complete assembly), either recruit a friend or family member who has some handyman skills, or contact the store to see if they can send someone to your house to put the crib together for you.
36. Preparing the space where your baby will first sleep by putting together the crib. (
37. You may have to deconstruct the crib and reconstruct it in the nursery six months later if it does not fit through the doorway after it has been assembled.
38. Keep your infant's crib away from potential hazards like windows, blinds, wall decorations, curtains, toys, and furniture.
39. For your child's safety, you should discontinue the use of a crib as soon as he can get out.
40. If your child "escapes" from his crib for the first time, no matter how old he is, do not put him back in it.
41. Types The cost of a crib can range from $100 to well over $3,000 for a completely unique design.
42. This is what you may expect to find at different pricing tiers.
43. In comparison to more expensive cribs, these ones are typically easier to move around.
44. Subtle flaws in the wood, like knots and colour differences, can be disguised with a paint or lacquer-like finish.
45. The crib shouldn't rattle when shaken and should be made of robust materials.
46. Cheap to Moderately Priced Cribs The options in this price range are plentiful.
47. If you're looking for something more durable and stylish than the budget options, look no further.
48. Many types feature slats on all four sides, and end boards are often solid and smooth.
49. Cribs that can be transformed into twin beds, full size beds, or even twin XL beds are widely available in this price range.
50. A common kind can be transformed into a full- and a daybed.