Trade Resources Policy & Opinion A Crib Is One of The Most Challenging Baby Items to Choose

A Crib Is One of The Most Challenging Baby Items to Choose

Tags: Crib, Baby Items

A Crib Is One of The Most Challenging Baby Items to Choose

Babies probably spend more time in their crib than anywhere else, so while comfort is important, safety is essential. And since most children sleep in a crib until it's time to move into a real bed – typically between the ages of 2 and 3 – you'll also want a sturdy one.

Index:    Types     Buying Tips     Safety Notes     Safe-sleeping Tips     Brands

Types

Crib prices range from about $100 to more than $3,000 for custom models. Here's what you'll find at various price points.

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Economy cribs

Manufacturers might use less-expensive materials and hardware, and simpler finishes and designs, but these models can be adequate. They tend to be lighter in weight than more expensive cribs. Paint or a lacquer-like finish might cover cosmetic wood defects, such as knots and variations in shading.

Mid-priced cribs

You'll find a lot of choices in this price range. These models are sturdier and more decorative than the economy models. They come in an array of wood finishes, such as Scandinavian-style natural, golden maple, or deep mahogany. End boards are usually solid with a smooth finish, and many models have slats on all sides.

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High-end cribs

Many of these models are imported from Europe and have hand-rubbed, glazed, or burnished finishes. You'll see styles with curved end boards and hand-painted details, models handcrafted from wrought iron, and even round or ovalcribs. Round cribs are still very much a novelty, and they're not covered under the federal full-size crib regulations.

Portable cribs

Some parents like to use a play yard. Others use a portable crib. A play yard is very compact and can be a great alternative when you're traveling. Unlike a play yard, a portable crib is similar to a regular crib, just smaller. For one thing, they aren't as long as full-sized cribs. Keep in mind that you'll need to buy a mattress and sheets specifically for this smaller crib.

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Buying Tips

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Foam mattresses are generally the least expensive and the lightest option. These are available in a variety of thicknesses, usually between 3 and 6 inches. More important than thickness, though, is density. The better foam mattresses are high density, about 1.5 pounds per cubic foot. Unfortunately, most foam mattresses don't list density on the packing, so it's hard to know exactly what you're getting.

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Slats no more than 2 3/8 inches apart: Your crib should have slats that are close enough together to prevent your baby's head from slipping through or getting stuck. The distance between the crib slats must be no more than 2 3/8 inches (about the size of a soda can)

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Adjustable mattress height: Most cribs let you change the height of the crib mattress by simply raising or lowering the mattress support. The time to lower the mattress is when your child begins sitting up. As kids get more active and move to pulling up and standing, you don't want them to climb or fall out of the crib.

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Stability: Give the crib a good shake in the store or after you put it together at home. If it wobbles or rattles, it may have been put together improperly. But wobbling or rattling could also be a sign that you should look for a sturdier crib.
 

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Frame size: The crib interior should snugly accommodate a standard crib mattress – at least 51 3/4 inches long by 27 3/4 inches wide. If you can fit more than two fingers between the side of the mattress and the crib, the mattress is too small. This poses a significant danger, as babies can get trapped in that space. Make sure that with a mattress in place, the crib sides are tall enough to keep your baby safely inside.

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Versatility: Many cribs are designed to convert to a toddler bed, a children's bench, or even the headboard and footboard for a full-size bed. While this sounds appealing, make sure that the crib makeover is relatively easy to perform and that you like the look of the new furniture.

Safe corner posts: If the crib has corner posts, they should be no higher than 1/16 of an inch (unless they're over 16 inches high to support a canopy). If corner posts are higher than 1/16 of an inch, clothing can catch on them and injure or choke an infant.

Safety Notes

Most new cribs on the market today comply with both mandatory and voluntary safety standards. Millions of cribs by major brands have been recalled in recent years (see below for more details). So if you're borrowing or buying a used crib, be sure to check first to make sure it hasn't been recalled.

More safety considerations:

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Cribs with drop sides: The rule is simple: Don't use them. The movable railings known as drop sides were common on cribs for decades, but can pose a serious hazard to babies. If the drop side detaches or comes loose, a baby can become entrapped and strangle or suffocate in the space between the drop side and the crib mattress.

Bumpers: Crib bumpers–padding that attaches to the inside railings of the crib to cushion all four sides–pose a hazard and are no longer recommended. Bumpers are still a standard feature of crib bedding sets, but a number of organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, now discourage them as a SIDS risk.

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Old cribs: Cribs made before 1973, when federal guidelines went into effect, are more likely than newer models to have safety problems. Secondhand cribs may also have splinters, lead paint, potentially dangerous features, or slats that are too far apart. But even models manufactured 1991 can be unsafe, so be sure to check slat space size and stability, and look out for any sharp edges, protruding metal, peeling paint, and other dangers.

Decorative touches: Avoid fancy decorations that can break off and pose a choking hazard. Cribs with cutout designs along the rail may look pretty, but they could inadvertently trap your baby's arm or neck.

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Safe-sleeping Tips

Think "back to sleep"
To reduce the risk of SIDS and suffocation, place your baby to sleep on his back (unless your pediatrician advises otherwise) in a crib that meets all safety standards.

Don't sleep with your baby
In addition to the risk that you might roll onto your baby, adult beds pose other hazards.

Consider using a pacifier at naptime and bedtime
Several studies have reported evidence that using a pacifier might reduce the risk of SIDS.

The best way to breast-feed
A recent study found up to a 75 percent protective effect against SIDS if babies are breast-fed exclusively. The safest thing to do is to feed your baby and then put her in her crib.

Use a baby monitor if your baby sleeps where you can't hear her
This will alert you to any difficulty before it becomes a problem.

Don't use an electric blanket, heating pad, or even a warm-water bottle to heat your baby's crib

Don't dress your baby too warmly. Overheating might contribute to SIDS.

Change your baby's head position
To reduce the risk of plagiocephaly, or flat-head syndrome, in which a baby develops a flat spot on the back of her head, make sure your newborn isn't always looking in the same direction.

Let your baby sleep unencumbered

Use safe sleepwear

Remove the bottle
Bottle nipples suffer from wear and tear over time and a small piece can break off and get caught in a baby's throat.

What to do when your baby starts rolling over
If your baby starts rolling onto his tummy when he's sleeping, which is an important developmental milestone, put him back on his back.But don't feel compelled to check on him throughout the night to make sure he hasn't rolled over.

Brands

There are many famous companies in the crib-maker market, including AP Industries, Baby Cache, Baby Mod, Bassett, IKEA, Young America and so on. Find these profiles to compare  cribs by brand.

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Written by Nicolas Yang

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