Cribs are perhaps one of the most important purchases parents will make for their children. Not only are you purchasing a bed, you are purchasing a place of comfort and well-being for your child. Comfort and safety are essential for the health and development of your child.
Cribs offer a safe and secure environment for infants and toddlers to sleep and play. And while it's important for a child to feel safe and comfortable in his or her crib, most important is the safety of your baby's crib.
Once you've purchased a crib, be sure to fill out the registration form and send it in so that you will be informed in the event of a safety concern or recall notice.
What to Look for
Parents should take to time to research infant and toddler cribs, read reviews and speak with other parents. Great resources include parenting magazines, parenting websites and Internet search engines such as google.com.
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), parents should dispose of antique cribs and those with any special cutouts, corner posts or lead paint.
If you plan to purchase a used crib, or will be using a hand-me-down crib from a friend or family member, be sure to check the space between the slats. They should measure no more than 2-3/8 feet apart.
Also, crib railings, when raised, should be at least 26 inches above the top of the mattress, and mattresses should fit snuggly within the railings. According NSC, if you can fit more than 2 adult fingers beside the bed railing and the mattress, you should dispose of that mattress and purchase a tighter fitting one.
Cribs range in price from around $150 to $800 or more. As a parent, you may like to purchase a complete bedroom set for your bundle of joy, which can include the crib, changing table, dresser and night stand.
Common Pitfalls
It may be difficult to tell when your child has outgrown his or her crib. A general guideline is to watch your child as he or she grows. Once the top railing, when raised, becomes less than the child's height, it is time to replace the crib with a toddler bed for safety and comfort reasons.
Be conscious of the types of toys and accessories that you add to your infant's or toddler's crib. While most claim to help sooth or entertain the baby, some may become choking hazards. Check with your crib manufacturer's guidelines before adding any accessories to your baby's crib.
For more information on crib safety, visit nsc.org
