Baby Cribs Selection

Since, most of the babies spend their maximum time in the cribs than any other place, the comfort level must be high too and safety of course, cannot be neglected. Also, babies spend their 2 to 3 years in the cribs; you must look out for the sturdy ones as well.


Now, mothers always try to set up the crib in advance, i.e. before some months of their expected date of the babies. But, if something goes not exactly as planned and the baby gets to you before the crib, do not worry as the babies will do in the bassinet for some time even in months.


When the time reaches nearby of setting the crib, there are some points about which care has to be taken. Firstly, the crib must be away from the windows, window blinds and draperies. The reason is that the babies may strangle and fall out of the window, if they pull the draperies etc.



While buying cribs, these points are to be kept in mind:

1. Safety standards: First look for the Standards Association stamp. This ensures that the crib was tested in the labs for its safety and quality features. Make sure that the product you are going to buy has never been recalled.

2. The slats must not be more than 2 3/8 inches. The baby's head should not slip from between the slats as he/she might fall out and get hurt.

3. In case the crib has corner posts, then they should not be more than 1/16th of an inch higher because they might catch the clothes of the infant and might choke them.

4. The cribs must have the facility of letting you choose the mattress height. This helps when the child starts sitting up in the crib. You will have to lower it then. As the children starts being more active, you don't want them to fall out of the crib. Do you?

5. Stability: First give the product a jerk in the store itself. Wobbling or rattling may suggest that it was assembled badly but it may also be a sign of imperfect or less sturdiness.

6. The frame size also plays an important role in the crib selection. The size should be such that it can hold the most standard of the crib mattresses. It is to be made sure that the crib length is good as it can safeguard the baby from falling off even after the mattress is in place.

7. Many cribs are alluring, they look very perfect as they can convert from the original form to a toddler bed, a children's bench or full-size bed. One should make sure that this change of form must be easy and flawless and also that the new looks are good.


Important safety note:

The new cribs nowadays comply with the new strict safety rules set by the Pediatricians. It has been in the current news that millions of cribs were recalled by major companies. Make sure the model you are selecting was never recalled.


Mark Stoten writes for OzbabyExpress, an Australian online baby shop selling all the essential baby gears, baby safety gates, baby beddings, bouncers, changing tables, etc.