You may decide to buy your baby crib a few days or years before the arrival of your precious gift. Knowing the best baby cots is an important step for any soon-to-be parent.
It’s not just about matching the decor, a baby crib and toddler bed are also where your child can be the safest, or it could be one of the most dangerous places. Here are important things to consider when choosing a baby crib.
Cost
The price can vary based on several factors like the type of crib, size and any extras that come with the crib. Generally, the cheaper cribs are:
- Bassinets
- Portables
The more expensive crib types are usually:
- Standards
- Convertibles
- Multifunctional
Transportation
For most people, bassinets and portable cribs are the easiest to pick up and move. This is because most, if not all, are designed for easy movement.
All of the other types are usually more difficult to transport, depending on the distance. Many of these come with built-in or attachable wheels allowing you to move the crib around the room or even the house without lifting it.
This is preferred by parents who want their baby close by while they work and clean.
Lifespan
Many cribs are designed to last several years, but some designs will last shorter. This is not because of faulty design or poorly-made cribs.
For instance, bassinets are usually best for newborns and infants while convertible cribs can last for much longer and can remain in use until the child’s teenage years. For this reason, checking the durability and safety of the crib are important things to consider when choosing a baby crib.
Types of Cribs
Standard Crib
Possibly the most basic design, standard cribs don’t come with extras other models come with. Some do come with wheels so they can roll easily on wood floors and some with strong wheels that can even roll across carpets.
These wheels are designed to move only when they are unlocked.
Bassinet
Usually cheaper than other cribs, bassinets are more for the first few months, but some can be used longer depending on the size. They are usually oval-shaped and have a half-circle cover that protects babies from sunlight.
Some are designed to be portable for traveling and convenience while others are on a cart with wheels or flat and can be placed anywhere.
Convertible
This is the all-in-one version of a baby crib. It can be converted to fit a baby from their first months to their teenage years and sometimes even longer.
Usually, they are the most expensive option compared to all of the other types, but it’s considered one of the most cost-efficient.
Portable
These can come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Commonly, they are square-shaped with mesh walls and a small pad bottom.
They are all designed to be foldable and stored in a small to medium-sized bag that can be easily stored in a car for transportation.
Multifunctional
These can vary in design, but the name says it all: they have multiple functions. Most have attached changing tables with drawers and under-shelf storage for clothes, diapers, wipes and more.
Others have a similar design to the old drop-sides design and are used to join the crib with the parent’s bed. This way the baby is always close, but they cannot be smothered or rolled on by the parent.
Things to Watch Out for
Look at the Little Details
Some of the things to consider when choosing a baby crib are paints and stains that can harm your baby, especially when they are teething. It’s more common to find them in second-hand or custom made cribs.
Cribs with bumpers should be avoided as well since they are shown to cause Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Some states in the U.S has put a ban on sales and use unless the bumpers are made of mesh or breathable material.
Older Cribs
Safety regulations are regularly updated for cribs to prevent injuries and death. The numbers themselves show how updating and advertising safety regulations can lower the number of injuries and death by 30 percent in the last 30 years.
However, there are many older cribs that don’t meet current regulations and are still used and sold privately. An example of these are cribs with drop-sides.
Many mothers find them easy and convenient to use. However, over the years, it was revealed these cribs are the cause of many infant injuries and deaths.
For this reason, a ban was placed on them in the U.S in 2011. It’s recommended a used crib should be no more than 10 years old.
The crib should not have ever been broken or modified at any point too.
Custom Cribs
Many people decide to make their own crib and beds for their child rather than buying them from the store. Ensure any custom made crib you purchase meets the latest safety regulations.
Some of these regulations are, there should be no design carved for the head or footboard. Also, the slats should not be more than 2 3/8 inches apart from each other or the headboard, and the corner post should not be higher than 1/16 inches.
Like your baby crib, the car seat is another essential item for your baby. It’s important for every parent expecting a baby to know the various types of car seats available and how to safely install one.
