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Tips for Buying Cribs
Considering this is going to be your baby’s first bed, you want to make the crib as comfortable as possible. Of course, safety comes first, so you’ll need a model that’s sturdy, safe and cozy as well. For first-time parents, the sheer number of options out there can be intimidating, but once you’re aware of the basics, you’ll find it much easier to pick a quality product. Here’s what you need to look for when going crib-shopping.
Safety:
Make sure that the slats of the crib are not too wide apart, for the space between them can trap a baby’s head and prove dangerous. Federal guidelines stipulate that the distance between two slats be no more than 2 3/8 inches.
Many cribs over the years had the drop-sides feature, however, this can be dangerous should there be a problem with the functioning of the movable sides and has been a major issue in large-scale recalls of cribs over the past few years. Therefore, it’s best to avoid drop-side cribs altogether for safety reasons.
You also want to go for a model which lets you raise or lower the mattress depending on the age and height of your baby. When picking the mattress for the crib make sure that it fits perfectly into the crib; a gap of more than two fingers between the crib frame and the mattress can trap your baby. When buying the crib, look for ones that fit a standard crib mattress.
Next the design, and when it comes to cribs, simplicity really is the best way to go. Decorative arches or cutouts on the railings can cause harm, so you might as well avoid those altogether. Metal wheels on the crib are better in terms of durability and make it easy for you to move it around.
You basically want to go for a choice that’s structurally sound, easy to assemble and won’t wobble or come apart. In terms of design, you’ll find regular cribs as well as many convertible cribs you can choose from, i.e. cribs that, at a later date, can be converted into a bed for your toddler. These are a great option if you’re looking for long-term use, but make sure the design is suitable for the room at a later date as well. Convertible cribs might also come with extra parts and instructions for assembling at a later date, so check those to understand the level of ease when you need to convert it.
You’ll get a variety of options brand-wise, from $200 cribs to those costing upwards of a thousand dollars. But if you’re looking for a budget buy, brands like Graco cribs and Stork Craft cribs and DaVinci cribs are trusted names which offer quality craftsmanship, simple designs and safety. If you’re looking to spend more, brands like Stokke offer cribs in the $800-$1000 range.
The thing to remember when buying a crib is to always, always check the Federal Safety Guidelines to make sure it meets all the necessary considerations. Avoid or examine properly the cribs that were produced before 1973, for that’s when these guidelines went into effect. You should also look at consumer advocacy websites when doing your research and stay aware of product recalls related to cribs. That way, you’ll buy a quality product that lets both you and your baby sleep peacefully.
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