Crib Shopping 101: The Ultimate Guide to Buying Cribs
Your baby is going to spend the first 3 years of their life in a crib. Thus, a crib is a long-term investment. But with various cribs in the market, how do you choose the right one when crib shopping?
Well, we got great news. We came up with the ultimate guide to baby crib shopping.
But before we dive into the details, let’s see why a new crib is better than an old one.
New or Old Crib: Which Should You Buy?
After 2011, all baby cribs are required to meet the standards of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
In a gist, CPSC’s standards ensure the safety of your cribs. These standards include the mattress’ fit, the distance between slats, and the height of corner posts.
However, all cribs made before 2011 did not have to meet CPSC’s standards. Thus, it’s better to buy cribs manufactured after 2011.
Furthermore, cribs made before 1978 have lead finish. Lead is a dangerous chemical that can cause delays in growth & development, learning problems, and speech issues.
While an antique crib means a lot to you, it doesn’t meet today’s standards. They can be used as pure decorations though.
Thus, you must buy new cribs that are recently manufactured to ensure your baby’s safety.
What Are the Different Types of Cribs?
Now that we shed some light on the differences between new and old cribs, it’s time for you to know which type of crib suits your and your baby’s needs best.
- Standard Cribs
Standard cribs are the most common type of cribs in the market. Of course, they’re the most common for many reasons.
For starters, standard cribs can last for many years. They can keep up with your child’s growth spurt.
Second, they can be converted into toddler beds. You won’t have to buy a new bed for your child’s toddler years. But if you want a new bed, the standard crib mattress can be used for your toddler’s bed.
Third, standard cribs are spacious enough for your baby. They won’t have any difficulty moving around. They can freely crawl and play in the crib.
Since standard cribs measure about 52 inches by 28 inches, they are ideal for medium and big rooms.
- Portable Mini Cribs
You can guess the main advantage of portable mini cribs just by the name. They measure about 38 inches by 24 inches.
Portable mini cribs are ideal for small rooms. They are lighter as well. Thus, they are the first choice of traveling parents and those living in apartments.
In addition, mini cribs are ideal for twins and children who’ll be sharing a bedroom with their siblings.
Portable mini cribs are also convenient for traveling or moving to a new place. You can easily bring and leave them at your parent’s house if needed.
Lastly, portable mini cribs are more affordable than other types of cribs. However, if you are buying a mini crib solely because of its price, you have to reassess things.
Remember, babies grow fast and they might outgrow mini cribs in two years or less.
- Convertible Cribs
Convertible cribs are ideal for parents who require versatility.
Like standard cribs, convertible cribs keep up with your baby’s growth spurt as well. They can last for up to your child’s toddler years.
Furthermore, convertible cribs usually have the same size as standard cribs. They measure around 52 inches by 28 inches.
Plus, convertible cribs come with adjustable mattress heights. These are handy for parents who aim to convert the crib into toddler beds.
Convertible cribs are packed with great features. Some of them can be attached to your bed. Others include changing tables and bottom storage.
If you want an all-in-one crib and have the space for it, a convertible crib is an ideal choice.
10 Practical Crib Shopping Tips for Parents
Now that you have an idea of what type of crib you must buy, let’s look at some crib shopping tips.
- Choose the crib with the best value.
The crib with the best value is one that you can afford now and helps you save money in the future. For instance, if you’re planning on traveling or moving out soon, a portable mini crib is ideal. If you’re not, a standard or convertible crib is the best choice.
- Consider the materials the crib is made of.
Cribs are made out of 3 common materials― wood, metal, and acrylic. Wood and metal tend to be stronger. However, they are heavy. On the other hand, acrylic weighs less and is easier to clean.
- Examine the crib’s finish.
The crib’s finish must be non-toxic. It should also be scratch-resistant, as splinters and chipped paint are dangerous.
- Take a look at the headboards and footboards.
When crib shopping, you must choose headboards and footboards without any cutouts or bumpy decorations. Babies are generally playful so they might get stuck or hit their head.
- Shake the crib.
Shaking the crib lets you feel how sturdy it is. If you shake a crib and it feels loose, it’s time to look at other options.
- Punch the mattress.
Soft mattresses increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Thus, the crib mattress must be firm enough that it doesn’t easily snap back and conform to your fist’s shape.
- Do the two-finger test.
Speaking of mattress safety, two of your fingers must not fit between the mattress and the crib. It’s because babies might get stuck in the gap.
- Look at the corner posts.
Corner posts are fine as long as they are not taller than 0.16 centimeters. But if you want to follow the safest route, choose a crib without corner posts when baby crib shopping.
- Examine all attachment points.
The crib attachment points must be secure. Make sure that there are no missing screws and other hardware.
- Put a soda can through the slats.
To test if the crib slats are safe for your kid, try putting a soda can between them. If it fits, then it’s time to ditch the crib with short-distance slats.
Crib shopping can be exhausting for all the parents, acting parents, and expecting parents out there. However, taking your time when crib shopping is a must if you want to ensure your child’s well-being.
When in doubt, come back to this ultimate crib shopping guide. Happy crib shopping!