How to Choose the Best Crib: Picking the Perfect One
First of all, congratulations on bringing new life into this world! Your baby is precious and deserves nothing but the best crib. This guide will discuss how to choose the best crib based on type, material, bedding, and safety features.
But before we go into more detail, let us first address the most common questions about cribs.
Most Common Questions About Cribs
- When do I need to buy a crib?
It is ideal to purchase the crib before the mother gives birth. It’s also wise to wait until the gender reveal if you want a gender-based design. Parents must plan ahead so that the crib arrives on time.
- How long is a crib used for?
On average, cribs can be used for up to the first 3 years of a baby’s life. However, some babies grow faster. Some outgrow their cribs within 2 years. If your child is too big and can easily climb out of the crib, it’s time to stop using it.
- Is it okay to use an old crib?
New cribs will always be better than old ones. It’s because cribs manufactured before 2011 did not have to meet the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) safety standards.
Antique cribs are worse. We understand that they have sentimental value, but remember, cribs made before 1978 have lead finish.
Now that we’ve covered the most commonly asked questions about cribs, let’s take a look at how to choose the best crib.
To give you a 360-degree view of how to choose the best crib, we divided this guide into four sections― type, material, bedding, and safety features.
How to Choose The Best Crib Type, Material, Bedding, & Safety Features
How to Choose the Best Crib Based on Type
There are three types of cribs― standard, portable, and convertible.
Standard cribs are the regular-sized cribs you often see in stores. measuring 52 inches by 28 inches, standard cribs can be used for up to the first 3 years of your baby’s life. They can be converted into toddlers beds as well.
Portable cribs, also known as mini or travel cribs, are ideal for rooms with less space. They measure about 38 inches by 24 inches. Their small size makes them ideal for traveling and apartment living.
Convertible cribs are as big as standard cribs. The only difference is that they have additional features like changing tables, bed attachments, and bottom storage.
The best crib based on type depends on your and your baby’s needs. If you live in an apartment or if your baby’s room is small, a portable mini crib is the best choice.
On the other hand, if you’re not moving out or regularly traveling for the first 3 years of your baby’s life, then a standard crib will do just fine.
Lastly, if you want the crib to be attached to your bed and have a changing table or storage, a convertible crib is best for you.
Key takeaway: How to choose the best crib type heavily depends on your living space and travel lifestyle.
How to Choose the Best Crib Based on Material
There are three common crib materials― wood, metal, and acrylic.
Wood is the most common crib material. It’s a classic among parents mainly because of its elegant look. Metal may not be the most common, but it looks just as elegant as wood. Acrylic, on the other hand, is pretty new in the market.
All said materials are durable. Thus, choosing the best crib based on material boils down to aesthetics and the crib’s finish.
Wood, when not finished with anti-insect coating is susceptible to termites. If its finish is not as smooth as your baby’s bum, it can cause health hazards (splinters are a no-no for babies) as well.
Metal, though not attractive to termites, is prone to rust. However, if the crib’s finish is anti-rust, then it’s good to go.
Acrylic, while new to the market, is not prone to termite or rust. However, it doesn’t look as classy as metal and wood.
Key takeaway: How to choose the best crib material heavily depends on the look you prefer and the finish used.
How to Choose the Best Crib Based on Bedding
There’s only one ideal crib mattress for your infant― the firm one. It’s because soft mattresses increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
To decrease the risk of SIDS, the crib mattress must be firm enough that it doesn’t easily bounce back and conform to the shape of your fist.
In addition, the crib sheets must be breathable and smooth. There are fabrics that fit these criteria but our personal favorite is organic cotton.
The thread count matters as well. The higher the thread count, the softer the crib sheet is. Plus, higher thread counts contribute to a sheet’s durability.
Key takeaway: How to choose the best crib bedding heavily depends on the mattress’ firmness and the sheet’s breathability, durability, & texture.
How to Choose the Best Crib Based on Safety Features
There are five crib parts that must be safe for your child― the headboard, footboard, slats, corner posts, and attachment points.
For starters, the crib’s headboard and footboard must not have any cutouts or bumpy decorations. Cutouts can trap your baby. Bumpy decorations can cause injuries.
The slats must be properly distanced. Imagine if your baby can pass through the slats. Not a beautiful picture, right? As a rule of thumb, a soda can should not fit through the crib slats.
Next, the corner posts must be so short (not more than 0.16 centimeters). Better yet, the corner posts must not be there.
Corner posts cause risks. It’s because clothes and toys might get stuck on them. The higher the corner posts, the higher the chances of your baby getting strangled.
Lastly, the attachment points must be secure. The screws must be tightly fastened and the edges must not be sharp.
Key takeaway: How to choose the best crib safety features heavily depends on the presence of cutouts, bumpy decorations, & corner posts, slat distance, and the attachment points’ security.
Conclusion: How to Choose the Best Crib
Choosing the best crib must be based on the appropriate crib type, material, bedding, and safety features.
Looking for a crib based on these categories ensures that you get the best bang for your buck. Happy crib hunting!