Comprehensive Best Crib Guide For Fussy Parents

Choosing the best crib for your baby can puzzle some parents, as many are unaware of essential factors that could assist in this baby product-buying journey. Often, they ignore important elements and end up buying a very inconvenient, impractical type of crib for their baby.

Unfortunately, parents soon realize that the superficial decision they made is a complete disaster. By this time, they have already invested their money and time in that product, so they have to stick to their decision for the remaining years.

If you are in that position and don’t want to play with your baby’s comfort and peace, you are at the right place. Here, we will guide you on how to choose the best baby cribs for your tiny tot to ensure they enjoy their comfortable space and a safe sleeping environment.

How to Choose the Best Crib for Infants?

Selecting right cribs for babies is very simple if you consider recommended key elements before shopping for your little sunshine. Once you understand the elements, you can buy the perfect crib for your baby. Here is the list:

1. Safety Should Be the First Priority

Make sure every product you use for your baby has original safety certification. Always buy “JPMA” (Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association) certified baby products, as these are tested by authorized experts. Check the certification before buying cribs for your baby.

2. Select the Right Size

Choosing the best crib for your baby depends on various details, and the size of the crib is one of them. Decide where you want to place the crib before buying one. Inspect the space and take measurements to get proper-sized crib for your child.

3. Always Opt for Non-Toxic Material

Ideal cribs for babies are available in materials such as solid or hardwood, metal, etc. Choose a long-lasting material with no chemical application in the form of paint or varnish. Check, if they fit within child safety guidelines or not.

4. Prefer Adjustable Height

There is no standard height limit available for the best cribs. Hence, choosing the appropriate crib height is reliant on the age and height of your baby. Select a crib that includes an adjustable height feature, allowing you to use the crib for a longer period.

5. Try to Find Subtle Designs

Crib design might seem irrelevant while shopping. Many make the mistake of buying a fancy crib without acknowledging safety. Select a subtly designed crib with smooth edges, no extended corner posts, and no fancy cutouts on the headboard or footboard. Avoid cribs with more than a 3-inch gap between slats to prevent the possibility of trapping the baby’s head, arms, hands, etc.

6. Decide Your Budget

Crib prices usually start from $100 and can go up to $500. Low-cost cribs are good for shorter periods due to their material, build, functionality, and minimum features. Convertible cribs are more expensive compared to non-convertible ones but can be considered an investment due to their versatile usage (i.e., crib, bed for toddlers, or full-size bed).

7. Pick Secure Bedding Essentials

The crib should be accessorized with certified bedding essentials. Experts recommend placing a perfectly fitted mattress and crib sheet in the crib without any gaps. Bedding accessories are available in various materials such as organic, natural, or regular, and you can choose them based on your preference.

8. Never Compromise with Safe Installation

The installation process of a crib is crucial. Follow the crib assembly instruction manual precisely. Place all the parts according to the manual, without skipping or excluding any, during the assembly process. Remove small and unnecessary elements attached to the crib to provide a secure space for your baby.

Quick Crib Safety Tips

• According to “AAP” (American Academy of Pediatrics) guidelines, infants can sleep safely in the crib rather than co-sleeping. A crib is recommended as the best sleeping space for infants from 3 months to at least 3 years of age.
• Check all the hardware or detachable elements are placed properly in the crib after installation.
• Don’t place a crib near windows or blinds, as they can create a hazard like strangulation for babies exploring their surroundings.
• Never place a crib bumper in a crib. As per the “SSBA” (Safe Sleep for Babies Act), crib bumpers are banned due to the number of infant strangulation deaths recorded.
• Don’t add stuffed toys, blankets, bumper cushions, etc., to the crib. These additions can make the crib dangerous. Only use a tight-fitted crib mattress and sheet to avoid any unfortunate accidents.

All in all, the safety of infants is of utmost importance and should be the top priority for parents. Since these little ones are truly valuable, vulnerable, and unable to protect themselves, parents should take every measure to ensure their protection. To help prevent accidents, injuries, and illnesses, parents can also check our posts on the Baby Proofing Checklist and Best Baby Gates For Stairs Of 2024.

Conclusion

Cribs are essential and commonly used components of a nursery. However, before adding one to your nursery, you need to choose a suitable and secure crib. A wrong decision regarding the crib can completely disappoint you in the future.

It’s better to be prepared to make the right decision for your infant’s crib. You might need some guidance to understand the basics of the product and how to get the best one. This article highlights the key elements to consider before choosing the best baby crib. And, it will clarify your doubts also provide in-depth knowledge about cribs. Applying this complete crib guide will indeed help you choose the best baby crib for your baby. Happy Parenting!