Tips For Choosing The Best Baby Cribs

Choosing The Best Baby Cribs – A Few Tips

Cribs For Sale |    Choosing The Best Cribs

Congrats on your new baby! Bet you’ve been shopping around for the best baby cribs. It can’t hurt to be a little bit paranoid when looking for the best cribs, sometimes even the popular and best rated cribs turn out to be not so safe after all. Our best advice is to really put some research into the crib you like, and buy the best functioning baby bed from a trusted source.

One tip is to look for cribs with Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) certification. The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) also has safety regulations that can guide you in the search for the best crib. Some of these guidelines include:

* A firm, tight-fitting mattress so a baby cannot get trapped between the mattress and the crib.

* No missing, loose, broken or improperly installed screws, brackets or other hardware on the crib or mattress support.

* No more than 2 3/8 inches (about the width of a soda can) between crib slats so a baby’s body cannot fit through the slats; no missing or cracked slats.

* No corner posts over 1/16th inch high so a baby’s clothing cannot catch.

* No cutouts in the headboard or footboard so a baby’s head cannot get trapped.

Just as important as finding the best crib, finding the best crib mattress will not only ensure your baby a good night’s sleep, but also his safety. Some might say it is more important. A good mattress should support newborns while they are still unable to sit up, and strong enough for toddlers who love to explore.

Here are some tips on finding the best crib mattress:

1) Your baby’s body structure is still very sensitive. The mattress you choose should be firm enough to give your baby proper support. Babies need a firm surface for sleeping since they can’t wiggle out on their own should their face sink into a soft mattress.

2) Match the size of the mattress with the size of the crib. It should fit tightly inside the crib, no gaps or slack. Even if you have one of the best rated cribs for safety, a mattress that does not fit properly could still pose a risk if the baby crawls beneath it or gets trapped between the mattress and the crib.

3) Foam mattresses are less expensive than coil mattresses. They are also lighter, making it easier for you to change sheets. But coil mattresses are firmer, and some coil mattresses are adjustable so you can change the height of the crib mattress by simple raising or lowering the mattress support.

All these tips notwithstanding, parents also have a responsibility to make sure their babies are safe inside the crib. You may have one of the best cribs, but this is not a guarantee of safety.  Here are some basic guidelines from the CPSC:

* Place baby on his/her back in a crib with a firm, tight-fitting mattress.

* Do not put pillows, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, pillow-like bumper pads or pillow-like stuffed toys in the crib.

* Consider using a sleeper instead of a blanket.

* If you do use a blanket, place baby with feet to foot of the crib. Tuck a thin blanket around the crib mattress, covering baby only as high as his/her chest.

* Use only a fitted bottom sheet specifically made for crib use.

Readers of this article also searched for: personal reviews on the best cribs, best prices on cribs and best prices on baby cribs.