Due to recent concerns about safety, it is vital to choose wisely when looking for a new crib. One of the most important things that has come about as a result of this is that it is much better to buy a new crib rather than a second hand one. If you buy a second hand one it can be difficult to determine just how safe it is, whereas the manufacturer of a new one must provide certificates to prove that their cribs meet the required standards. This article is a guide to choosing the best and above-all safest crib for your child.
Whether or not a crib meets safety standards it is still best to look for one that is very simple in design with straight lines and no fancy decorative patterns. While these might look nice, anything that provides the possibility of getting clothing caught is a safety hazard. When the crib has been assembled it is always a good idea to do your own checks for anything that might compromise safety. These things might include protruding screws or corner posts, sharp edges and anything that feels loose or that could be damaged in any way. Modern cribs no longer have drop sides or weak slats but it is important to check that the crib feels sturdy. If you have any doubts whatsoever you must get in touch with the maker for advice.
The next thing to check is that the mattress is designed for the crib you are buying. It is essential that the mattress fits properly and that there are no gaps around the edges. You should not be able to fit more than two fingers between the mattress and the frame of the crib on any of the sides. The mattress must also meet certain guidelines for size and thickness and it is vital to check the dimensions of the mattress against the latest standards.
Once you have chosen a suitable crib take a look at some of the reviews to see how easy it is to assemble. There is a wide variation in complexity and whereas some can be assembled by one person in 30 minutes or so, others can take a couple of hours for two people. This is worth bearing in mind if you are heavily pregnant and need to do most of the work yourself.
A number of cribs come with some useful features that are well worth considering. A variable height base is one of the most useful. This means you can set the level to make it easier for you to reach in to pick up your baby. As your baby gets older you can gradually lower the base so that there is no chance that your baby can reach the tops of the sides by sitting or standing up.
Recently, convertible cribs have become very popular and they make a good investment. They convert into a toddler bed which is ideal if you only have one child of that age, but bear in mind that you often have to buy additional parts when you convert it to a bed, such as support rails, stabilizing rails and other parts depending on the manufacturer.
Whether or not a crib meets safety standards it is still best to look for one that is very simple in design with straight lines and no fancy decorative patterns. While these might look nice, anything that provides the possibility of getting clothing caught is a safety hazard. When the crib has been assembled it is always a good idea to do your own checks for anything that might compromise safety. These things might include protruding screws or corner posts, sharp edges and anything that feels loose or that could be damaged in any way. Modern cribs no longer have drop sides or weak slats but it is important to check that the crib feels sturdy. If you have any doubts whatsoever you must get in touch with the maker for advice.
The next thing to check is that the mattress is designed for the crib you are buying. It is essential that the mattress fits properly and that there are no gaps around the edges. You should not be able to fit more than two fingers between the mattress and the frame of the crib on any of the sides. The mattress must also meet certain guidelines for size and thickness and it is vital to check the dimensions of the mattress against the latest standards.
Once you have chosen a suitable crib take a look at some of the reviews to see how easy it is to assemble. There is a wide variation in complexity and whereas some can be assembled by one person in 30 minutes or so, others can take a couple of hours for two people. This is worth bearing in mind if you are heavily pregnant and need to do most of the work yourself.
A number of cribs come with some useful features that are well worth considering. A variable height base is one of the most useful. This means you can set the level to make it easier for you to reach in to pick up your baby. As your baby gets older you can gradually lower the base so that there is no chance that your baby can reach the tops of the sides by sitting or standing up.
Recently, convertible cribs have become very popular and they make a good investment. They convert into a toddler bed which is ideal if you only have one child of that age, but bear in mind that you often have to buy additional parts when you convert it to a bed, such as support rails, stabilizing rails and other parts depending on the manufacturer.
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