Baby Cribs – What to Look For

Safety

All cribs made after 1991 must adhere to federal safety standards, and those models that meet or exceed the guidelines are certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers' Association (JPMA). Some safety features to look for include:

• The spacing of the slats, which must be no further than 2 3/8 inches apart (about the diameter of a soda can), to prevent an infant from sticking his or her head through. Careful that the spacing isn’t too narrow, or baby can get a leg or arm caught in it.
• No decorative cutouts larger than the same spacing as the slats
• A tight-fitting, preferably square-edged mattress, with no more than two finger widths of space between mattress and crib wall
• No corner posts over 1/16 high, to prevent clothing being stuck
• Non-toxic paint and materials

Needless to say, all bolts and other hardware must be properly installed and tightened, and if the crib has rollers, made sure they can be firmly locked. A great way to test the durability of a crib is to simply shake it in the store. If it doesn’t feel solid, move on to the next one. Less expensive cribs may be durable when new, but be aware they could wear down over time compared to those made of solid wood or metal. Watch out for loose slats, bolts, and decorative elements that can break off and create a sharp edge or choking hazard.

It is not recommended you buy an older or used crib, not just because of the less-stringent safety standards of the past, but also because of hard-to-detect loose, rusty or stripped support bolts and latches, warped wood, and the unknown toxicity of the paint and materials.

Convenience

Though baby will be sleeping comfortably in the crib, you will have to do all the work. You will want a model that is easy to handle, maintain, clean and adjust. Some things to consider:

• sturdy and lockable metal casters, to easily re-position the crib or wheel it into another room
• A standard size, so you can easily find a snug-fitting mattress. The standard size of a crib mattress is 27 inches wide by 52 inches long, though fractions near this measurement are common
• an easy way to drop the side of the crib. Look for a smooth and silent mechanism that you can open with one hand, as you will often find yourself holding a sleeping baby in one arm while trying to operate the lock. Of course, the mechanism can’t be so easy that baby can unlock it!
• An adjustable mattress height. When baby gets older and can begin to stand, lower the height to make the crib deeper.

Styling and Construction

The crib may be a place for your newborn to sleep in, but it is you who will be enjoying the look and style of it. Many parents look for a crib that fits a certain theme of the nursery, while others look for something unique and distinctive, such as a round instead of traditional box-like construction. Materials include pine, oak, cherry, maple and other woods, in traditional to contemporary styles. Some cribs are also made out of iron, if you prefer a Victorian-type look. Whatever your style, it comes secondary to the quality construction and safety of the furniture.

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