This post about buying a baby crib was brought to you by Rosemary Adkins.
Image source: Pixabay
If you are expecting, you probably have lists and lists of things you need to purchase before the baby arrives, like a stroller, diapers, clothes, and many others. However, one of the most important things to purchase is a crib since, as you probably already know, a baby spends most of their time sleeping.
In this article, we are going to show you the most important aspects to consider when shopping for a baby crib. If you are wondering what to look for in a baby crib, check out the linked article for a list of 10 of the best baby cribs you can buy. Now, let’s see some of the things you should bear in mind before you purchase a crib.
1. Stability
This is the most important thing for any crib or bed. If it is not stable, then you will not feel safe to leave your baby to sleep in that crib. To see if the crib has stability, you should look for a durable material and a sturdy design. Also, make sure to shake the crib before you purchase it from the store.
If you are purchasing the crib online and you are the one that puts it together, make sure that you use all the pieces you received in the box with the crib. If you forgot one screw, the crib could fall apart. Even though your baby is small and doesn’t weight a lot, they grow fast and tend to move around a lot before falling asleep. This is why you need a stable, sturdy crib.
2. Frame Size
See that the frame size fits a regular crib mattress. It should be about 51 ¾ inch long and 27 3/8 inch wide. Make sure that the space between the frames is big enough to fit a crib mattress. However, it shouldn’t be larger than that because that extra space is dangerous for a small baby. They could hurt themselves and even get trapped.
3. The Mattress
It is best to purchase the mattress at the same time you buy the crib. Some cribs come with a mattress that fits them. There are two common models: foam and innerspring mattress. Both types are between 3 and 6 inches thick. It is best to choose a heavier mattress because it has a high density which is the best for babies.
4. Adjustable Mattress Height
Some cribs allow you to change the height of the mattress by lowering or raising the support that holds the mattress. This is a great type of crib because when the baby is sleeping the mattress should be higher and when the baby is playing in the crib, the mattress should be lower. This way, you can avoid accidents, like your baby falling from the crib.
5. No Fluffy Things
Never put fluffy things inside the crib. Babies are not supposed to sleep on fluffy mattresses or covers as they can boost the risk of suffocation. It is best to stick to a heavy and durable mattress and a simple toy for the baby to sleep with.
During the day you can add different hanging toys that make sounds or play music. However, when the baby is older than 6 months, those toys need to be removed because they could injure themselves.
6. Versatility
Another important thing to look for in a crib is versatility. Nowadays, many cribs are designed to be able to turn into a daybed, a toddler bed, or a play area. If you want to purchase a bed that is versatile make sure to check reviews online and see if it is easy to convert the bed into something else. Also, remember that any convertible furniture is more expensive than regular ones.
These are just some of the things you should look for when you purchase a crib for your baby. It is also important to have a budget and stick to it because we all know how cute baby things can be. So, make sure that you don’t spend too much on cute baby clothes as those are the least important because a baby grows very fast.