November 16, 2021

Your newborn’s crib will be the centerpiece of your nursery for two years or more, so you want to choose the best buy for baby and you. Here are some tips to consider when shopping for a crib to ensure your baby sleeps safe and sound.

Go with New

It’s tempting to purchase a previously enjoyed crib with a lower price tag, but it’s not always the safest choice. Cribs manufactured after June 2011 adhere to the current safety standards. Also, without careful research, you may not know if a crib has been recalled.¹

Bars and Corners

Antique baby cribs make for beautiful nursery aesthetics, but their bars are typically spaced wider than the current 2 3/8-inch safety standard, making it easier for baby to get caught between them. And some have more ornate corners and edges, which means baby’s clothing can get caught. Basic is best when it comes to crib bars.

Height

Raised crib sides should be at least 26 inches above the mattress support when it is in its lowest position. As your baby grows taller, you can lower the mattress. You also want the height to be high enough that you can easily get baby in and out.

Installation

Before making your crib purchase, look at the installation instructions to see if it’s something you can handle. And always use the manual during installation. An unstable, improperly installed crib isn’t safe for baby. If you have leftover pieces after you’ve put it together, start over!

Convertible cribs

Convertible cribs are popular because they convert into toddler beds as your child grows. They can be expensive, so make sure you like the product enough to want to keep it around for years to come.

Mattresses

Who doesn’t love a soft, plush mattress? Not babies! Soft mattresses can be a suffocation hazard for babies. Choose a firm mattress that doesn’t sag under your baby’s weight. And make sure it fits sung with no space between the crib and mattress.

Bumpers

While bumper pads are often a staple in infant bedding packages, they pose a risk of suffocation, strangulation, and entrapment. Once considered a line of defense against bumps and drafts, there is no evidence they prevent injuries.² Do not use them.

Bedding

It’s fun to shop for adorable bedding, but make sure that all fabrics are flame retardant, including mattress covers, sheets, and dust ruffles or bed skirts.

 

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