As soon as you bring your baby home from the hospital, there are numerous things you have to keep in mind. You have to prepare his or her bottles, toys, clothes and bedding. Most importantly, you have to prepare where your child will be sleeping. As much as you want your little angel to be close to you, you can’t let him or her sleep beside you in the bed. You will need a crib where you can lay your little baby down.
A baby crib, also called a bassinet or cradle, is a bed that is specially designed for little infants and young toddlers. It is enclosed by either bars or walls to prevent the child from rolling over or falling. A baby crib is one of the must-have furniture pieces that parents should purchase for their child.
There are numerous types of baby cribs available today, varying according to their design and their structure. There are baby cribs with single or double drop sides to make it easier for parents to put in or take out their baby. Some baby cribs are convertible and can be transformed into toddler beds. There are baby cribs made from wood, sturdy plastic and metal, such as aluminum.
A baby crib is one of the most important purchases you can make for your child, which is why you should pick one that is not only functional and durable, but is also safe. Here are several useful tips that you should keep in mind when buying a crib for your precious angel.
If you plan on using the baby crib for a long time, pick the standard baby crib type. Standard baby cribs are designed to hold children as old as two years. The expensive bassinet types with low walls are only suitable for infants up to a few months old.
Canopy baby cribs, also called as bonnet cribs, are ideal if you want a stylish, “fairytale” look for your infant’s bed; but remember, these models can be more expensive compared to regular crib types.
Always measure the crib, especially the vertical bars. There are some children who have died because their heads got stuck between crib bars that are too far apart. The ideal space between vertical bars should be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart.
Check the ends and sides of the crib’s frame thoroughly. The frame should not have any sharp edges, since these can lead to an accident.
The baby crib mattress is also an important thing to consider. Find a crib with a mattress that snugly fits into the crib. This is to prevent the infant from getting wedged between the mattress and crib.