Choosing the Best Baby Crib: A Parent’s Guide

 

If there’s one thing couples invest a ton of time and money in to welcome the newest member of their family, it’s got to be the nursery.

 

From colorful walls to super adorable wall hangings and what else have you, everything is designed with the careful precision and carefree creativity of an artist.

 

But one thing some parents end up neglecting is the crib. You know, the place their little angel will spend the next two or so years of his or her life.

 

Here’s the thing. Not all cribs are made the same. Some are poorly designed and leave your kid uncomfortable and crying more often than they naturally would. Whereas others are pretty much heaven on earth for the little one.

 

To make sure your baby’s crib is nothing less than a delightful oasis, we’ve put together this guide to choosing the perfect crib for them. That’s right. The ideal crib for someone else’s child may not be the best option for yours. 

 

Keep on reading to learn why.

 

 

Importance of a Baby Crib

 

Just think about this for a second. The crib is the place where your baby will spend most of their time over the next two to three years. So naturally, the crib will have a huge impact on your and your little one’s quality of life throughout those years.

 

The right crib is so comfy that it will give your child sound sleep in no time, which helps them grow faster and healthier. But that’s not where the benefits end. Baby cribs are made to keep your infant safe at all times. So not only does your baby gets a blissful sleep, but you also get to rest free of any worries know that your child is safe and well.

 

Now that we’re clear on why you need the best crib, let’s talk about how you can get one.

 

 

How to Choose a Baby Crib

 

To make sure you buy the best crib for your baby, be sure to consider the following factors:

 

• Crib Type. The first thing you need to consider is the type of crib. Your main choices boil down to standard and portable cribs. The standard cribs offer plenty of space and comfort but are hard to move around. On the other hand, portable cribs are easy to move but usually lack the spaciousness of the standard crib. Which one you should pick depends on how you plan on using it. So consider your lifestyle before making this choice.
• Manufacturing Date. Here’s why the manufacture date matters. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has mandated that every crib manufactured after 2011 must meet a set standard of safety. As long as the crib is made after 2011, you can rest assured that it meets those safety standards and is good for your baby.
• Bars Width. Whether the crib has bars or slats, they shouldn’t be wider than 2.5 inches apart. The problem is that your baby might stick its neck through the gaps. An easy way to check this is to try to slide a standard soda can through the bars. If it fits through, then the bars are too wide and you should look for something else.
• Not only should the mattress be dense and firm, but it should also be touching every corner of the crib. As a general rule, if you can fit two fingers between the edges of the mattress and the crib, you need a bigger mattress. Similarly, if the foam sags under the weight of your infant, you should ask for a mattress that’s more firm.
• Sturdy Build. Here are a few things you can try to check for the build quality. Start by looking for any screws or nails that might stick out anywhere on the crib. Furthermore, shake the crib and see if it wobbles as you shake it. If you notice either of those problems, then you’re looking at a poorly built crib that’s not safe for your baby.

 

 

Baby Crib FAQs

 

By checking off all the items on our list above, you can rest assured that your crib is safe, sturdy, and super comfy for your little angel.

 

We know you likely still have a bunch of questions, so let’s answer some of the most common ones that we get from parents just like yourself.

 

 

1. How long do you keep your baby in a crib?

 

As many as 80% of 2-year-olds sleep in a crib. That number drops to 40% by the age of 3. When you should take your baby out of a crib depends on how fast they grow. If your child can reach the top of the crib and you’re worried they might climb over, that’s a good sign that it’s time to say goodbye to the crib.

 

 

2. Do I really need a baby crib for my infant?

 

For babies under the age of 6 months, the American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommends that they should have a sleeping surface of their own. Not having one will put your child in extreme danger.

 

 

3. How can you secure a crib to a bed?

 

Most cribs come with a bungee cord to help you do just this. All you need is to loop the cord between the frame of the crib and your bed. Once you’re done, shake the crib and see if it moves. In case it does, loop more bungee cords until its impossible to move the crib without moving the bed with it.

 

 

4. When should I lower my baby’s crib?

 

The moment your child starts sitting up in the crib is when you should lower it by half a notch. When your child reaches this milestone is hard to predict, but most kids can sit up between 5 and 8 months of age.

 

 

Where to Buy the Best Baby Crib

 

If you’re looking to buy a baby crib that’s comfortable, safe, and manufactured by a trusted brand, then BabyLavish is what you’re looking for.

 

We only stock the best of the best because that’s what your child deserves. So whether you’re looking for the baby crib for your child or the coziest bunk bed for your twins, we’ve got you covered.

 

Not only do parents love our catalog of products, but they’ve also come to cherish our free shipping across the U.S., 100% price match guarantee, and super convenient financing plans.

 

When you buy from BabyLavish, you know you’re getting the best deal. Order your baby crib today so watch your little one giggle in delight!