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What To Look For In A Baby Crib
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 As
a parent on the lookout for new baby furniture, it is important
to know what to look for in a baby crib. Whether you use a
hand-me-down or purchase a brand new crib, there are certain
standards that must be met for the bed to be a safe place.
You can trust any new cribs to meet the government’s
minimum requirements for cribs; even the cheapest crib made
in the last few years will be a safe choice.
Make sure that you find the firmest mattress possible. Babies
need support! An extremely cushy mattress is known to play
a factor in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The mattress
should also fit snugly into the cribs bottom surface. Any
spaces between can trap a baby if he or she rolls into them.
The slats and cutouts are an extremely important part of
what to look for in a baby crib. No hardware or slats should
be missing. Each slat should be no more than 2 3/8”
from the next one. Inspect all the cutouts on the headboard
to make sure they are not big enough for your infant’s
head to get stuck.
All corner posts, if there are any, should not be higher
than 1/16”
Any new baby cribs you purchase will meet minimum government
requirements. So rest assured that if you assemble it to the
manufacturer's instructions and use the crib properly, even
the least expensive cribs will be safe for baby. A safe crib
should have a firm, tight-fitting mattress, no missing/broken
hardware or slats and no cutouts in the head- or foot-boards.
Slats should be no more than 2 3/8" apart (the width
of a soda can). Corner posts should either be flush with the
top of the head and foot- board, otherwise they should be
really tall, over 16 inches.
Most cribs have at least one lowering side, to make it easier
for parents to pick up and lay down their babies. The lowering
side should have at least two locking devices, to be sure
that the child doesn’t push it down.
Cribs made before 1978 are not the best choice, because they
may contain a finish that has led in it.
An estimated average for a well-made and safe crib is around
$200- $400. This is a piece of furniture that should last
you for at least two years while your child is developing
into a toddler that can use a normal bed. So you will want
to make sure it’s sturdy enough! More elaborate designs
will cost more.
Related information articles:
Babyproofing
Best Toys for Infants
Bonding
Bottlefeeding
Buying Clothes
for Infants
Clothes for baby
Crawling
Crying
Dealing with
a screaming baby
Eating
Food for baby
Fun songs and games
Hair care
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