Selecting Your Baby’s Crib
One of your first steps for baby room design is picking the right baby crib. Your newborn is going to be sleeping in their crib until the age of 2 or 3, so you’ll want a crib to hold up through those growing years. Because a crib is so essential to your baby’s health, you’ll want to opt for the latest models.
Earlier types of cribs may not be up to the industry standards, and may have been recalled at some point for safety hazards. Newer cribs may be more expensive, but they’re at the height of safety, so you should definitely consider quality over price. Avoid impulse buys as well – shop around and be sure you find the style and features that you want in your baby’s crib.
Baby Crib Types:
Standard – these cribs are divided into two different kinds: no drop sides and drop sides. No drop cribs have stationary sides that don’t drop down, but they offer different mattress heights to make it easier to place and remove your baby from the crib. Drop cribs allow you to lower the sides for easier access to your baby.
No drop: Bratt Decor Heritage White Baby Crib
Drop: Young America by Stanley Hampton Pointe Piano Key Antique Wood Drop Baby Crib
Convertible – also known as a 3-in-1 or 4-in-1, depending on what they can change into. These cribs can transform from a standard crib, to a toddler bed, and even to a day bed along the road. Convertible cribs are obviously more expensive, but they will save you from buying a toddler bed and day bed for your child in the future.
Canopy – for an elegant, classic look, canopy baby cribs with four poster rods attached at the top allow you to hang fabric or curtains from it.
Round – round cribs are the latest in fashion right now. Sharp corners are eliminated, and no matter what position your baby ends up in, they’ll be able to see their surroundings – and you’ll be able to see your baby!
Crib Mattresses:
Firm vs. Soft – you’re going to want a reasonably firm mattress for your baby’s crib, because babies need a more solid sleeping area. If the mattress is too soft, it will be hard for the baby to turn itself out of position, which is dangerous if it ends up face down. Also, it doesn’t matter whether the mattress is foam or coiled – they are both considered safe. It’s all about personal preference.
DaVinci Crescent Mini Steel Spring Crib Mattress 50 Coil
L.A. Baby Maxi Support Memory Foam Cotton 2-in-1 Orthopedic Crib Mattress
Sizes – Most crib mattress sizes are standard nowadays, so it shouldn’t be hard to find a mattress to fit the crib you have in mind. Just be sure to double check the size of your baby’s crib and the mattress itself to make sure it will fit snugly inside.
Organic – these crib mattresses will normally be more expensive, but they’re more natural compared to regular mattresses, and are better for the planet.
L.A. Baby Superlastic Latex Organic Cotton Reversible 2-in-1 Crib Mattress
Stokke Sleepi Organic Crib Mattress by Natural Mat
L.A.Baby Organic Coconut Fiber Crib Mattress
DaVinci Willow Natural Baby Crib Mattress
Crib Features:
Safety – look for the following information in your crib: there’s no more than 2 3/8 inches between crib slats, the mattresses has no more than 2 fingers worth of space between it and the crib side, the drop sides are at least 9 inches above the mattress when lowered (and at least 26 inches above the mattress support when raised). Also make sure the drop sides have a secure locking mechanism, and that there is no sign of peeling paint, rough corners, or splinters. Child Craft Watterson Lifetime Bed
Mattress Support/Height – you’ll need strong mattress supports to attach the mattress to the sides of the crib. Adjustable mattress height is essential for your child’s growth – as they get bigger, Bratt Decor Chelsea Standard Sleigh Crib in Espresso
Rolling Casters – if you ever need to reposition your crib, for cleaning or just a change, rolling casters with a locking system are ideal. Young America by Stanley Ma Marie Crib with 4 Locking Wheels
Teething Rail – it’s a safe coating that covers the top of the crib rails top crib brands like DaVinci Baby Crib often have these, so your teething baby will not chew on the actual crib. DaVinci Jenny Lind Wood 3-in-1 Convertible Baby Crib in Ebony
Bumper Guards – they line all four sides of the crib in case your little one rolls over in the night. They won’t end up hitting the harder sides of the crib. Young America by Stanley 4 Seasons Traditional Stationary Crib with 3 Height Adjustments
Remember to send in your product registration card that comes with your crib – in case there’s a problem and the baby crib needs to be recalled, that’s how they can notify you.
Nicolette Interior Design Diva
I purchased two of these for the children who attend my home daycare. I have a smaller house and needed something compact and easy to use. I was able to assemble this by myself, my only wish is that the back and front sides were labeled a bit better. I put these up and take them down daily and put them against the wall for storage. I love the ease and simplicity of this….it is alot easier than putting up and taking down pack and plays. I currently use them for a 1 year old and a 2 year old with no problems. Will be purchasing 2 more when they go on sale again! Perfect for a second crib and the granparents or home daycares….totally recommend!
It’s great isn’t when you can find the perfect piece of furniture that fits smaller sized rooms. Thanks for writing in.