Choosing a Crib

November 08, 2009

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Choosing a Crib

by Susan E. Davis and Laura Jana, M.D., F.A.A.P.
reviewed by Robert Needlman, M.D., F.A.A.P.

You can buy cribs in a whole slew of materials, ranging from metal to mahogany, and in a huge range of styles, from sleekly modern to quaintly old-fashioned. You can buy them equipped with drawers and rigged with foot bars or knee bars to get the sides to drop down. You can buy models that have springs to support the mattress as well as models that have bars, or just straps, to support the mattress. You can buy cribs that convert to toddler or twin-size beds, and you can buy cribs that are round. You can even buy cribs made of solid brass.

You'll buy whatever suits your budget and your taste, of course. But just remember this: You may think you can't live without the cherry-wood designer crib that's decked out in the gingham-checked bedding, but you're only going to keep it for a few years unless it converts into some other piece of furniture or you plan to have more than one baby.

If this isn't the case, it might make more sense to invest in a cherry twin bed when your child graduates to a big-kid bed. In fact, used cribs can be an incredible bargain as long as they meet current crib safety standards. But whether you're in the market for a new or used crib, here are some things to look for:

drop sides that work easily;

a foot bar or knee press release for the drop side rather than triggers that require two hands. Many parents find that the latter design is far less convenient, especially when holding a sleepy baby.

drop-side releases that are quiet, as noisy ones can wake a sleeping baby as you place him in his crib;

a crib that doesn't wobble when you push on it;

easy assembly;

bars that are no more than 2 3/8 inches apart (to prevent entrapment of a child's head or other body parts;

the potential to convert into a toddler bed or other piece of furniture.

In used cribs, be sure to avoid:

models made before the early 1970s, as they might have lead paint;

cutouts in the headboard (babies can get heads stuck in them);

frames that make knocking or raspy noises when you shake them.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends that you not place the crib near draperies or blinds where a child could become entangled and strangle on the cords. When the child reaches 35 inches in height or can climb and/or fall over the sides, the crib should be replaced with a bed. The CPSC also offers the following safety guidelines to use when purchasing a crib:

Cribs

Slats are spaced no more than 2 3/8 inches (60 mm) apart.

No slats are missing or cracked.

Mattress fits snugly--less than two finger widths between edge of mattress and crib side.

Mattress support is securely attached to the head- and footboards.

Corner posts are no higher than 1/16 inch (1.5 mm) to prevent entanglement of clothing or other objects worn by child.

No cutouts in the head and footboards that allow head entrapment.

Drop-side latches cannot be easily released by baby. Drop-side latches securely hold sides in raised position.

All screws or bolts that secure components of crib are present and tight.


RELATED INFORMATION

			Crib Safety
			Mobiles and Crib Toys
			Toddler Beds
			Sleep Supplies

Created June 14, 2001
Reviewed September 18, 2004

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