When it comes to choosing a new crib for your infant the most important feature you should consider is safety. You may be overwhelmed by all the choices available including whether to buy a bassinet, co-sleeper, or cradle. In addition to that, you might also notice that there’s a variety of styles to choose from including traditional, trendy, and cost-effective.
You can spend a lot of money on a baby crib but if it doesn’t keep your baby safe it’s not worth it no matter how good it looks. You also might notice the option that some cribs have the ability to covert into toddler beds or day beds after your baby grows up. You might want to consider this if your baby is not going to have any younger siblings. But if you end up having any more children you’ll probably need to use the same crib.
You might think that baby cribs with drop sides are handy and convenient. However, most consumer groups including Consumer Reports recommend staying away from drop side baby cribs until more testing has been done on these types of cribs. Safety standards have only been established for cribs with stationary sides.
Another option that seems to be popular these days is the co-sleeper. A co-sleeper is a crib that sets next to the mother’s bed. One side of the crib sets lower so the baby can sleep next to the parent’s bed but in his own sleeping area. While this does allow the mother to sleep near her baby without the danger of rolling on top of him it doesn’t prevent bedding from sliding into the co-sleeper in the middle of the night. This could possibly be a dangerous situation.
You should plan ahead before bringing your infant home for the first time. Researching the safest baby cribs available before deciding on your final purchase should be a top priority for parents. Most experts agree that despite other options available, a traditional crib with stationary sides is the safest place for your newborn to sleep. Cribs must been strict safety requirements while bassinets, co-sleepers, and cradles do not.
The first thing parents often run out and buy as soon as they learn they’re expecting is a crib. However, instead of rushing into the purchase you should take the time to research your options. Many sleeping hours will be spent in the crib, so be sure to make an educated choice and don’t purchase the first crib you find just because it matches your decor.
Also, to avoid dangers associated with Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) always make sure to place your baby on his back when you put him to sleep in his crib. You should also avoid placing any soft bedding in the crib including plush toys or pillows.