How to Choose a Crib

The most important thing in the world if your a new parent is your new creation, the crib your little miracle will be spending time in is also the place where your child will be away from your watchful and caring gaze for a large amount of time. It makes sense to take all the precautions and any special precautions to protect your child. When choosing a crib, look for plain, solid construction and the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal of approval. Safety and functionality should be the first consideration for any crib, not its appearance. Thoroughly examine the crib, avoid second hand or antique cribs, which might not have the JPMA seal of approval.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Choose a crib that is safe for a newborn as well as an ambulatory toddler curious about everything.
2. Make sure all the joints of the crib are tight and won’t pinch the toddler, and will prevent the crib from wobbling when the baby is rocking and rolling their little world.
3. Make sure the crib you decide on has side rails that have at least two locking devices that latch securely, will not release by accident and out of the reach of the infant.
4. Make sure the corner posts of the crib are flush with the top of the headboard and footboard or at least 16 inches high. Cover all threaded nuts with an acorn nut. Loose parts can come free and make a crib wobbly or become a choking hazard. All parts of the crib should be able to withstand 20 lbs of force.

Tips & Warnings

• Never place a crib, or any other baby furnishings, near windows or window blinds, this is because curtain fabric and window-blind cords can be a strangulation hazard; children can fall from windows; and full sunlight can cause overheating and even sunburn on an infants skin.
• Don't place a crib alongside framed pictures or heavy wall hangings.
• Keep lamps and cords away from baby furniture to discourage climbing and tugging.
• Keep cribs out of drafts, away from heat registers and radiators.
• The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all crib toys, including mobiles, be placed or installed well out of your baby's reach. The toy should be removed as soon as a baby can push up on his or her hands and knees or when the baby is five months old, whichever comes first.