How to Choose a Safe Crib for Your Baby

A crib is probably the most important purchase you will make for your new baby since your baby may be spending some 12-16 hours per day in this crib, at least at first, and may be sleeping in this crib for two years or even a bit longer. You also want to make sure that you buy a safe crib. That is why it is important that you do a little homework before just going out and buying the first, or prettiest, or cheapest crib that you see. You want to make sure that your baby's crib is comfortable, secure, and above all, safe.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure or soda can

Instructions

Look for a Crib

1. Look for a crib with a simple, clean design. Curved edges are best - avoid any sharp edges or protruding bits on which your baby might snag her clothing. The less moving parts and hardware, the better, as the simplest cribs reduce your chances of having a tiny screw, hinge, or other piece come loose and pose a potential choking hazard.

2. Shake the frame of the crib slightly to see if it feels loose or rattles. If you hear any rattling, this may indicate that there is loose hardware.

3. Make sure that the slats of the crib are secured tightly to both top and bottom rails and that they have no more than 2 3/8 inches between each slat. One way you can determine this (if you've forgotten your tape measure) is to get a soda can and see if it will pass through the slats. If a soda can can't pass between the slats, then they should be close enough that your baby's head can't slip through, either.

4. Purchase the crib mattress at the same time you purchase the crib so you can be certain it's a good fit. A crib mattress should measure at least 27 1/4 inches by 51 5/8 inches and be no thicker than 6 inches. If you can put more than two of your fingers between the mattress and the crib frame, the mattress is too small for your crib and could pose a danger to your baby.

5. Make sure that your crib conforms to recent voluntary manufacturer's safety standards. If the crib has been certified by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or earned a seal of approval from the Juvenile Products Manufacturer's Association (JPMA), it should be of high quality.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're considering a convertible crib, look for one with a stationary front as these have less moving parts and hardware (i.e. potential choking hazards) than do drop-side cribs

• Avoid purchasing a used crib unless it is clearly labelled with manufacturer, model number and year, comes with its instruction manual, and you've checked to make sure there is no recall history