How to Choose A Baby Crib

You’ll be able to use a baby crib from the time your baby is born until about the age of two. (For information on cradles, bassinets and moses baskets, which are useful for very tiny babies, see Bassinets & More .)

Types of Cribs ...

Most of the cribs sold today are variations on a familiar theme – the standard-sized rectangular walled bed, with spindles on the long sides. This is what most of us picture when we think of a baby crib.

For many nurseries, the standard rectangular crib turns out to be the best option. There are several really innovative options, however:

• Convertible cribs convert to a toddler bed when your baby outgrows the crib. Some of them can convert again as the child grows, to a full-size or even a queen-size bed.

  We like convertible cribs because they save you money in the long run. There's no need to buy another bed when your child outgrows her crib. (A convertible may cost more than a non-convertible crib initially.)

• Corner cribs are space-saving and work exceptionally well for a small room. They make excellent cribs for twins.

• Round cribs are unusual and attractive. They have no corners and no “short sides”. We like the fact that when baby starts pulling up and falling backwards, he won’t hit his head on the other side of the crib. Round cribs work best in large nurseries.

Crib Design Features ...

It’s smart to choose a model with adjustable mattress heights. During crib assembly , you place the mattress at its highest setting, where it's easy to reach; you lower it as the baby grows and learns to stand up.

Choose a baby crib constructed from a hardwood, like maple or oak. Soft woods, like pine, not only dent more easily (primarily a cosmetic problem); more importantly, using weaker woods could lead to structural problems, like warped slats.

If you want a crib that will be ultra-safe and have the potential to last through several children, it's important to pick one made of a strong wood. (Metal cribs can also be sturdy and durable, though not nearly as attractive as hardwood cribs.)

Don't choose a crib that has plastic hardware (like drop latches or wheels). Metal hardware is far more durable. Also, make sure the crib has a metal mattress support, rather than wood. Metal is the only material sure to withstand a jumping toddler.

When you head out to select the perfect baby crib, keep the above design features in mind. (And before you go shopping, take a moment to read and print out our compilation of the strongest baby crib safety standards .)

JPMA Crib Certification

The JPMA certifies cribs which meet or exceed the voluntary safety standards issued by the American Society for Testing and Materials ( ASTM ). These standards are stricter and safer than the mandatory safety standards promulgated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission ( CPSC ). Federal law mandates that all baby cribs sold in the United States must conform to the less stringent CPSC standards.

JPMA lists the following manufacturers as having baby cribs which also meet the stricter safety standards: Alta Baby, Baby's Dream, Bassett, Bellini, Child Craft, Delta, Dorel Juvenile Group, Evenflo/Gerry, Forever Mine, Generation 2 Worldwide, Million Dollar Baby, NettoCollection, Pt. Domusindo Perdana, P.J. Kids, Simmons, Simplicity, Stork Craft, Young America, and Yu Wei Co.

Check the JPMA certified product index for an up-to-the minute list of manufacturers of JPMA-certified baby cribs.



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