Baby Products Advisor

Your baby will be spending a lot of time in a crib, at least for the first two or three years. So, getting a crib that will last that long will be a worthy investment. In this article, we will discuss what you must know before buying a baby crib set.

As a parent, it is not just about getting a baby crib set for your child. There are many things you must factor into your buying decision before getting that crib.

Apart from being a basic item for a child, a nice baby crib set needs to be comfortable for your baby. It has to offer much more than a sleeping place for your child. It needs to be safe, too.

Getting the right baby crib ensures you experience the joy of sleeping in the same room with your beautiful baby, just inches away from you. This gives a sense of security, too.

What Is a Baby Crib?

A baby crib is a bed for a baby, usually between 0 – 2 years. It is quite different from your bed as an adult. Also, it has a high enclosure with an open top to enable you to drop your baby easily. Baby crib comes in different sizes, shapes, and styles.

What Are the Types of Baby Crib?

The types of baby crib are:

1. Standard or traditional crib. It is rectangular and easy to set up.

2. Round crib. It is expensive but offers more room for your baby’s movements as they grow.

3. Mini crib. It is also rectangular but does not take up a lot of space.

4. Convertible crib. It is like the traditional crib but it can be converted into a bed for your toddler when they outgrow the crib.

What You Must Know Before Buying a Baby Crib Set

Getting the right baby crib set for your baby can be a herculean task especially if you are expecting your first baby. Not having firsthand knowledge of what to expect in a baby crib can make the seemingly exciting experience stressful.

However, this guide will give you in-depth details on what you need to know before getting a baby crib set for your child.

What Do You Need to Consider Before Buying a Baby Crib Set?

Here are the things you need to consider before buying a baby crib set:

1. The space in your home

2. Your budget

3. Ease of assembly

4. Your nursery decor

5. Flexibility

6. The material used in making the crib

7. Safety

8. Extra features such as adjustable mattress and teething rails

The Space In Your Home

As expected, the baby crib set must occupy some space in your home. This will not be a major issue for you if your house has enough space.

Consequently, the space in your home determines what size and type of baby crib you will get for your child. Ideally, a small apartment means that the crib will be small.

A mini crib is best if you have limited space in your home. On the other hand, you can get a bigger crib if you have ample space.

Your Budget

One of the most important things to consider when buying a baby crib is your budget. Having a budget will help you narrow down your choice.

However, you must know that having an expensive baby crib does not make it the most efficient or the best. There are good quality baby crib sets that are inexpensive just as there are many that are quite expensive.

The rule is to have a budget for your baby crib set. This reduces the chances of buying one that is above what you can afford as well as trim the time spent in shopping for a crib.

Ease of Assembly

Most baby crib sets can be hard to assemble while some are as easy as ABC. Coupling a baby crib can be a daunting task if there are several screws and bolts to put in place.

Aside from this, it is important to assemble the baby crib correctly. You do not want a situation where it collapses in the middle of the night with your baby in it. That will be tragic!

Some cribs require that you call in a professional to help you fix it properly.

Your Nursery Decor

Matching your baby crib set with your nursery decor sounds amazing. Before buying the crib, consider the texture, style, and material used in making it. This is to ensure that it blends well with other furniture in your nursery.

Do not go buying a baby crib set that looks totally different from your existing nursery furniture.

Flexibility

Most standard baby crib sets are not flexible or easily convertible. If you are always on the go, a convertible crib will be the best bet for you. You will find it easy to move the crib around. Additionally, it will help you save cost as it can still be used when your baby begins to grow up.

Some cribs can be converted into a bed for your baby even when they outgrow the crib.

The Material Used In making the Crib

Generally, most baby crib sets are made of plastic, metal, or wood. However, you need to ensure that the material used in making the crib will not pose a threat to your baby’s health.

Your baby will begin to chip into soft wood once they start teething. This can lead to injuries.

Consequently, if your baby can easily chip at the material used in making the crib, chances are that you will need a new one soon. This is not cost effective, especially if you intend having another kid.

Also, some materials can be sturdier than others. Ensure you check the sturdiness of the crib in order to prevent it from crashing to the ground with your baby while you are fast asleep.

That is why it is highly recommended that you buy a baby crib set made of solid wood.
Ensure you check the latest safety standards for baby cribs before making a purchase.

Safety of the Crib

As you rightly know, safety is one the most important factors to consider before getting a crib for your baby. As a result, you need to ensure that the spaces between the slats are not wide enough for your child’s feet, hands, or head to get stuck.

Your baby will love to roll from one end of the crib to the other. If the spaces between the slats are wide enough to take any part of their body, they can get stuck. This can lead to injuries or death of the child.

Extra Features — Adjustable Mattress and Teething Rails

Although baby crib set comes with mattresses, many of them are not adjustable. You need to consider buying one with an adjustable mattress. This will help you alter the setting as your baby begins to grow taller.

A baby crib set that has an adjustable mattress allows you to lower the mattress and place your baby in a comfortable position. With this, you are assured that your baby will not climb off the crib as they grow.

Furthermore, when your baby begins to stand in the crib, the rail will be just at the same height as their mouth. This means that once they start teething, they will find the baby crib rail a perfect place to gnaw on.

This is not good or safe for your baby since they can be injured by the splinters. Also, they can deface the crib’s interior while chipping off the wood. Thankfully, many cribs now come with teething rails which serve as the barrier between the crib and your baby’s mouth. You can now enjoy your newly-acquired furniture and store it for future use when your baby is grown.

Check out these detailed articles:

• Baby Nursery Decoration: Things You Need To Consider
• Convertible Baby Cribs – How Important Are They?
• Baby Bouncer: How Do I Get One?
• Extra Wide Baby Gates Buyer’s Guide
• Baby Furniture: What You Need To Know
• Baby Stroller Jogger: The Complete Buying Guide

Conclusion

Getting a baby crib set can look like a herculean task, most especially if you are a first-timer. However, now that you have read through this guide, we believe that you are better equipped to make an informed decision.

Baby Crib Set — Frequently Asked Questions

Bassinet vs Crib: What Is the Difference?

There are obvious differences between a bassinet and a crib. They include:

1. A bassinet is small and portable when compared to a crib. 
2. A crib has rails which are raised such that you need to lean over them in order to place your baby. On the other hand, a bassinet has lower sides and a cover or hood which can be pulled over when the baby is asleep.  
3. You can use a crib for a very long time. Some cribs can be converted to toddler beds when the child grows. However, you cannot use a bassinet for that long. It has a weight limit and can only be used for some months.

Can Newborns Sleep In a Crib?

Newborns can sleep in a crib but you need to keep the crib in your bedroom. This will enable you to check on your baby and reach them easily when they need to be fed at night. When placing a newborn in a crib, there are safety measures that should be observed. They include:

1. Ensure that the baby is placed to sleep on their back.
2. The mattress needs to be firm and flat.
3. Keep toys, soft objects, and loose bedding away from the crib to avoid sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Is a Secondhand Crib Safe to Use?

A secondhand crib is not safe to use. Buying it can be cost effective, but you need to consider the changes in crib safety standards. It is now illegal to sell some older types of cribs. So, it is possible that the secondhand crib will not comply with the current standards.  However, if you insist on buying one, have it assembled and checked thoroughly for missing parts. You can also shake the crib to test its sturdiness.

Furthermore, check the spaces between each slat. They should not be wide enough to accommodate the head, hands, or feet of your baby. Most importantly, look for the model number of the crib in order to check if the crib has been recalled.

What Goes In a Baby Crib?

The following things can go in a baby crib:

1. A firm mattress. This is usually sold along with the baby crib. 
2. Fitted bedding.
3. A wearable blanket to keep your baby warm.

It is important to avoid placing soft objects, blankets, toys, pillows, stuffed animals, bumper pads, or comforters in the crib. Also, do not hang or attach items to the crib to avoid the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.

Before now, blankets were placed in cribs but babies can cover their faces with them, leading to suffocation. As a result, blankets are unsafe in baby cribs until the baby is at least 1 year old. A wearable blanket is better.

Are There Signs of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)?

Sudden infant death syndrome shows no signs. A baby can be healthy and put to sleep in a crib and the next moment, the baby is dead. It is the fault of no one because SIDS can occur even when you do the right things. Although sudden infant death syndrome is rare, it happens to babies between 2 to 4 months old.

In order to reduce the risk of SIDS, ensure that your baby sleeps on their back and not on their stomach.

Why Do Some People Bed-share?

Some people prefer sharing a bed with their babies due to the following reasons:

1. It is easier to breastfeed the baby at night.
2. The bond between mother and baby will be strengthened as they share closeness.
3. The mother will breastfeed the baby for an extended period of time because breastfeeding can be done in bed. 
4. Babies who share a bed with their mothers tend to cry less at night compared to those who sleep alone. This is due to the fact that mothers who bed-share respond quickly to the cry of their babies.