Your baby’s crib is an important part of their nursery; they will be spending lots of time in their crib sleeping and growing. The crib you choose will depend on the size of your nursery, your style and the features you want your crib to include. In this article, we take a look at the different features of baby cribs so you can choose the best one for your needs.
Adjustable height
Your baby will grow very quickly, and they’ll soon be able to stand up and attempt to climb out of their crib. This is where an adjustable height becomes useful for keeping your baby safe and secure. When they start to grow, you can make the crib lower to prevent them from climbing out and potentially injuring themselves. Another benefit of an adjustable crib is when your baby is a very small newborn; you won’t need to bend down as far to put them in their crib or pick them up again. This can help prevent backache and keep your baby as safe as possible.
A convertible crib
Some cribs are convertible, so you can expand the crib to make it larger when your baby grows. Convertible cribs are a great investment for your child’s room; they often convert into a toddler and even children’s beds. This means you won’t need to replace the bed frame when your child gets older; you’ll simply need to purchase a new mattress for the bed when it’s a larger size. If you’re buying a new crib and want something that will last for many years, consider getting a convertible crib, they might be more expensive to purchase upfront, but you will save money in the long run.
Crib storage
Having things close by when your baby is in the crib will help make feeding, changing and soothing your baby easier. Some cribs have a storage drawer at the bottom which can be very helpful. You can use this for nappies, spare clothes, blankets, muslin clothes and anything else you might need when changing, feeding or soothing your baby. If you have a small nursery with minimal storage space, consider buying a crib with a drawer underneath to help you maximise your space.
Wheels
Baby cribs can come with wheels or static; wheels make them much easier to move around if needed. If you want to move your crib from one room to the other without needing to lift it, wheels are great. You can also use your crib wheels for rocking your baby back and forth to gently soothe them to sleep. Baby cribs with wheels should have a lock in place so you can secure the wheels and stop the crib from moving around when needed. Wheels on a crib can be very reassuring for parents that want to keep a close eye on their baby; they can move the crib from room to room easily so their baby is always with them.
Safety standards
Your baby’s crib needs to meet the latest safety standards; this includes things like the width of the slats, the firmness and fit of the mattress and the sheets used inside the crib. Always double-check your baby’s crib against the latest safety standards before using it. This goes for new and second-hand cribs; incorrectly assembled cribs or cribs with missing or broken pieces can be a hazard to your baby. It’s your responsibility to ensure your crib is safe and suitable for your baby.
When choosing a crib for your baby, there are many factors to consider, such as adjustable height, convertible design, storage space, wheels, and safety standards. By taking the time to choose a crib that meets your needs and budget, you can create a safe and comfortable sleeping environment for your little one. Additionally, you should think about the size of your nursery and your style. The crib needs to fit comfortably in the nursery or at the side of your bed, depending on where you’re going to place it. The general recommendation is that babies should sleep in the same room as their parents for the first six months of their life for safety reasons.
