Baby Cribs: What To Look For

Baby crib safety

Experts say cribs are a safe place for babies to sleep from birth until they are ready for a toddler bed at around two or three years old. All cribs sold in the United States must conform to Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) standards, which are designed to improve safety and reduce crib-related deaths and injuries.

Although a basic crib can be just as safe as a fancy one, many costlier cribs come with added features designed primarily to make crib use more convenient for caregivers. Inexpensive cribs usually have a two-level mattress height adjustment, while more expensive models may have four or even five levels. An adjustable mattress gives parents the option of having a very young baby sleep up high in the crib within easy reach. The crib mattress should be set to its lowest height as soon as the baby can sit or pull up (around 6 to 8 months), so extra mattress levels are only a short-term convenience.

Some baby cribs come with single or double drop sides, which make transferring a sleeping baby to a crib easier, especially for adults who aren't tall. Most models use knee-push mechanisms, which are quieter and allow for one-handed operation. Some less expensive cribs use a double-trigger mechanism. These are just as safe but they do require both hands, making them a less convenient option. Drop sides get mixed reviews from experts. While some like the convenience, others caution that adding moving parts to a crib increases the chance of malfunction, and drop sides have been part of the problem in some recalls.

According to the Chicago Tribune, major manufacturers have proposed a ban on drop-side cribs due to repeated safety concerns. This action makes it likely that cribs without drop sides will become a new voluntary standard by crib manufacturers.

Many baby cribs are also convertible, meaning they can be made into toddler beds or even full-size beds once the baby has grown out of its crib. Experts say this feature can be useful and can extend the life of your crib, but it also adds to the cost, and many parents end up using the crib for younger siblings before they get a chance to convert it to a toddler bed.

Reviewers say the following about shopping for a crib.

• Think twice about using antique or heirloom cribs. New cribs must conform to CPSC safety standards designed to reduce the risk of crib-related injury or death. Experts warn that older cribs may have hazards such as lead-based paint, unsafe gaps between spindles or decorative cutouts and posts that could present an entrapment or strangulation hazard. Used cribs, even up-to-date models, could have hard-to-spot damage or missing hardware, making them a less safe choice than a basic inexpensive new crib.

• Check the drop-side mechanism. Some parents like having the option of dropping the side rail to move the baby more easily in and out of the crib. Before you decide on a drop-side crib, try it out a few times to make sure you can operate it smoothly. It's also a good idea to make sure it's quiet enough not to wake a sleeping baby. Always check with CPSC.gov before purchasing any crib, particularly a crib with drop sides, to be sure it hasn't been the subject of a safety recall.

• Correct assembly and installation is important. Many injuries associated with cribs are actually the result of faulty installation. Experts suggest that unless you're confident in your ability to assemble the crib properly, it might be worth the added cost to have it professionally set up and installed. Some models are more difficult to assemble than others, so it's worth reading consumer reviews before making a purchase to get a feel for how difficult assembly may be.

• Consider JPMA certification. While some experts say buying a crib certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association increases the likelihood that your crib will be safe, others say the designation is overrated. In order to use the JPMA seal, manufacturers must submit their products to independent testing. Since the process costs $10,000 or more, some smaller companies opt not to pursue JPMA certification. All cribs sold in the U.S. must still meet federal standards, which are similar to those required by the JPMA.

• Simple cribs are generally best. Decorative cutouts, pillows and other soft bedding are potentially hazardous. Even crib bumpers are controversial, with some experts advising against them for babies under 1 year old. Although extra accessories may look nice, a simple crib with a firm snug-fitting mattress is the safest option for babies.

• Don't put off your crib purchase until the last minute. While some popular cribs can be purchased in store and taken home immediately, many higher-end models can take weeks to arrive. Experts advise parents to order a crib well ahead of the expected due date and to confirm delivery times before finalizing the purchase.