By Jessica Reuling on February 19, 2012 in
On June 28, 2011, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) new federal crib safety standards outlawed the manufacture and sale of drop-side cribs. Consumer advocacy groups universally praised the ban. However, parent reception has been mixed, we saw many impassioned discussions on the "Baby Bargains" and "What to Expect" online forums while updating our cribs report.
Perhaps no population is more upset about the ban than short parents. For this group, two issues arise with a stationary (or fixed-side) crib after lowering the mattress to its lowest level. First, many cannot reach the crib's bottom when they bend to lay their child down. They instead have to "drop" the baby down, which can jolt a sleeping baby awake. Second, back pain afflicts many short parents using stationary cribs; the deeper bends required to lift the child out exacerbate back stress.
In light of the ban, forum discussions about the best stationary cribs and other solutions for short people have become more prevalent. Here are some of the recommendations we came across:
Safety-gate cribs, not to be confused with drop-side cribs, feature a 6-to-9-inch high rail that folds down for easier access. Two finger latches on opposite sides of the crib unlock the gate, an action that requires an adult's arm span. In the baby book "Baby Bargains", authors Denise and Alan Fields warn that older babies may use safety gates as ledges for climbing out. Baby's Dream is the primary manufacturer of safety-gate cribs.
Low profile cribs (less than 35 inches high) are increasingly available for shorter parents. In the budget category Ikea's Gulliver (a Best Reviewed), Sniglar and Somnat cribs have profiles under 33.5 inches high. Shorter convertible crib options include the Graco Shelby Classic Convertible crib (34-inch profile), the Bonavita Peyton Lifestyle crib (34-inch front profile) and Pali's Imperia, Ancona, Wendy and Mantova cribs (34.75-inch profiles). The latest edition of "Baby Bargains" picks the Babyletto Modo crib (33.85-inch profile) for short parents. Lastly, the expensive but well-reviewed Stokke Sleepi stands only 34.65 inches high.
- Mini cribs are often (but not always) lower to the ground than full-sized cribs. It should be noted that your baby may physically outgrow the mini crib before ready for a toddler bed though.
- A play yard's close proximity to the ground also better accommodates short parents, but older children may climb out of it.
- Invest in a sturdy stepstool. One parent on the "Baby Bargains" online forum suggests using one of the steps used in step aerobics, which is wider and more stable than most stepstools.
- Remove your crib's casters, if applicable, to reduce its height. Some cribs also have removable bun feet.
- Choose a crib with a narrower front rail to modestly diminish the reaching distance.
- Encourage your child to use the bars to stand up before you pick him or her up for less strain on the back.
To read reviews of many of the above-mentioned cribs and more, see our updated baby cribs report.