Choosing Baby Cribs

What Brits call a cot and Americans call Baby Cribs, these compact beds come in many styles and sizes. They are designed for infants and young babies, typically with slatted sides and a low to the ground profile that prevents toddlers from climbing out.

The type you choose will depend on your space and your preference for design. Some models even convert into a toddler bed and small single beds to last your child through childhood. In addition, some have a removable, protective cover to protect your baby from mosquitoes and other insects while sleeping.

If you prefer a natural look, consider wooden cribs crafted from light or medium woods that show off grain details and come in a variety of shades and textures. Light woods like maple, ash, white oak and birch are popular choices that fit a modern or contemporary style. Dark woods, such as cherry or mahogany, offer a more classic look and are often painted in neutral colors.

Another great choice for cribs is bamboo, which is strong and environmentally friendly. It also resists splintering, unlike pine and other woods, which can cause injury to your baby if they chew or bite. Many eco-friendly cribs are certified Fair Trade, which ensures that they are crafted in factories with high ethical, environmental and economic standards.

In addition to choosing a model that meets your preferences and fits in with your nursery decor, you’ll want to make sure that it meets the latest safety standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Cribs that don’t meet current standards can pose a risk of entrapment, strangulation and suffocation. Look for the following features in your crib:

No decorative cutouts in the headboard or footboard: These can trap your baby’s head or limbs. No drop-sides: These can fall onto your baby or cling to bedding, posing a strangulation hazard. No corner posts that are more than 6 centimeters taller than the top of the headboard and footboard. No decorative pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys or wedges: These can become projectiles that could hurt your baby and may block the flow of air, posing a suffocation hazard.

It’s important to test your crib for loose bolts, screws and other items that could catch on clothing or other items, as well as check the mattress support slats to ensure they are tight and secure. You should also replace the mattress once a month, and wash any fabric covers regularly, including the sheet. If you find any problems with your crib, it’s best to contact the manufacturer and ask for a replacement or repair immediately. These minor issues can become serious accidents for infants, so it’s well worth the effort to ensure that your baby has a safe crib.