As your baby grows up, he or she will always need a comfortable and safe place to rest. There are many different types of cribs designed to ensure your child's safety and comfort, and it is important to know what types and features will suit you and your child best.

The Standard In Cribs Today

All cribs on the market today must comply with both mandatory and voluntary safety standards, such as the regulated space between the slats (2 3/8” apart) to prevent babies' heads from becoming stuck between them. The crib you purchase should have a railing that can be raised and lowered so you can lift your child in and out of the crib with ease. Another common option is storage drawers, which are convenient and space-saving. In addition to considering these features, you should choose the style of crib that best complements your particular lifestyle.

Choosing The Right Crib

Standard Crib:
  The most common type of crib, usually simple in style, can either have a single drop-side or double drop-side (one side drops, or both sides drop.)

Convertible Crib:
  These cribs convert from a standard crib to a toddler bed, and sometimes even to a day bed, for multiple uses. They can be pricy; however, they will save you from having to buy other beds in the future.

Round Crib:
  Round cribs allow for a unique look in a smaller space with a single drop-side. These have become progressively popular over the past several years.

Mini/Portable Crib:
  Mini and portable cribs are ideal for conserving space. Smaller and lighter than standard cribs, they are great for traveling and easy to store. Sometimes foldable and collapsible, these cribs take up less space and are easy to pack up and bring over to grandma's house.

Sleigh Crib:
  These cribs are standard in nature, but are taller with curved head- and footboards. This style is more decorative yet classic, and will complement any nursery theme.

Stage Crib:
  Stage cribs offer a raised backing, giving them the look of a stage. They offer the same high quality features of a standard model, but are typically more decorative and expensive.

Canopy Crib:
These cribs have 4 posts to hold up a metal frame, which supports a fabric roof. This can give your child's crib a more elegant look, and you can choose the look of your canopy to tie in the theme of your child’s room.

Crib Sets:
  Crib sets are great starter kits to furnishing any baby's room. These sets normally include a crib and a changing table, and you may have the option of adding other matching bedroom furniture.

Crib Safety Characteristics

When buying a crib, there are very important safety features and precautions to consider and remember to ensure that your child will be sleeping in the safest environment possible.

Secure Drop-side Locking Mechanism: When the sides of the crib are in lowered or raised position, this feature allows them to lock securely.

Drop-side Specifications: When the drop-sides are lowered, it is important that they are at least 9 inches above the mattress support. When they are raised, they must be at least 26 inches above the mattress support.

Crib Mattress: The mattress must fit snugly against the crib side. Any extra room could lead to injuries.

Blanket Use: If you plan on using a blanket instead of a sleeper, place your baby with his or her feet at the foot of the crib. Tuck a thin blanket around the crib mattress, covering your baby only as high as his/her chest.

Corner Posts: There should be no corner posts over 1/16 inch high, so that your baby's clothing won’t catch.

What to Look For in Your Crib

A crib plays a considerable role in your baby's life, but it is important that you buy a crib that is not only easy to use, safe, and comfortable, but that incorporates the extra features that will make your life as a parent easier and allow you to rest as easily as your baby is.

Side Releases: During your child’s growth, you will be raising the sides of the crib up and down quite frequently. It is important that these are not flimsy, and that they raise and lower with ease. At the same time, the releases must be childproof, to guarantee that your child is unable to open the sides.

Adjustable Mattress Height: When your child is in the newborn stage, the mattress should be positioned at a high level. When your baby begins sitting up, you should raise the mattress height. This feature should be childproof, so your children cannot adjust the height on his or her own.

Stability: A high quality crib will be extremely stable. Cribs should never wobble or shake, and if they do, it means that they were constructed improperly. It is essential to your children’s safety that your crib is stable and secure.

Storage Drawers: If you need storage space for bedding, pajamas, or other baby supplies, storage drawers are a useful crib feature. Some are built into the bottom of the crib, while others have casters that roll out from underneath the crib.