Cribs Buying Guide
Please use this guide to best help you choose the appropriate crib and nursery furniture for your nursery, daycare or preschool.
- Type
- Style
- Caster Style
- Safety
- Federal Regulation Compliance
Type
Traditional
Rather than drop-down sides, traditional cribs feature stationary sides for security. Many feature locking casters and slat-style sides, but there are also some without casters. Most are also equipped with an adjustable base so that the crib can accommodate your children as they grow.
Folding Crib
This may be a good option for you if your cribs need to be transported frequently or if they aren’t always in use. These can be used when necessary and easily packed away when not in use.
Adjustable-Side Cribs
Unlike most traditional cribs, these cribs have sides that are able to be dropped down to make getting children in and out easier. Although these are a great option, they are also more hazardous than a traditional crib; so be sure that the sides are locked at all times to prevent any accidents.
Accessories
Today’s Classroom has many accessories and options available for cribs including mattresses, sheets, storage cabinets and shelves, step-stools and evacuation kits.
Style
Slat-Style
Most traditional cribs feature the slat-style sides. These offer some visibility to children and will hold up to everyday use for many years. For teething babies, most slat-style cribs have a non-toxic coating.
Clear-View Style
Easily keep an eye on your children with the clear-view sides. This also allows for the children to look out to see what is going on around them. Most are made of acrylic to prevent scratches or breaking.
Caster Style
Standard
Cribs with casters can be a great investment when transportation happens regularly, however, they can also be very hazardous. Please only purchase cribs with locking casters and be sure they are locked at all times. Do not use these cribs around toddlers that could easily push them.
Fire Evacuation Casters
These casters are larger than standard casters and are locking. They can easily transport over rough grounds and outdoors in the event of an emergency.
Safety
Before purchasing your crib, make sure that the mattress, style and assembly fit all of your needs. Continue reading for any safety concerns.
Mattress
Be sure that the mattress you choose will fit in the crib you have or that you are purchasing; mattresses should fit securely against all side of the crib walls to prevent children from being trapped in any sides. Be sure your mattress is firm, as too soft mattresses can cause SIDS. Also, make sure your sheet fits securely on the mattress to avoid suffocation.
Mobiles, Sides, Loose Toys and Slats
Consider the following risks posed by these 3 components before purchasing.
Mobiles
Anything that hangs more than 1/16 of an inch over from the top of your crib is considered a hazard as it can cause choking or strangling.
Sides
if your crib has sides that can be adjusted up and down, remember these guidelines:
- While in the down position, sides must extend 9” above the mattress.
- While in the up position, sides must extend 26” above the mattress.
- While in the up position, there should be no horizontal bar within 20” of the mattress
Loose Toys
Avoid stuffed animals or other loose toys to prevent choking or suffocation while children are asleep.
Slats
To prevent children from getting stuck or falling through sides, slats cannot be any more than 2 3/8” apart from each other.
Federal Regulation Compliance
As of June 28, 2011, all cribs sold in the U.S. are required to pass strict tests measuring the safety of mattresses, structure and hardware. These regulations have been updated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in order to improve the safety of cribs sold. Under these new regulations, it is required that drop-down sides on cribs no longer be sold in the U.S. By December 28, 2012, all daycares, preschools, nurseries, hotels or any other organization using cribs were required to switch to these federally compliant cribs. List of federal regulations for cribs are 16CFR, 1219, 1220 and 1500.
