Buy the Right Crib With These Useful Tips

A good crib is important for your baby’s emotional and physical well-being. You need to make sure that your baby’s crib fits your budget, is comfortable, and is safe for your child. Creating a safe sleeping environment for your child should be one of your main concerns as a parent.

Here’s what you should know about buying the right crib for your baby:

Adjustable Mattress

Most modern cots are adjustable, which means that you can drop down the height as your baby gets bigger so that they cannot climb out of the cot. A cot will typically have three height options, though more expensive cots sometimes have more. The crib’s rail should always be approximately 30 inches higher than the mattress.

The mattress should be firm, solid, and shouldn’t sag. It must also be perfectly sized. If it’s too large or too small for the cot, then it can cause your baby discomfort.

Under-Bed Storage

Some more expensive cots come with under-bed storage, which can come in very handy. If possible, pick up a storage cot. If space is limited in your baby’s room, then this extra space can come in very handy. Experts agree that the perfect crib should have drawers for you to store your child’s blankets, sheets, and pillowcases in. Storage under your baby’s cot can also make it sturdier.

Top Changer

Top changers are changing units that slot on top of your cot. They can come in very handy, especially if you do not have a changing table in your baby’s room. These changing units are very efficient and can save you a lot of space.  

Coverings

Babies have a tendency to chew things. If your baby is teething, then there’s always a chance that they might try to bite down on the railings of their cots. Most cots are made from wood or metal, which can damage your baby’s teeth. If you don’t want any unnecessary trips to the ER, you can buy a safety cot that has detachable covers for the rails of the cot, or alternatively, you can make your own safety covers.

Drop-side Cots

Cots with adjustable sides can come in very handy. As your baby gets older, they might not want to sleep in a cot. Drop-side cots allow you to let down one side to give them extra room. If you suffer from a bad back, then you can also get your child one of these cots to make it easier for you to lift them up. Drop-side cots are now banned in many countries, however. If you live in a place where they are banned, then don’t use them. 

Travel Cots

Travel cots also come in very handy. If you’re a frequent traveller, then it’s well worth investing in one of them. A travel cot allows you to take your baby with you on your travels. There are many different styles of travel cot. While you shouldn’t have your child sleep in a travel cot at home, they are very useful to own, even if you only travel once a year.

Headboards

You need to make sure that the cot that you buy doesn’t have a decorative, cut-out headboard. You also need to make sure that the cots headboard doesn’t have any pointy corners. These can be very dangerous to a baby. Buy a cot with a plain, flat headboard.

Paint

If your baby’s cot is painted, you need to constantly maintain it and make sure that the paint isn’t splintering or peeling. If the paint on your baby’s cot is peeling, then there’s a chance that your baby might try and eat it or put it inside their mouth. This is very dangerous. It’s usually best to just buy a cot that’s plain and isn’t painted.

Bumpers

Try to avoid buying a crib with a bumper. There’s no evidence to suggest that they’re safer and they’re frequently used by clever babies to climb out of their cots. If anything, it’s better to buy a cot with safety coverings if you’re worried about them hitting their head or hurting themselves.

Buy New

If you’re buying a crib for your baby, it’s usually best that you buy it new. While you can get fantastic second-hand deals, do you really want your baby sleeping in a used cot? If you’re on a budget, you may be able to buy a cot for your baby on some kind of finance scheme.

Buying your child a cot isn’t something to be taken lightly. It’s a very important purchase and must be treated as such. All of these tips should be given some thought before you purchase a cot.