Caring for your baby is a full time job. Because they are small and defenseless, babies are prone to accidents. It is impossible to protect your child 24/7, so it is important that when you do leave them alone, they are as safe as they can possibly be. That is why crib safety is very important.
Safe, not just pretty
Bed Safety Rail
Thousands of crib-related accidents happen every year - some of them fatal. So when shopping for baby's crib, your priority should not be looks - it should be safety. There are several types of cribs to choose from, each with its own pros and cons, and each with its own set of safety issues.
One of the most popular types is the drop-side crib - you can lower down one or both sides for easier access. Adjustable cribs also have side rails, but they cannot be dropped completely - only adjusted to different heights.
A 'convertible crib,' as its name implies, can be converted to a full size bed with its thick mattress and bottom drawers.
For babies on the go, there are also portable cribs available. They collapse into sizes ideal for storing and traveling.
Choosing your baby's crib: No to wood?
It is important to choose cribs made with materials that will not be harmful to your babies. Crib rails made of durable plastic are more recommended than wood to prevent damage to your baby's teeth and gums during their teething stage.
Babies are very precocious, so cribs with steel castor brackets are important safety features because they are generally strong enough to take your child's weight.
And while swivel or caster wheels are convenient features, you would need to ensure that they have safety locking mechanisms to prevent them from rolling and causing untoward accidents.