What Steps Ensure Your Crib Is Safe And Up To Standard?

When selecting a crib for your child, safety should be the most important consideration. There are many types of crib designs and styles to be excited about; however, the emphasis should always be on the qualities present that will make the crib safer. When you choose a crib carefully for your baby, you can rest easy at night.

a) The significance of mattress fitting

Even if baby cribs appear to be an adequate place for an infant to sleep, if the mattress does not fit snugly inside, the risk increases rapidly. The mattress must be compressed against the sides of the crib with no gaps, which can trap the baby’s head, hands, or feet.

It is also suggested to opt for a firm mattress instead of a soft one. Although soft surfaces are comfortable, they are often associated with suffocation risk to infants. A properly fitting, firm mattress will provide a superior sleep environment while greatly reducing risk.

b) Steer clear of high-risk crib designs

The design of the crib is a huge consideration in safety. Many older-style cribs, in particular, those that have a drop-down or moving side rail, have been recalled because of accidents.

Parents should also avoid getting a crib with moving or adjustable side rails, as they could loosen with time and trap infants. While it may be pleasing to the eye, decorative cutout shapes, stylized headboards, or even those with sharp edges should also not be chosen, as they pose additional injury risk to the infant.

c) Materials and construction quality

Because infants spend so much of their time in their cribs, durability and safety of the materials used are the top priority. Look for the best baby cribs made of strong hardwood or quality metal material that are unlikely to wobble or easily weaken over time.

Non-toxic and lead-free paint or other finishes are necessary since infants can chew on rails when teething. A durable crib made using safe materials will have a longer life of functionality, will remain stable under daily use, and will protect your child from exposure to harmful materials.

d) Keep the sleep space clear

The safest crib in the world will result in increased risk if the sleep space is too cluttered. While parents may want to decorate the crib with blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, or even crib bumpers, these greatly increase the possibilities for suffocation or entrapment.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping a crib completely bare, with only a firm mattress and a tight-fitting sheet. A minimalist crib not only reduces risks but also helps facilitate healthier sleep patterns for infants.

How you make sure your baby sleeps safely in the crib?

To ensure your infant sleeps safely in their crib, you should work to create a straightforward, safe sleeping space. The baby and kids furniture should have a firm mattress that does not leave gaps along the edges, so a tiny hand or head does not get stuck. Only use a fitted sheet, and do not use pillows, blankets, bumpers, or stuffed animals; all pose a hazard while your infant is sleeping.

Examine the structure of the crib to make sure it’s sturdy; slats should not be further than 2 3/8” apart, and there should be no sharp edges or loose parts. Do not place the crib near windows, cords, or hangings in order to prevent possible accidents.

Finally, dress the baby in a comfortable wearable blanket or sleep sack instead of loose bedding. By keeping the crib firm, clutter-free, and tight, you are creating the safest sleep environment for the baby. It is really that easy to keep your child safe so you can sleep easily every night.

Cribs designed with baby safety in mind

1) Arch Top Crib

The Arch Top Crib, also known as the Westwood Foundry Arch Top Crib, features a classic look combined with safety features you can trust as a parent. With a solid wood construction, the crib offers adjustable mattress heights in three stable positions so you can safely lower the mattress as your baby grows and becomes mobile. Slatted sides provide airflow while maintaining a strong and safe frame.

2) Foundry Flat Crib

Engineered for safety and modern design, the Foundry Flat Crib — marketed as the Westwood Foundry Flat Crib — is for parents who value both the former and the latter. These baby cribs frame provides the best quality materials for durability and to meet competitors’ safety standards. The Foundry Flat Crib finds the perfect balance of modern design and protective properties.

3) Highland Crib

The Highland Crib, also recognized as the Westwood Highland Crib, is designed with an elegant aesthetic featuring raised moldings and ball-feet style. Snoozers will have the extra peace of mind with smooth edges and a non-toxic finish for little explorers. The raised moldings add angles to the design without compromising functional use of the crib, while the ball-feet offer a traditional motif.

4) Timber Ridge Crib

The Timber Ridge Crib, or the Westwood Timber Ridge Crib, is a solid and reliable option for parents looking for the safety-first construction of a crib with a canvas design. Its defining feature is its solid plank sleigh headboard, bringing warmth and character as well as functionality regarding construction. Completely free of harmful chemicals, constructed with nursery durability and safety certifications.

5) Hanley Crib

The design of the Hanley Crib — also called the Westwood Hanley Crib — takes into account the design qualities of a well-constructed crib, smooth finishes throughout, and solid construction, which will stand up to years of use. Combining versatility and safety features, the Hanley Crib allows your baby to sleep safely today, while offering a sense of flexibility for the toddler years ahead.

How can crib location influence your child’s safety?

The placement of your baby’s crib is significant to your child’s safety more than many parents realize. Depending on where you place the crib, you may be decreasing or creating hazards without knowing it. Too much direct sunlight can cause the baby’s sleep space to overheat, resulting in comfort and safety challenges. Alternatively, if the crib is placed near furniture and/or a shelf, the risk of items falling into the crib, or your baby pulling or reaching for items, increases as your baby becomes more mobile.

Airflow and temperature in your room are also vitally important. A crib placed too close to heaters, radiators, or air vents can result in excessive heat and/or drafts, both of which can impact restful sleep for your baby. Even electrical outlets, power cords, and wires are all potential hazards once your baby starts reaching and grabbing.

Find some of the safest cribs for infants at Kids N Cribs

At Kids N Cribs, you'll find purchasing a crib for your child both safe and easy. Each crib has been styled with a stringent safety standard that parents can be confident in, starting day one. Stable construction, non-toxic finishes, and spaced slats are constructed to make a crib safe for a child to sleep and rest comfortably.

In addition to traditional looks, Kids N Cribs also has styles with a modern sensibility, yet it has all the safety features considered. Each crib is made to ensure safety and provide comfort, making it the perfect fit for whichever nursery your child will rest and grow.