Buying guide to Cribs and Bassinets

Cribs:

While some parents prefer a bassinet, beside sleeper or cradle for the initial four or five months, the crib is ultimately what they have to transition to as they out grow these. The safest baby bed, the crib is meant to last all through your baby’s childhood. Thus it has to be long lasting and provide total comfort and safety. There are different types of cribs from regular, convertible and portable. However all cribs are not made the same, there are variations in terms of material used in its construction, the quality of mattress, the style and design and the built-in safety features.

Let us check out the different types of cribs and its features:

These are no-frills, lightweight models at the lower end of the spectrum. A basic design made with low cost materials makes these models cheaper. Often the wood used is defective which is covered up with a paint or lacquer. These are often white cribs. They leg supports may not be too strong and crib might be shaky. There may be exposed brads or glue residues where the slats are joined to the rails. In these models, only one side of the crib can be opened. The metal hooks supporting the mattress often need tightening. However, they function adequately for a shorter period for a year or two.

Mid-range cribs

Sturdier and durable, there are plenty of options available here in terms of wood, wood finishes, structure and design. The slats are thicker, flat or round with smooth rounded edges. The end boards are also solid with a smooth finish. The mattress supports are sturdy with heavier springs. Design-wise, these cribs may feature single, double or no-drop sides. For mobility and stability, these models have lockable castors or wheels. A few models offer extra rigidity by providing a couple of metal rods that run across the two ends of the crib from underneath. No glue residue at the joints between slats and rails and no exposed brads make these cribs sturdy. For drop sides there is a grooved channel in both end boards. Some models even feature canopies, storage drawers and extra high posts.

The convertible cribs models in this range known as the 3-in-1 and the 4-in-1 models, convert from a crib into a toddler bed, a day-time bed and a full-sized bed. Some of them later on convert to a love seat as well. However, you may have to purchase some supporting rails later on.

High-priced cribs

With single double or no drop sides, high end cribs are often imported from Europe. Depending upon the style of your home, you can choose between traditional, contemporary, modern or chic, French colonial, Victorian etc. Construction-wise these cribs have recesses into which the hardware is hidden, so what you see is just wood. Heavy weight metal frames and heavy springs support the mattress and also allow you to adjust it upto four levels. These cribs often feature richer finishes like burnished, glazed and hand rubbed. Some high-end convertible cribs with a fairy-tale style canopy are often sold as part of the nursery furniture package. Jenny Lind, Round cribs, Sleigh style cribs, convertible cribs and regular cribs with curved and hand painted end boards all fall into this category. Models handcrafted from wrought iron are also quite popular.

Portable Cribs are lightweight and thus easier to lug around. These cribs, though much smaller in size, resemble their big brother in looks. With an easy sliding, single drop side, these cribs are easy to assemble, fold and store away and come with wheels and a mattress is also included.

Tips to bear in mind before buying a crib:

• Cribs with simple lines and good quality construction are the best. Too much artistry may cause accidents if the baby’s clothing gets caught into the design. Decorative knobs and corner posts are equally dangerous. Ensure that there are no sharp edges or protruding screws that can harm the baby.
• Off late drop side cribs have reported been called off as they have been pronounced unsafe by authorities.
• It is better to buy new baby cribs instead of accepting a used baby crib from a friend. Older cribs may not meet new safety standards, may also have rusted or damaged metal parts due to excess moisture or heat during storage or rough use.
• Ensure that the distance between the slats are not too wide, you don’t want your baby getting his hand, leg or head stuck into it. The permitted space is 2.375 inches, lesser is ideal.
• Shake the crib slightly to see if the frame is loosely assembled. Rotate the slats to see how securely they are fixed to the railings. There should be no loose bars on a new crib. Move your hand over the frame to check for any uneven surfaces or joints which may be a weak point.
• Some cribs may offer a mattress as part of the package, while for others you may have to buy them separately. Check out exact dimensions of the mattress and the crib. Mostly stores that sell cribs sell mattresses too. The mattresses for a full-sized crib should be at 51 5/8 inches long, 27 1/4 inches wide and 6 inches thick. A two finger space is permissible between the crib and the mattress.
• Check whether the size of crib that you are buying will fit in the nursery in terms of size, style and design.
• A crib involves at least two persons and over an hour’s labor to assemble. Are you comfortable doing it by yourself? If no, then request the store to send their assembly crew to do the job. This also permits you to check the piece and reject it if it is shaky or has any faults.
• Some cribs offer two to three mattress heights while others offer more. A higher level is good as long as the child is unable to get up on his own. A higher level also makes it easier for the parents to pick up the baby from the crib and put it back. Once the child has learnt to get up, usually around 6 to 8 months, the mattress needs to be adjusted to the lowest level for safety. Ensure that after the mattress is lowered to the last position, the distance between the top of the mattress and the top of the crib is 26 inches. Check how well the mattress is supported from underneath - by a one-piece board, a metal frame a grid of wooden slats, or just hangers that consist of a spring wire grid for adjusting the mattress height. The supports should not dislodge by a pet or a larger kid from underneath or while changing sheets from above.
• Look for cribs with smooth teething rails made of plastic on top. This protects the baby’s gums when he gnaws on the top.
• Some cribs come with standard rollers wheels that go only backward or forward. Swivel and multidirectional ball wheels make it easier to transport the crib between rooms. However the wheels should be lockable so that the crib does not move.
• Under mattress drawers are provided with many cribs. These don’t use the crib frame for support but are supported on castors. Check the bottom of the drawer; it should be made of a strong fiber board material not a cardboard type sheet that will give away under weight. The wheels should also be smooth.

Bassinets

Bassinets are a type of small, portable baby beds with mattress and bedding included, that are designed for the initial 4 to 6 months of the baby’s life. Bassinets can be free-standing with wheels for moving the bassinet around the house. Some bassinets have a rocker base or rocking basket. The safety features include meshed sides and padded top rails. As the bassinet is also designed to be carried out, it comes with a retractable canopy to protect your baby from sunlight. Few models also feature storage space at the base to store nappies and diapers.

Different types of bassinets:

Co-sleeper bassinets allow you to keep your baby close to you at night while your baby and you can have their own space. One side of the bassinet is lower than the other from where it attaches to your bed.

Portable bassinets come with a canopy and have wheels for transporting it from one room to the other.

Moses Bassinets feature carrying straps for easy portability. Use them in the home, car or outside. Sturdy and durable, bassinets can accommodate a baby up to six months.

Wicker bassinets come with folding legs and can be put directly on the ground as well. These are bigger than Moses Bassinets but are used mainly inside the home.

Detachable bassinets are part of carriage baby strollers. Fixed on a special stroller frame, this allows you to take the baby outside without disturbing him. The bassinet faces towards you so that the child and you both feel at ease.

Key factors for purchasing a bassinet:

• The bassinet should be stable with a sturdy construction and a wide base so that no pets or big babies can topple it over.
• Ensure that the wheels, if any, move smoothly and are lockable.
• The mattress should be firm and should fit snugly inside the bassinet.
• Ensure that there are no rough edges that can hurt the baby or snag its clothes.
• Some bassinets have slats like cribs. The distance between two slats should be no more than 2 3/8 inches.
• The locks and latches that support the legs in the folding models should be well designed, fit well and is secure.
• The hood or canopy on the bassinet should be easily retractable.

Final word:

With a wide range of cribs and bassinets available in terms of style, design, features, quality and price parents are really spoilt for choices. The above mentioned factors for cribs and basinets will assist you in comparing the different options so as to enable you to make a wise decision.