Not sure where to get started? Let’s begin with the basics. The following list of commonly-asked questions not only serves as a springboard into deeper research, it also helps new parents get their bearings when diving into more specifics.

What is a crib?

A baby crib is a bed specifically designed for infants and very young children. Traditionally, it resembles a bed meant for older kids and adults, with the addition of a slatted railing on all four sides—keeping baby in place.

How long is a crib used for?

On average, cribs are used for the first 24 months of life. With that being said, the stage at which a child makes the transition to a toddler or twin bed varies greatly. One surefire way to tell when your little one is ready to move on is when they are noticeably too big for the crib and can climb out with minimal effort.

When should a crib be purchased?

Cribs are often purchased while the mother is still pregnant. If they’re interested in a certain design or color scheme, some may wait until just before the third trimester, when they know the gender. Parents are often encouraged to plan ahead, leaving time for the furniture’s delivery.

Safety Guidelines

Historically, new parents made cribs out of whatever materials they could find—hollowed out logs, pine, wicker and even papyrus. Thankfully, those days are long gone. In today’s world, one of the most well-researched aspects of any given crib is how safe it is. As of 2011, all cribs manufactured are required to meet the standards put forth by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). One of these standards is that the date of manufacture must be printed somewhere on the crib—making it easy for parents to ensure it’s up to code. Later that same year, more government agencies joined the conversation about crib safety. The Federal Government itself joined forces with the CPSC to ban the use of drop-side cribs due to the dangers they present. Additionally, the American Academy of Pediatrics noted the risks posed by bumpers, and the Food and Drug Administration did the same for sleep positioners. Other safety precautions parents should take are listed below.

Side bars: The side bars of a crib should be no more than 2-3/8” apart (or about the width of a soda can). Why? This spacing helps prevent baby from slipping out or getting stuck. Cribs with cutouts on the headboard and footboard should also be avoided for the same reason.

Corner posts: The height of corner posts should not exceed 1/16th of an inch. Anything taller can catch your child’s clothing.

Bare is best: There should be no toys, stuffed animals, pillows or blankets inside the crib with your child. The only bedding they’ll need is a waterproof pad and fitted sheet. Most parents find laundry day to be easier if the bedding is machine washable, and be sure to use a mild detergent that’s unscented so as to not agitate baby’s skin. If your little one seems cold, use a swaddle blanket to warm them up.

Dust bunnies: Babies are sensitive to dust and dander. Therefore, the underside of the crib should be vacuumed often, especially if you use a crib skirt. As an additional measure, keep pets off the crib to prevent marking and the spread of fur.

Cords and strings: Keep the crib away from windows, curtains, cords and anything else your little one can pull. Hanging baby mobiles are fine as long as they’re kept out of reach.

Mattresses: The crib mattress should be a snug fit, reaching every corner of the crib’s frame. If more than two fingers fit between the crib and the side of the mattress, the mattress is too small.

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