| During the early stages of growth the baby spends | | | | 1. The distance between the crib slants should be less. |
| more time in the crib. So a crib should be both safe | | | | 2. Ensure that the drop sides have an easy to use and |
| and comfortable. It is an important decision made by | | | | secure locking mechanism. |
| the parents. | | | | 3. The crib mattress should fit snugly and the mattress |
| Different Styles Of Cribs | | | | height should be adjustable as the baby grows. |
| There is a huge array of cribs to choose from, | | | | 4. A crack-free teething rail should cover the top of |
| available in the market today. There are models that | | | | the crib railings to prevent the child from chewing on |
| can be converted in stages from a crib to toddler bed | | | | wood. |
| to a full sized single bed. The standard cribs are mainly | | | | 5. Lockable rolling caster on the legs would be a good |
| of two styles. One is the single drop side and the other | | | | feature when cleaning the babies room or changing |
| a double drop side. | | | | the bedding. |
| In the single drop side, one of the sides is fixed and | | | | Safe And Clean Crib |
| one side is dropped down. Whereas, the double drop | | | | A crib is a safe one, when it is not a decorated crib. It |
| side can have both the sides dropped down. The | | | | is better not to use a crib that has lead paint finish and |
| double drop side cribs are expensive but very | | | | open cutouts. Avoid using decorative bumpers that |
| convenient to clean and dust. | | | | has buttons and ribbon on it. It is dangerous as the |
| Types Of Crib | | | | baby can pullout the ribbons or swallow a loose button. |
| There are wide arrays of cribs available according to | | | | Never tie or harness the baby in a crib. The baby |
| the gender and the size of the baby. The different | | | | should never be left alone in the crib for long hours. |
| types of cribs that are available include the following | | | | Adjust the mattress to the lowest position as soon as |
| 1 Standard baby crib | | | | the baby is able to stand-alone. Never clutter the crib |
| 2 Designer crib | | | | with quilts, blankets, sheets and toys including soft or |
| 3 Canopy crib | | | | plastic ones. Do not put the crib near window curtains, |
| 4 Hand painted crib | | | | blind cord or an electrical outlet. |
| 5 Convertible crib | | | | Clean Cribs |
| 6 Corner crib and so on. | | | | Apart from looking for the safety features and |
| Antique cribs are also available. However, it is | | | | appearance also see to that the crib is easy to dust |
| advisable not to purchase an antique crib, though it is | | | | and clean. |
| beautiful, as the paints used may have lead content | | | | Crib Beddings and Cleaning Tips |
| and the decorative posts and carvings may pose a | | | | Take care to wash the light and dark colors |
| risk of entrapment. | | | | separately. Use warm water for polyesters and blends |
| Tips to keep in mind | | | | and hot water for cotton. Use mild detergents. |
| While purchasing a baby crib check to see if the | | | | However, if the baby has allergy use the detergent |
| surface is smooth and splinter free. The crib railings | | | | that is organic and fragrant free. Before washing the |
| should be high and the crib should be locked when the | | | | blankets, inspect the care label and then follow the |
| child is in the crib. Use the crib mattress which fits | | | | instructions carefully. |
| properly in the crib and there are no gaps . | | | | If the label says hand wash, never put it in the washing |
| The mattress should fit tightly against all four sides of | | | | machine. If the baby is prone to allergy use foam pillow |
| the crib. Use bumper pads that encircle the crib to | | | | instead of feather ones. To clean the pillow, fill a large |
| prevent a bump on the head. It would also look | | | | basin with water and add mild soap solution. Dip the |
| attractive and is a sort of decoration for the crib. | | | | pillow one small section at a time in the solution and |
| However, it should be well maintained and frequently | | | | squeeze out the solution. |
| checked to make sure that the ties are secure. | | | | Once the whole pillow is clean, rinse a few times to |
| Make sure that the crib is never placed near the | | | | remove the soap. Lay the pillow in the sun to dry, |
| windows, as the drapes, blind strings may pose a risk | | | | turning it frequently. Once a month the slants and the |
| of entanglement. These are some of the tips that | | | | railings of the crib should be wiped clean with a cloth |
| need to be kept in mind before putting the baby in the | | | | and a mild disinfectant. Vacuum the crib frequently |
| crib. | | | | would help to keep the dust and the dust mites from |
| Keep these things in mind when choosing a crib. | | | | harbouring between the crib and the mattress. |