Buying a crib: what to look out for!

Buying a crib: what to look out for!

Time for the baby room!

The most fun activity during your pregnancy? Of course, there is only one good way to answer this question: decorating the baby's room. When you are in the middle of this, a baby bed is probably one of the first things you score. There is no question that the baby bed, or crib, should be aesthetically pleasing and fit well with the style of the baby's room. In addition, a good crib should meet several safety requirements. After all, your baby will spend a lot of time in the crib (since it's the stopover on the journey to dreamland, duh). Stressed about which one to choose? Don't worry, we've listed the different types of cribs, tips for choosing a crib, and a top 5 cribs for you!

Types of cribs

As with many other baby products, it is nice to have an overview of the different types of a particular product. Your wish is our command!

Size

To start with, it's good to know that cribs come in a variety of sizes. The standard size of a crib is 60 x 120 cm, which is the best option for a newborn. In addition, the crib with dimensions of 70 x 140 cm is also a common type of crib. The disadvantage of this size is that it is a bit on the large side for a newborn baby. One advantage, however, is that your child will be able to continue sleeping in this crib when he or she is a little older. Your wallet will be happy about that ;)

Junior silk

Cribs often have junior sides, which are sides of the crib that can be removed if necessary. Cribs measuring 60 x 120 cm are often available with or without junior sides, while cribs measuring 70 x 140 cm are often available with one or two junior sides.

The advantage of a junior side is that from a certain age your little one can learn to get out of bed safely. In addition, you kill two birds with one stone with a 70 x 140 cm crib with two junior sides: baby bed and toddler bed! Your child will be able to dream in it for the first few years. That sounds financially interesting, right?

Tips on buying a crib

No idea what to look for when buying a crib? Scroll on quickly!

  • Ventilated bottom and sides: A bottom and sides with ventilating capabilities are an absolute must for a crib. For this very reason, a crib with a slatted base is usually a favorite (because: the holes!).
  • Adjustable base: Another feature of the crib base that can come in handy is its adjustability in height (always make sure that the height is always properly locked in this case). Many parents like to set the bottom fairly high for the first few months, which often makes it easier to put your baby in bed and take him out again as well. In the highest position, the distance between the top of the mattress and the top of the crib will be 20 to 30 cm. As soon as the little one moves around a bit more in bed, you can lower the bottom a bit. According to VeiligheidNL, the distance between the top of the mattress and the top of the crib at lower positions should be at least 55 cm. Also, a good way to reduce the risk of falling out of bed!
  • Space between bars: All cribs should have bars with a space of at least 4.5 cm and not more than 6.5 cm. Wider bar spacing can be dangerous as it can trap your baby, while narrower spacing can mean your baby cannot breathe freely as he or she rolls against the crib sides.
  • Foldable sides with child-resistant fastenings: Foldable sides are of course very handy, but when buying a crib make sure that they have child-resistant fastenings. This way you avoid unpleasant accidents!
  • Crib finishing: Hardpoints, screws, knobs, and peeling paint are dangerous for your baby and should therefore not be present in a good crib. Are you opting for a wooden crib? Go for hardwoods (e.g., beech) as they do not splinter easily.
  • Mattress: An important factor when buying a crib is quality and a suitable mattress. Is the space between the mattress and the sidewalls of the crib less than a finger wide? If so, you have a mattress to match! In addition, a quality mattress does not curl up. If it does, there is a risk of your baby ending up under the mattress. Finally, the mattress for the crib may not be too soft. This may sound silly, but it is important to prevent your baby from sinking his face in because of the softness of the mattress.
  • Upholstery: A tarpaulin and a mattress protector without a ventilating top layer can also be put on the list of items for the crib that you want to avoid. In addition, make sure that all crib upholstery is secure to avoid unnecessary risks.

Top 5 cribs

By now, you can imagine what a good crib should look like and what it should meet. Now it's time to score such a crib! Many fellow mommies have gone before you in the search for the perfect crib, and in the context of mommies empowering mommies, they are only too happy to share their experiences with you. Therefore, we present to you: the top 5 of the finest cribs, consisting of cribs for luxury horses and budget savers!

  1. Kidsmill Modular

I think we can all agree that this is a real eye-catcher! You can already tick off that box. This crib has the standard dimensions of 60 x 120 cm, and has a stainless-steel base. Solid and durable materials? Check, and check!

Kidsmill Modular 2 Babybed Mat Zwart - €449,99

  1. Kidsmill Sepp

A big plus of this modern crib is that it is made of beech wood, a hardwood that does not splinter easily. This crib has passed its first safety check. It is also equipped with a slatted base. Stylish and safe!

Kidsmill Sepp Babybed Wit / Beuken - €589,00 

  1. Ikea Smågöra

Yes, Ikea also belongs in this top 5. High-quality cribs certainly don't have to be expensive. This crib has beveled sides and gently rounded corners, making it safe for your baby. It also has a ventilating bed base and is tested to give your little one optimal support while sleeping. What more could you ask for?

SMÅGÖRA - €99,95 

  1. Europe Baby Liam baby bed

Not a fan of sterile white but a big fan of earth tones and wooden details? Then choose this crib with a tough look. The bottom of this crib is adjustable in height, so you can easily put your little one in and out of bed. This crib has a standard size of 60 x 120 cm and is equipped with a slatted base. We love!

Europe Baby Liam Babybed Metaal Rosé - €249,00 

  1. Van Asten Lya

Beautiful gray is not ugly. It can actually make a completely white room a little less sterile. The bottom of this crib is height adjustable (yes, make it easy on yourself and your child) and features a slatted base. Furthermore, the sides have rounded bars, and the head and foot ends are closed. Definitely worth considering!

Ledikant Lya Grijs - €89,99


Babywatcher

Your ultrasound at home

The Babywatcher contains everything you need to make your own pregnancy scans at home.

This Black Friday weekend 10% off!

Babywatcher Rental