Help Your Baby Sleep with the Best Portable Crib

Finding Your Next Portable Baby Crib: A Buyer’s Guide

When it comes to babies, nothing is more critical for growth than proper sleep. A crib might look like just a spot to tuck in your baby during the day, but at night it may not prove to be the safest place for them to sleep.

This buying guide will help you understand the do’s and don’ts of portable baby cribs.

Types of Portable Cribs

The average cost of portable cribs varies from $100-$3,000. The following features can affect your final price point.

Affordable cribs

Manufacturers utilize cheap materials and hardware to produce economical cribs. Plus, they usually have simple designs and finishes. While you can utilize lacquer or paint to hide slight cosmetic wood defects, minor finishing flaws are common in this price range.

Mid-price cribs

Tons of models exist at this price point. Mid-priced cribs can be converted into different bed types. For example, 4-in-1 cribs can be transformed into a daybed, toddler bed and full-size bed.

The best cribs will showcase zero signs of glue residue or exposed nails.

Expensive cribs

Most of these are imported from Europe and have unique finishing. Most high-end manufacturers offer customized cribs, like metal frames and heavy springs that aim to support their mattresses.

Additionally, expensive cribs can be converted into other beds too. The only downside is that custom cribs are unlikely to be certified.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Portable Crib

It can be daunting to choose one crib from so many options. Below are some factors that will help you narrow down your search.

Construction and finishing

Previously, cribs were only manufactured with hardwood as they can be easily painted and are sturdy. The most common wood types are cherry, ash, maple, birch, oak and mahogany. Nowadays, pine wood cribs tend to be what’s in trend.

The variety of stains and paint colors is diverse too. Just know that even if a brand claims to have a cherry finish, it does not mean that it’s derived from cherry wood.

Mattress adjustability

An adjustable mattress height is available in all except cheap cribs. This feature lets the mattress be higher to lay down your sleeping cherub easily. While you can look for cribs with a minimum of two mattress heights, three is way better.

There are many types of mattress supports. Examples of mattress supports are metal bars, wood slats and metal frames. As for springs, these are typically made of strong wire.

Caster wheels

This is a great feature. Make sure to assess the caster wheels to ensure that they are not flimsy, as you will vacuum underneath it, get toys and change sheets. Caster wheels are essential when your baby is under four months of age.

Also, make sure that the caster wheels are locked in at all times. You should only unlock them when the crib needs to be moved.

Ease of assembly

Before buying a portable crib, be sure to have a look at the assembly instructions. If the guidelines are way too complicated, get another one or ask whether the retailer offers assembly service. Based on the assembly service cost, it can be worth paying for it.

Another point to consider is whether or not the crib will have to be disassembled to be moved. This is especially crucial if you want the crib in your room for the first year and move it to another room after your baby turns one years of age.

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@whenkatiemetharry

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♬ Aesthetic – Tollan Kim