If your crib does require tools then you might need a Phillips screwdriver, hammer and/or ratchet set. Read your instructions to find out which tools, if any, you need.
If for some reason you do not have the instructions then you can still check to make sure you have all the pieces. Most cribs will include a headboard, footboard, rails (the long sides of the crib; one rail is usually a drop rail, meaning that it can lower so that you can access your baby easily), some kind of mattress support (can be simply a board or can be a board with springs) and a mattress. It may also have two long thin side boards as support between the headboard and footboard, especially if both rails can move up and down (drop rails).
If you see any damage such as splintering, mold, peeling paint, sharp corners or dampness then you will want to test your pieces carefully and perhaps obtain a new crib. Damaged pieces have the possibility of breaking, potentially harming your baby. You should also make sure that the spacing between the slats is no wider than 2 3/8 inches (6 cm). [4] X Trustworthy Source Consumer Products Safety Commission Independent U. S. government agency responsible for protecting consumers by developing safety standards and conducting product research Go to source
If you do not have instructions for your crib, perhaps if you lost them or are using a secondhand crib, often you will be able to find the manufacturer’s instructions online. Go the the website of the manufacturer and search for your crib model to try to obtain these. If you still cannot find the instructions then it should not be hard to figure out how to assemble the crib. Since most cribs have the same basic pieces it shouldn’t be difficult to figure out how to assemble the crib.
Some beds show little difference between the headboard and footboard. Simply choose one of the pieces and lay that one on the ground facing up.
Some headboards might already have the latch brackets attached; if so move on to the next step. Cribs that have long thin side boards (usually those with drop rails on each side) will attach differently. For these, insert the hardware of the side board into the headboard and footboard. If there is a location to screw these pieces together then you should do so. For newborns you will want the base of the crib at the highest level so you would attach the brackets or side rails at this level. Older babies will need a lower crib base.
This attachment might require you to screw the rail in place. Using your Phillips screwdriver, screw the pieces together. They should be tight enough that the rail does not shake. Sometimes your stationary rail will not have dowels but rather attach only by screws. In this case use your Phillips screwdriver to attach these screws to the rail. Again, this should be tight enough that the rail does not shake. If your crib has side boards and two drop rails then you will not yet attach the rails. Skip to the next step.
If your crib is new you may need to attach some parts such as brackets to the mattress support before attaching it to the headboard and footboard. For newborns attach the mattress support at the highest possible height. Older babies will need slightly more space and thus the mattress support should be placed lower, depending on the age of your baby. There will usually be a manufacturer sticker showing which side faces down on the mattress support. If you have a crib with two drop rails then you will attach the mattress support before attaching either of the sides. This way you can reach down into the crib more easily while attaching the support.
You should first attach the bottom of the rods on each side before attaching the tops to secure the rail and keep it steady while you are working.
There should be no more than two fingers’ width between crib side and mattress. This ensures your baby’s safety when moving or rolling around. [8] X Trustworthy Source Consumer Products Safety Commission Independent U. S. government agency responsible for protecting consumers by developing safety standards and conducting product research Go to source
There should be locks on at least two of the wheels to prevent the crib from moving around while your baby is inside.
Usually you would stop using the crib when the baby is 32-35 inches (81-89 cm) tall or climbing out of the crib. If your baby is able to climb out of his/her crib, you can also lower the bottom portion to keep your baby safe.
