Building Your Own Baby Crib: 3 Features To Look For When Choosing Steel Casters

28 December 2015
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If you're a parent welcoming one of the approximately 4 million babies that are born each year into this world, you definitely want to spend the months before childbirth preparing for your little one. In particular, you may spend a lot of time picking out suitable clothing, toys and other essentials like baby cribs. If you can't find what you're looking for in stores, building your own baby crib will be the next best option. You definitely want to make sure you have a comfortable and safe crib, especially since your baby will probably be using the crib you have chosen for approximately 24 months. Most parents spend a significant amount of time finding the right materials and choosing the best design; however, the steel casters used to move the crib from one room to another are commonly overlooked. When choosing steel casters, look for these 3 features.

Make Sure the Casters Are Lockable

Most parents will generally want the baby crib to be on wheels, as baby cribs tend to be quite heavy, and it's also much easier to move the crib around without disturbing the baby. Although the sturdiness of the steel casters may never be a concern, you should always look for steel casters that come with a lockable feature when you are building your baby crib. When the locks are on, the wheels cannot move. This secures the crib into place when the wheels are locked. 

Although you may not think that you'll need it, lockable steel casters are particularly useful for when the babies are old enough to move around and stand in their cribs. The motions they make may cause the cribs to move around, and this can potentially become a safety hazard and concern, as your baby might end up accidentally using the crib as a vehicle to maneuver around.

Opt for Swivel Casters Rather than Rigid Casters

When installing steel casters, you'll have two options to choose from: swivel casters or rigid casters. Rigid casters are primarily used for straight line travel, and can only move either forwards or backwards. Swivel casters, on the other hand, allow for optimal maneuverability, as they can rotate 360°. Although rigid casters are generally sturdier than swivel casters, you really don't have to worry about the amount of weight they can withstand when building baby cribs, as the weight of the baby crib is generally far below the maximum threshold recommended.

Opt for swivel casters rather than rigid casters, and you'll find that you'll have a much easier time moving the crib around corners and from room to room. Moms that have just given birth will also find that swivel casters are a lot easier to work with, as they turn more easily and also require less starting effort and fatigue. Rigid steel casters simply restrict too much movement, and will end up becoming more of a hassle than a tool.

Avoid Damaging the Floors of the Nursery with Rubber Wheels

Although any type of wheel will generally do the trick, rubber wheels are generally a better option. They are much softer in comparison to other alternatives available, and will be much gentler on the floors of the nursery as a result. If the nursery has hardwood flooring, and you don't want to see any black scuff marks, then you most definitely want to choose steel casters with rubber wheels. Contrary to belief, polyurethane wheels, or "hard wheels", are actually not as easy to roll. They are generally recommended for applications involving heavier loads than that of an occupied baby crib.

Conclusion

When building your own baby crib, you definitely do not want to skimp out on the steel casters, as they will make your life as a new parent a lot easier. Make sure you choose high quality steel casters that are designed to last, and to look for the features mentioned above in order to get the best crib design possible.