Looking for a Crib for your new Baby, Are You?
If you are looking for a baby crib, you have probably had some time to get used to the idea of a new baby or a sibling for your little one. I am sure you must have made quite a few baby purchases already. So, if you are now ready to make the big decision of buying a crib or looking for a lovely baby crib mobile, a new crib mattress or adorable baby bedding, carry on reading….
So, what are the questions on your mind and which are the decisions that you need to make:
- Safety?
- Do you want to buy a crib and then later convert it into a bed for your toddler?
- What about a crib on wheels?
- What about mattress height?
- Where to buy?
A Safe Baby Crib
Baby Cribs are generally safe, but it is important to assemble your baby’s new crib correctly to ensure that there are no gaps or loose screws on which your baby can get hurt or entrapped. In summary a safe crib should have no broken or missing slats. The slats should be at most 2 3/8 inches apart. There should be no cut outs in the foot or head boards and corner posts should be lower than 1/16 inch.
The crib should have a firm and tight-fitting mattress and take care not to place pillows, stuffed toys and so on in the crib.
Are you lucky enough to have been given a hand me down crib? If it is a drop-down crib, please be extra vigilant to make sure it is safe for your precious new baby. As you probably know, the manufacture of new drop-down cribs have been banned and numerous cribs have been recalled.
If you want to read more about crib standards and safety visit the US Consumer Product Safety Commission’s website. Also make sure to check out their complete list of Recalled Cribs.
Baby Cribs that Convert to Toddler beds
When you are expecting a baby, you may want to focus on the baby’s immediate needs or think long term. Do you plan to use the baby crib for future siblings? Will you really convert the baby crib to a toddler bed? Are you starting out with a crib or are you first going to use a bassinet or cradle?
Baby Cribs on Wheels
Do you want to be able to move your crib around? To have your baby’s crib on wheels is really useful. It makes it easy to move the crib when you want to clean under the crib or to change the sheets and find those toys that slipped under the crib. Many cribs have wheels, but if you find a crib that doesn’t, you can always buy caster wheels at the hardware store as they are easy to install later.
Baby Cribs Mattress Height
Most cribs offer two to three adjustable mattress heights. It is very useful to have the different heights as you can gently lay down a sleeping new born and later lower the mattress to ensure that your growing baby is still secure in the crib.
Where to Buy your Baby Crib
As you already know there are lots of information and suppliers available on the web. If you want to buy on line, check the cost of shipping. Amazon offers free shipping and returns policy for up to 365 days on most cribs they ship. As said before just check and make sure it applies to your purchase.
If you prefer a more personalized one on one experience, why not visit one of the local baby shops in your area. Just one note of caution, baby shops sometimes have limited stock and ordering a baby crib can take up to 12 weeks, so order early.
In conclusion,
Check out all the safety information at the US Consumer Product Safety Commission’s website. Then decide, do you want to be able to convert your baby crib into a toddler bed. Give yourself enough time, as the baby crib you really want may have to be ordered. Then have fun decorating while you wait for your bundle of joy to arrive…
Bubba and Me - Cribs for Baby