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Baby Crib Buying Advice
Baby Crib Buying Advice A baby crib is one of the more important pieces of furniture you will buy for your newborn baby. Pick out the best baby crib, because most babies will sleep in their crib until they are 2 to 3 years old. It is important that you buy a baby crib that is sturdy, attractive, safe and functional. It is a good idea to order your crib before you deliver your baby, so you have time to choose the best baby crib and assemble it when it finally arrives. Keep in mind that many stores don't keep furniture items in stock including baby cribs, so it may take a few days or weeks before your crib arrives! Most baby cribs come without a mattress; so don't forget to order this important accessory when buying your baby's first crib! Styles of Baby Cribs There are a wealth of different styles of baby cribs available for children. Let's cover some of the more important and popular styles available today: Traditional Baby Cribs The traditional or standard baby crib provides a safe and economical bed for your child. Most standard cribs are rectangular and come with simply designed head and footboards. Some come with a rounded base that allows you to rock your baby in a cradle like motion. Many people prefer a traditional baby crib because it can be used for other children as your baby grows older. Convertible Baby Cribs Convertible baby cribs are rapidly gaining in popularity. These cribs start out as a traditional crib for your newborn baby, but can convert into a toddler bed when your baby is able to graduate to the next level. Sometimes a convertible baby crib will also convert into a daybed or full-size bed to accommodate your child through the teen years. These models are more expensive than a traditional model, but the price is worth it because the crib grows with your child. Canopy Baby Cribs Canopy baby cribs are like traditional cribs only more decorative. Much like a traditional crib they are usually rectangular in shape, but typically have a canopy frame built into the crib. Round/Oval Cribs These baby cribs are also gaining popularity. Many people like round or oval baby cribs because they are wider than traditional cribs. This decreases the chances that your child's arms or legs will fall through the bars when sleeping. Keep in mind if you purchase this type of crib you will have to also buy a special mattress to accommodate the shape of the crib. Collapsible Baby Cribs Collapsible or portable cribs are usually less expensive, lightweight and easily put up and taken down. These are a good option if you plan on traveling with your baby frequently. They often do not have all the features of standard cribs including adjustable mattress heights. Many people opt for a traditional baby crib and then purchase a portable baby crib to take with them when traveling. One alternative to the portable crib is an baby play yard or baby playpen. These are just as easy and convenient to set up as a portable crib, and many babies find them extremely comfortable to sleep in. Some versions even have a built in bassinet for very young babies to sleep in! Crib Accessories Each of the baby cribs above come with their own unique infant bedding accessories. Most basic cribs will run you anywhere from $100 to $300 dollars to purchase. The more features you add, the more expensive your crib will be. There are some accessories that many parents consider must haves, whereas others are more for decorative or amusement purposes. Here is a list of items that you should look for however when buying the best baby crib for your baby. These items can be considered must haves:
There are also some accessories that are nice to have but certainly not necessary. These include:
Baby Crib Safety Tips Because your baby will spend so much time in his crib it is important that you take every precaution to ensure your crib is safe. All new cribs built in the U.S. have to comply with safety standards. Be aware if you purchase an older crib it may not meet these standards Here are some common safety features you should make sure your crib adheres to:
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