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How To Select The Best Crib For Your Baby
Baby Crib Buying Advice

Buying Guide for Baby Cribs

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! Also remember to purchase your baby bedding.

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 accesories. Most basic cribs will run you anywhere from $100 to $300 dollars. 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:

• Drop-sides: if at all possible by a crib with sides that lower, so you don't have to reach too far to get at your newborn.
• Adjustable mattress: cribs that have an adjustable mattress are beneficial because they make it easier to pick up your baby when young, but safer for your toddler when he starts to climb.
• Support: the more support a crib has underneath the rib mattress the better. Remember that as your baby grows into a rambunctious toddler he will be jumping up and down in the crib. You want to makes sure you buy a crib that can keep up with your child!

There are also some accessories that are nice to have but certainly not necessary. These include:

• Extra storage space: some cribs come with drawers built beneath the crib or into the crib. These provide a handy place for storing bedding or pajamas
• Wheels: some cribs come with wheels, which make it easier to move the crib particularly when cleaning.
• Toys and finishes: some cribs are painted with bright colors and even come with built in mobiles or other fun accessories to amuse your baby as he grows.
• Bumpers: these are cloth liners that prevent your baby from slipping through the slats when he is young.
• Teething rail: this is a convenient accessory that covers the cribs top railing. It prevents your child from chewing on the wood when teething.
• Mesh tents: tends are a great accessory for keeping cats and other animals from crawling into bed with your baby They can also keep insects out during the warm summer months.

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:

• Safety slats that are less than 2 3/8 inches apart to keep your baby's head from slipping through.
• Drop sides that are at least 26 inches above the mattress when raised and 9 inches above the matches when lowered.
• Crib mattress that fits snugly with less than two fingers width between the side of the crib and the mattress.
• Firm mattress that provides support.
• Smooth edges.
• No missing parts including screws.

When setting up your baby's crib, be sure to avoid placing any pillows, quilts, comforters or large stuffed animals with your baby, because these pose a choking hazard. Remember the baby crib is one of the more important pieces of furniture you will buy for your newborn baby. Make sure you start looking for the best baby crib you can buy before your newborn arrives.