Buying furniture for your baby’s nursery is expensive, so it’s important that you shop wisely, after all, you’ll expect what you buy to be used for many years to come. To help you make the right decisions, here are some tips on buying a baby crib.
The most important aspect of a crib is its safety. Your child will spend a lot of time inside one, either sleeping or playing. Here’s what to look for to ensure you buy a safe baby crib.
It is not recommended that you buy or use a second hand crib. An older part may not have been manufactured to current safety standards. You definitely should not buy one made before 1978, as it may have lead-free paint or paint finishes. Also keep in mind that you will not know their history. It may have been the subject of a product safety recall.
If you go ahead and buy a used crib, you must make sure the slats are no more than 2 3/8″ apart; the raised sides of the crib must be a minimum of 26″ high; the mattress should fit snug with no gaps anywhere; it should not have cuts either at the headboard or at the foot of the bed; place a new dentition rail. You should also avoid ones where the paint is chipped or cracked or the wood is splintered.
Finally, try to find one that is certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA), as this ensures that the crib meets current safety standards.
Before buying; Set your budget and don’t be tempted to overspend. It may not look as beautiful as a more expensive model, but a cheap baby crib will be just as safe and have most of the features you’ll need.
Find as many crib reviews as you can. Ask friends and family, read parenting magazines, go to your local baby stores and ask their opinion, and go online. The more information you have, the less likely you are to buy something you’ll later regret.
Decide which is the best type of baby crib for you. Do you just want a conventional crib? These are usually the cheapest. Do you need double mobile sides? Or, have you thought about buying a convertible crib? These are more expensive initially but can save you money in the long run. Remember, a 3-in-1 crib converts to a toddler bed and day bed, while a lifelong crib also converts to a full-size bed.
Write a list of features your new crib should have. As you learn more, you will be able to modify or add new features; Keeping a list will help prevent you from getting confused or forgetting.
Finally, decide on the style you want. Do you like one with a traditional look? Yes, but what kind of traditional look, there are many to choose from; Shaker, English Cottage, New England, French Imperial, American Colonial, the list goes on. Do you prefer a crib with a more modern style? Great, but make sure it complements the decor, not just in the nursery, but in your home as well.
Choosing the right style for you is what can take the most time. Remember also, that the more hairstyle, paint effects and special finishes you have, the more it usually costs.
I hope the above tips have been helpful and that you find the best crib for you and your baby.