Advice About Buying A Baby Crib

It can be confusing when buying a new baby crib. If you're a first time parent this can be especially so.


What follows is some advice about buying a baby crib that will hopefully give you more confidence when you come to purchase your own child's.

Your first thought when it comes to buying a baby crib is safety. You should make sure that the one you're buying meets current US safety standards. Crib safety standards are drafted and enforced by the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC). Amazingly, no laws actually cover the manufacture of cribs but the standards enforced by the CPSC ensure that crib safety standards are met. Additionally, you can also look for ones with Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association (JPMA) certification. This certification ensures that a company's crib meets and surpasses current regulations.

Buying a used one requires more vigilance. Never, ever buy a crib made before 1978 as they probably will have lead in either the paint or finishings. Also, make sure the slats are spaced no more than 2 3/8 inches apart. The raised sides of the crib should be a minimum height of 26" and any drop sides should be at least 9" high. There must be no decorative cutouts on either the headboard or the footboard. You should fit a teething rail.

After safety you should give serious consideration to your budget. Set a budget and stick to it. Don't be tempted to go above what you've decided to spend, no matter what the sales person might tell you. A cheaper baby crib may not have all the features of a more expensive model, but in all honesty, you can buy a good baby crib for as little as $150.

All good baby cribs are made from solid wood. Ones made from hard wood are better as softer wood is more likely to dent and crack. The metal screws and bolts that are used to hold the crib together are far less likely to pull out of a one made from hard wood.

Next, choose the type you want. Would you prefer a traditional drop side crib? These are the cheapest option but your child will need another bed after about the age of two. When looking at convertible cribs, you should think about buying a lifetime model. A 3-in-1 does convert from crib, to toddler, to day bed but a lifetime crib will also convert to a full size bed, thereby giving many years of service.

Only buy a crib with a warranty - the industry norm is a 1 year limited warranty. Also ask about spare parts. If the supplier can't provide spares then they are best avoided as it clearly shows a lack of after sales care.

Finally, choose the design you like. This should be the fun part of buying a crib. There are many designs available, from simple traditional designs to simple modern designs; from simple American traditional styles like Shaker and New England to other traditional styles like English Cottage or French Imperial; the list goes on and on.

Don't rush into buying; instead seek advice on buying a baby crib from friends, family and retailers. You should also take a look online at the various models that are currently available; many sites will give you a wealth of useful information and advice as well as customer reviews of baby cribs.