With so many variety of Nursery Furniture available in market, choosing/buying a perfect crib for your little one isn't an easy decision. First of all you need to be convinced whether you need a crib or not, thinking of future use or may be you think since your friend's baby didn't use it so your baby won't use as well. All babies are different, you cannot really predict the future of your crib. But I believe, one should get a crib, thats the first step to make your baby independent. Yet be smart while buying one. When 3-in1 and 4-in1 cribs are available which can be converted into a toddler and full size (single) beds respectively, then why buy the simple static 1-in-1 crib.
Story doesn't end here! Apart from choosing the kind of crib, there are a few safety instructions to be taken care of.
- Slats no more than 2 3/8 inches apart: Your crib should have slats that are close enough together to prevent your baby's head from slipping through or getting stuck. For quick check, a standard aluminum soda can will not go through them with ease.
- Adjustable mattress height: Most cribs let you change the height of the crib mattress by simply raising or lowering the mattress support.
- Stability: Give the crib a good shake in the store or after you put it together at home. If it wobbles or rattles, it may have been put together improperly. But wobbling or rattling could also be a sign that you should look for a sturdier crib. Also I think one should avoid wheels in crib.
- Cribs with drop sides: The rule is simple: Don't use them! As of 2010, cribs with drop sides, which can be released to allow parents to access their tiny tots, are banned. Though some drop-gate cribs, which are considered safer, are still available, the general consensus is to stick with stationary sides to be safe.
- Check Corner Posts: Crib corner posts should never be more than 1/16 inch high. If they stick up higher than that, baby’s pajamas could snag and get caught when the little one stands up in the crib.
- Bumpers: Crib bumpers – padding that attaches to the inside railings of the crib to cushion all four sides – pose a hazard and are no longer recommended.
- Old cribs: Cribs made before 1973, when federal guidelines went into effect, are more likely than newer models to have safety problems. Secondhand cribs may also have splinters, lead paint, discontinued (and potentially dangerous) features, or slats that are too far apart. But even models manufactured as recently as 1991 can be unsafe, so be sure to check slat space size and stability, and look out for any sharp edges, protruding metal, peeling paint, and other dangers. In fact, in 1995, after issuing a warning about the dangers of used cribs – which are responsible for about 50 infant deaths a year – the CPSC announced a roundup to crush and destroy used cribs.
- Decorative touches: Avoid fancy decorations that can break off and pose a choking hazard. Cribs with cutout designs along the rail may look pretty, but they could inadvertently trap your baby's arm or neck. On a similar note, round cribs, which are also very popular, are not regulated by the government.
- Teething Rails: When teething kicks in somewhere between 4 and 6 months of age, many babies become little woodchucks, gnawing away at the side of their crib for comfort. This, of course, can lead to splintering and other damage to the crib, as well as a baby with a mouth full of wood and paint chips. Though not mandatory, crib manufacturers are encouraged to include immovable plastic teething rails along the top of their cribs. There are crib teething rails available for sale separately; however, many can be removed by a curious baby with minimal effort.
-via Baby Center, eBay
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Cribs In Market
Hudson Crib by Serena & Lily, $395.00
Low-Rise Crib by Land Of Nods, $899.00
Sorelle Princeton 4-in-1 Convertible Crib with Changer by BabiesRus, $399.00
This is one of my favorite in terms of versatility and price!
Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Crib with Toddler Rail by BabiesRus, $379.99
Babyletto Mercer 3-in-1 Crib with Toddler Rail by Wayfair.com, $399.00
Looks lovely to me!