Baby Cribs -- 7 Tips For Choosing The Right One

During the first year of life, your baby will spend up to 70% of his or her time in the baby crib you choose. The baby crib is one of the most important investments you will make before your baby arrives.

Here are seven useful tips to help you choose the best crib for you and your baby.

1. Safety First
Make sure the crib you choose is safe. The best way to do this is to look for a crib with JPMA certification. This will ensure that the crib meets the minimum safety requirements promulgated by the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission), as well as voluntary safety standards issued by the American Society for Testing and Materials. These standards are stricter and safer than the mandatory CPSC baby crib safety standards. Also check for yourself that the crib is sturdy and well made.

(Make sure you have done everything you can to keep your baby safe in the nursery by using this complete protect your baby in the nursery checklist.)

2. Consider Convenience
You will spend a great deal of energy lifting your baby in and out of the crib. Look for a crib with a drop-side and adjustable mattress height to make this task easier. You may also want to look for a crib with rolling casters. These will allow you to move the crib around easily should you wish to do so.

3. Where Will Baby Sleep
Baby's intended sleep location is a big factor in determining which crib is right for you. If you want baby to sleep in your room you may want to consider a small baby bed. Your options include a bassinet, moses basket or cradle, all of which can be used until baby is four months old. Alternatively there are longer-term options such as the Amby bed or the co-sleeper (bedside crib).

If you want baby to sleep in a separate nursery room, a good idea is to place a moses basket inside the full size crib. This way baby gets the security of a small baby bed while getting used to his own space.


4. Size and Shape Count
If you have a small baby nursery to work with, you may want to consider a mini crib or a corner crib instead of a regular rectangular one. Both of these options save a considerable amount of space. On the other hand, if you have a large nursery room, a round crib placed in the center can be more interesting than a standard crib against the wall.

5. Pay The Right Price
A good baby crib needn't cost you an arm and a leg. Your baby budget will be stretched thin enough over the coming months without paying too much for your crib. There are great ways to save money when you go shopping. Here are some examples:
* Shop the sales by signing up for newsletters at your local stores and online retailers.
* Think e-Bay. You can often get a brand new crib straight out of the box at a highly discounted price.
* If you shop online look for free shipping options.

6. Take Baby's Growth Into Account
It may seem like a long way off now, but it won't be long before your baby becomes a toddler and needs to move out of the crib into a bed. Will you be having another baby to take over the crib? If not, consider a convertible crib that will grow with your child.

7. Choose Your Finish Carefully
Make sure you have a plan for your baby nursery before you decide on the finish for your crib so that it forms part of the overall design. Here are a few more tips:
* If you have a small baby nursery, stay away from dark furniture, as it will make the room feel smaller.
* If you will be passing this crib on to a second baby, stick with neutral, unisex colors that will go with any theme or color scheme.
* If you choose a convertible crib, consider what finish will go well in a toddler and a teenager's room.

Have fun -- Baby Shopping is one of the perks of being pregnant!