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Buying a crib for your newborn can be a dizzying experience with all the styles and models available on the marketplace today. Gone are the days of the plain old white that everyone once had, today there are numerous price points, different colors and even the choice between wood or iron.
If you’re going with a hand-me-down crib, be sure to check the governments recall website to ensure that your particular crib doesn’t have known issues. If the crib is 20 years old or more and perhaps a family heirloom, check to make sure that no lead paint was used. Make sure that the bar slats (or any decorative cutouts) are no wider than 2 3/8″ apart (about the width of a soda pop can) so your child can’t slip his head through them and possibly get trapped.
Here’s other things to consider when buying your baby a new crib:
Convertible style or not? For just a few extra dollars, you can choose cribs that are convertible. In other words, after your baby has grown out of the crib itself, it will then convert to a toddler bed or day bed with a simply modification of removing a side rail. Some even convert further and you can use just one side that becomes a full-sized headboard. You can get a lot of mileage out of a convertible crib.
Materials: Plastic, wood or metal are the typical materials to choose from when it comes to cribs. Wood is by far the most popular and enduring component that cribs are made from. Wood cribs are moderately priced and can be simple and straight-lined or curvy depending on your style. Metal cribs are the ultimate fantasy baby bed, and can cost many thousands of dollars particularly if they are made from wrought iron. These beds can have very decorative metalwork and can be passed down to many generations of children.
Some manufactures do make aluminum beds that look like iron, but weigh and cost less. They don’t look as rich as wrought iron, but they can offer a different look if your pocketbook can’t handle the real deal. Finally, plastic cribs can be found at some big box stores, but they tend to last only a few years and are typically inexpensive. These usually are made to use for just a few years and can be a tad flimsy.
Color: If you think cribs still only come in white, you’ll be mesmerized by the available colors. You can go with a natural wood stain or you can go all out with cool color. Black painted cribs are super hot these days and are fitting for either a girl or a boy. French blue, pink and sage cribs are also widely used, too. And you don’t need to be all matchy-matchy when it comes to color, either. You can spring for a pop of color on the crib and then keep the bureau and night stand in a wood tone so that it will grow with your child for when you get them a twin sized bed. Of course, classic white will never go out of style and will go with virtually anything you put into the room.
Accessories: Rubber or vinyl teething guards are a must-have purchase, as when your baby stands up she will undoubtedly plant her teeth right on the crib rail. These guards are made of a soft material and slip right on the rail so that they can happily chew on it, but the crib itself won’t be damaged by those tiny incisors. Some cribs sport a convenient drawer underneath the mattress that can be handy to store bedding if you’re short on space in a room. A fun mobile is a great way to entertain or soothe your child, but be sure to remove it as soon as they can reach it.
Bedding: Yes, those fancy (and expensive) bedding sets are totally adorable, but keep away from them. For one, you can’t cover a baby in a blanket or comforter until they are at least 1 years old (and preferably older) as your baby can get smothered. And you should not be using crib bumpers for the same reason–as children have been caught underneath them, gotten stuck and died. Pediatricians agree that loose bedding in a crib is a leading cause of SIDS.
Instead, choose a colorful bottom sheet with sturdy elastic edging to keep it down and get a terrific crib skirt. Since you’re saving money on those frightfully expensive crib sets, have a custom crib skirt made by a seamstress or family member with fabric that captures your baby room theme to a tee. Also, if you’re worried about your baby being cold in the evening without a blanket, opt for a blanket sleeper-which is just a clothing sack that just zips up like regular clothing and is safe. Pajamas with feet also keep baby warm, too.
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Nathaniel Strong