Choosing a Crib for Your Baby

The choice of a crib could seem like such a minor decision to be made in the life of your child. But in reality, it could prove to be the most important choice you will ever make. Cribs come in so many different shapes, models, colors and styles, it can be hard to choose just one. From convertible cribs that grow with your child, to the ever popular and majestic canopy crib, there's sure to be a style you like.

Grayco's pinewood constructed, Sarah 4 in 1 adjustable, is a very popular choice among crib shoppers. It comes with a full headboard, mattress that adjusts to 3 heights, rollers for easy moving and can be found in some very popular finishes, like honey oak and cherry, it's a great value at under $300.00, and is safety certified. Sleigh cribs are wonderfully designed, and very elegant. The Davinci Anastasia standard sleigh crib is also constructed of sturdy pine, has an under the crib drawer for extra storage, a teething ring for those tender little teeth, and comes in honey oak, cherry and white. Also a wonderful value at $400.00.

Portable cribs are easy to move around and convenient to have handy as an extra place for baby to sleep, if you already have a crib, and you can find them at very affordable prices. Dream on me contemporary convertible crib is made of hardwood and has a single drop side, which allows for easier access to baby, It also grows right along with your child by converting into a toddler bed, so it saves you money in the long term, and, is an excellent value at under $200.00. The convenience, economic value, and long term savings, makes the convertible crib a wonderful choice for your baby.

Whatever style, color or model of crib you choose, make sure it complies with the government safety standards. And, if you're in the market for an older crib, be extra cautious, as the governments safety standards weren't as strict in past years as they are now, which can mean a potential dangerous situation for your baby. Its been reported that infants die every year in crib related deaths. www.cribsafetystandards.com suggests that in the past 20 years, 1100 children have died, and nearly 10,000 been seriously injured in cribs. With 22 children dying every year in crib related deaths. So, as you can see by the statistics, crib choice can be a critical decision.

However, there are tests you can perform to see if your crib is sturdy and safe for your infant. a wonderful website, www.cribsafety.com has several tests that need to be performed daily to ensure your baby's crib is up to standards. Make sure a soda can cannot pass between the rails of the crib, this prevents your baby from getting there heads stuck, which can cause extensive injuries. Make sure all screws and bolts are secure, not loose or missing, which can be a choking hazard for your infant or toddler, no post extensions that could prove to be an impailment risk, no cutouts in the wood of the crib, again, this could be something your child might, in there curiosity, poke various body parts through, when my kids were little I lived with the mentality, if it can be done, they'll find a way to do it. They've gotten stuck in everything from the toilet, to getting there head stuck between stair railings, which, incidentally, could be another potential danger risk for your child.

Make sure your crib of choice is free of protruding rivets, metal nuts, bolts, knobs and wing nuts, which again, could be a choking hazard. These should be checked periodically as they can wear loose with time and moving of the crib, to be sure they are secure. Make sure your mattress is tight fitting and that 2 fingers cannot fit between the mattress and frame of the crib. Wood is smooth, free of splints and of course, lead free. Drop side rails lock securely, lowered crib sides are at least 9 inches above the mattress support, raised crib sides are 26 inches above mattress when in lowest position, this could help in preventing falls. Again, a very important hint when buying a used crib is to do every safety test and make sure your crib of choice complies with the governments safety standards. Used older model cribs pose a bigger threat to your baby, just because, again, government safety standards were not as strict in earlier years as they are today. So be diligent in those safety tests and remember the statistics when it comes to infants and cribs. For more information on choosing a safe crib for your
baby

visit www.parentingprovisions.com, www.cribs.com, www.cribsafety.com and www.cribsafetystandards.com