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Before you buy a baby crib...
by: Heather Wootton Corley

Purchasing the perfect baby crib can be a daunting task, whether you're an expectant parent, experienced daycare provider, or doting grandparent. Determine your price range and decide which baby crib features are most important to you. Then let the hunt begin! You'll be sure to find that perfect baby crib in no time. Here are some important crib features to get you started on your quest. Many thanks to Beth, a mom of two in Ohio, for her generous help on this story.

Safety First

Any new baby crib you purchase will meet minimum government requirements. So rest assured that if you assemble it to the manufacturer's instructions and use the crib properly, even the least expensive baby crib will be safe for the little one. A safe crib should have a firm, tight-fitting mattress, no missing/broken hardware or slats and no cutouts in the head- or foot-boards. Slats should be no more than 2 3/8" apart (the width of a soda can). Corner posts should not be higher than 1/16".

To Drop, or Not?

Drop Sides are the crib feature you might use most often. Baby cribs come with fixed, single-drop or double-drop sides. Fixed sides will be fine for parents who are tall or if the crib will only be used occasionally. Most parents will want at least one side to drop, so the baby can be lifted in and out with ease. A baby crib with double drop sides might be nice if the nursery is big enough that the crib isn't against a wall.

How Do the Sides Drop?

Knee Push - Leaning your knee against the crib side lowers the side. Quiet and simple, this may be the most common type today. Foot Bar - You balance on one foot and push a lever to drop the crib sides. This type is less common today. Double Trigger - You use both hands to squeeze triggers that release the crib side. Two-handed operation isn't easy while holding baby. Fold-Down - Convenient and easy to use. Be sure the fold is high enough to keep baby from climbing out.

Wheels are a Plus

Wheels are a very useful feature. Check the casters to make sure they aren't flimsy, because you'll be moving the crib to vacuum under it, change sheets or fetch toys. If you aren't sure if you'll need them, leave them off but keep them nearby. You'll probably want them on by the time the baby is 3 or 4 months old. If you fall in love with a crib that doesn't have wheels already installed, you can buy furniture caster wheels at the hardware store and install them yourself.

Crib Mattress Height and Support

Adjustable mattress height is available on all but the most inexpensive models. It allows for the mattress to be up higher so you can gently lay down a sleeping newborn, but also lower for a baby who can pull up. At least two mattress heights are nice, three is even better. Check out the way the mattress is held up. Some cheaper cribs use vinyl straps that could wear out and break. A better choice is a baby crib with metal bars or, the best choice, a metal spring system to support the mattress.

Convertibles?

Convertible baby cribs are attractive to many buyers, though its value is dubious. Some cribs convert to a toddler bed, others to a full-size bed. Most require an extra kit to do so; ask about the cost before you make your final decision on a convertible crib. Also ask yourself honestly whether you'll actually make the conversion once the little one has grown.

Crib Shopping - Lots of Choices

Baby mega-stores such as Babies R Us have the largest selection in both price and style. They will have a few models in stock, and must order others. Orders can take up to 12 weeks. Local baby shops carry premium brands at premium prices. They usually don't keep cribs in stock, so every crib is a special order. Websites have a wide range of brands and models, but shipping might be pricey. If there's a problem, returning the crib could be difficult. Be clear on return policies before you buy.

Other Buying Choices

Large retailers like Sears have a few choices in the middle to low price range. You may have to order your crib. Big box retailers like Wal-mart have low prices and cribs in stock. Their selection is limited, usually to low-end models. Be wary of used cribs. Unless the crib has labels with manufacturer, model number and year, comes with an instruction manual and you are able to verify the crib's history, pass it up. Always call or check the manufacturer's website for recalls on used cribs.

About the Author

Heather Wootton Corley is a freelance writer and mother with an active interest in new baby products and product safety. Since her daughter was born in 2001, Heather has navigated toy stores, kids clothing shops and baby products aisles in search of the perfect baby items, and now hopes to make those product decisions easier on other parents, friends and relatives.

More information: Baby Crib Safety...

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