Baby Cribs are More Than Just Furniture!

Purchasing a crib is a critical decision for new parents. A baby crib is the focal point of the nursery, but more importantly it must be a safe place for the baby to rest while mom and dad are not in the room. Your infant will spend most of her time away from caregivers in the crib. So selecting the safest crib for your newborn is of utmost importance; it will become the centerpiece of a warm, inviting nursery as well as the safest place when not in mommy's arms.

The first choice you'll need to make is which style baby crib you would like for the décor of your baby's nursery. There are a variety of styles of cribs available nowadays. 

The first and most common is the standard crib. When selecting the standard baby crib you need to be mindful of the two types of models.

Standard baby cribs either have a single drop side or a double drop side where both sides drop down. It depends on your needs and where you would like to position the baby crib in your nursery.

The standard baby crib will provide the classic baby nursery look; however it will not provide the longevity on the next option, the convertible baby crib.

Convertible cribs convert to a toddler bed from standard crib. These cribs even have the possibility to change from a toddler bed into a day or full sized bed. This long lasting feature offered by convertible cribs makes them a very attractive choice for new parents. Although they are a more costly item when new baby expenses are all ready piling up the convertible baby crib can ideally save you money in the long run.

Next in line would be canopy cribs have four posts on the corners of the bed. Round cribs are gaining popularity. Round cribs come with a canopy frame and they add a touch of class to your baby's nursery. Round Crib locks into place when you have found the perfect spot for it. Round baby cribs give the look and feel of a canopy yet round baby cribs add mobility for the parents.

For the traveling parents, a portable crib is an option. Portable Cribs give parents the flexibility of taking their child anywhere to get a good night sleep. The portable crib goes anywhere and everywhere you go. The portable crib folds compactly to easily carry with you. Some portable cribs, convert into a comfortable crib mattress when your child outgrows the bassinet. Parents who travel often may consider the standard baby crib for home and opt for a portable crib when out and about.

Once you have decided the type of baby crib you'd like begin to shop around. For starters, research the names of reputable furniture stores and crib manufacturer.

Your shopping experience for baby cribs is one that is propelled by finding the best for baby. Locate a store or showroom browse around and inspect the construction of the available cribs. Any crib worth considering should be made with a sturdy construction. The frame of the baby crib must be solid and secure. If possible check to see if the crib is stable in all positions as most baby cribs on the market today convert and adjust to grow along with the child. Inquire about when and where the baby crib was manufactured. If interested, learn the type of wood from which the baby crib is constructed. Be sure to verify that the baby crib comes complete with instruction and warranty.

If you opted for a crib with movable parts be sure all sides or rails lock into place. Nothing could be worse than the thought of the baby injuring himself while holding onto ill-assembled crib rails. When placing the mattress inside the frame of the baby crib make sure they are right against all of the sides of the crib sets. Over time any mattress that appears worn or ill-fitted to the crib frame should be replaced immediately.

Before long, the time will come when you can adorn your crib with the bedding. You should always take off any jewelry, pillows or stuffed animals from the baby when you place them into the baby cribs. Do not place the crib sets close to windows, lamps, electrical plugs or curtains. Soft pillows, mattresses, comforters, stuffed toys and bumper pads are not be used in cribs sets. When babies play with toys in the crib they should be supervised. As your child grows it is important to reassess the safety of the baby crib.

Some baby cribs are designed with non-toxic finishes. Selecting and using a baby crib for your infant is challenging task, but one that will provide safety and design to your baby's nursery.

Which Baby Crib

If you're in the market for a cot ensure it meets all the minimum safety standards. As with the seat of your baby safety car bed your baby will be one of the most important purchases you make.

bed your baby will be the sanctuary of your baby during the first months with your newborn many hours spent in his birthplace. A nursery is a place where your baby should feel safe and secure and that you feel comfortable to leave.

There is such a choice in cots trying to decide which crib to buy can be a daunting task. It is best to try and narrow your choices down to first decide what type of crib you want to buy. For example you want a wooden cot or a bed of iron, you're looking for something unique features and price or higher.

Decide whether or not you want down sides. Baby cribs come with single and double drop down sides or you may decide that you do not bother to have to drop all sides. If your baby's bed will be placed against a wall and then having both sides of the bed that can be dropped in a waste, but one side is good for most parents because it makes it easier to lift your baby in and out of the crib.

You can decide to go for a crib that turns into a toddler bed or perhaps a seat. Such a change in functionality at a cost and you often need to buy a kit to convert the bed of your baby. It's a nice concept, but very expensive and not necessarily that it is especially if you plan to have another child at a later date.

Most beds are equipped with adjustable mattresses so you can place more for your baby in the cradle and lower it to help prevent your baby out. An adjustable mattress is nice to have, but like most things cost and decent functionality so you probably need to head to the price range for your baby to bed make sure you get a mattress that works well. Choose a metal spring system if you can.

Once you have decided what type of bed you want and have established a price range you can afford then it is time to verify that the boxes are around. The Internet is a good starting point because it saves hours on your feet and gives you a good impression on the type and brand of bed you want to buy. Internet shops also offer some of the keenest prices around so that even if you found that cot dream of the city is available on the internet to see if you can beat the price, you usually do.

Bratt decor has a good range of cots available a full range from wood and iron base designer. All beds are made of wrought iron hand. If you want a bed carved, hand painted crib or that little something that is totally unique, you will find in the range Bratt Decor with a wide and super beautiful nursery furniture. Bratt Decor range is born from the founder's love of children and it certainly shows in their beautiful selection of cribs.

Angel Line manufacture a wide variety of wooden crates that meet all the required safety standards. Each rectangular crib is solid wood, down one side, four position mattress supports, safety equipment, metal casters for easy moving with a break and use a standard size bed mattress for baby. Angel Line offers a variety of three beds in a convertible (crib, cot and bed size), sleigh beds, cribs, continental, cribs and beds traditional heritage.

DaVinci make a wide range of baby cribs cheap chic. They offer a selection of baby cribs, dressers and changing tables for each nursery. The Emily Convertible crib is a popular choice, it is converted into a toddler bed and a double bed and has a system of four levels of adjustable spring mattress.

Round Cribs - What is So Special About Them?

If you are shopping for a baby crib, you would be aware that round cribs are definitely more expensive than standard cribs. While you can get a standard crib for slightly over $100, you would not be able to get a round crib at that price. If you browse through online stores selling baby cribs, you would find that a round crib could potentially cost you at least three times more than a standard crib.

In fact, many round cribs with attractive designs start at $700 and above. Comparatively, your choices for a standard crib become narrower when you start to hit that price range. So, what makes a round crib so special that it costs so much more? Is it worth it to pay so much for a crib in the first place?

What Is So Special

Most people would agree that a round crib is beautiful, especially those that come with handmade carvings and a canopy. In addition, many people with a small nursery prefer a round crib as it helps to optimize space.

Surface Area And Safety

But apart from the obvious, a round crib also has a bigger surface area compared to a traditional baby crib. Most round cribs have an inside diameter of 42 inches, compared to about 27 inches in width for a rectangular crib. This means a round crib has three square inches more total area than the regular crib.

It is also 14 inches wider which is why sellers can claim that your baby is less likely to hit the other side of the crib when he or she falls backwards. This makes it safer since it is inevitable that your baby will fall backwards when he or she is learning how to sit and stand. And with the round crib's gentle curves, your baby has no corners and concussion points to bump into compared to a rectangular crib.

Round View

A further specialty of the round crib is that you can place it in the middle of the room and let your baby have a 360-degree view of the room. Some crib manufacturers have marketed this as encouraging visual stimulation in your baby as he or she grows. No doubt, a baby can become easily bored being stuck in a crib and having more things to look at is always better than less.

Similarly, you will also be able to catch sight of your baby from all angles with a round crib and access him or her from all sides if the crib is not lined up against a wall. Comparatively, most standard cribs would end up being placed against a wall due to its rectangular shape.

Unique Models

There is also other uniqueness that is peculiar to one or two models of a round crib. One particular brand has a swinging door that can be opened not only to access your baby but also allow you to curl up inside the crib together with him or her. Because a round crib is three and a half feet wide in diameter, you can get in and just have the tips of your feet off the mattress.

Another brand has a design that allows conversion to a toddler bed. Almost all round cribs do not have the conversion option which many parents like. But if you prefer a round crib and the conversion feature as well, just be aware that there are one or two models out there that can offer you this practicality.

Conclusion

Now that you know what is so special about a round crib and what it can offer, the question is do you want to pay for these benefits? If you think that the benefits are worth the money, then by all means, buy a round crib. On the other hand, if you can live without the luxuries, settle for a standard crib instead. Evaluate your needs and wants and you will be able to decide the right crib for your baby.

Types of Baby Cribs - Finding the Right Crib For Your Baby

For new parents, a crib is a necessary investment to provide a comfortable and safe place for the baby to sleep in. But with so many choices out there today, what is the best type of crib for your baby?

The answer would very much depend on your budget, needs and space availability. Let us look at the different types of baby cribs in the market today and see how they can fit your needs:

Canopy Cribs

Canopy cribs are very much a fashion statement more for decor purposes. From simple to elaborate designs, the cost of a canopy crib can range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand. For instance, you can have a round canopy crib with a dome design at the top or a square crib with beautiful carvings on the four posters and canopy cross bars. Because you can have all the features that come with a standard crib plus the elegance, buy a canopy crib if you want a feel of luxury and romance.

Round Cribs

Just like canopy cribs, they are about style and elegance. If your nursery is small, a round crib may be the answer to optimize space.

Standard Cribs

Some parents are not so willing to spend too much on a crib because you would need to move your baby out of the crib and onto a toddler bed roughly at 18 months of age. Some delay the transition until their baby is past two but it all depends on the safety aspect once your child reaches a certain height. For standard cribs, you have a wide variety of choices in terms of brands, features and price range which means you are bound to find one that suits your needs and budget.

Portable Cribs

Portable cribs are foldable and make great alternatives in a caretaker's home or for travel. You can also consider this type of crib if your room has a lack of space. It is smaller than a full-sized crib but it makes it up in terms of convenience. For instance, most assembled portable cribs would be able to fit through standard doorways. This means you can easily push a portable crib from one room to another without much hassle. Convertible Cribs

A convertible crib is relatively more expensive than a standard crib although many are still largely affordable. This type of crib enables you to convert it to a toddler bed and subsequently, a full-sized bed, which makes it more economical in the long-run. If you do not want the hassle of shopping for a toddler bed two years down the road, then a convertible crib may be the right choice.

No Drop Side Cribs

This type of crib is not too popular because not many parents are tall enough to reach deep down into a crib to pick up their little one. You don't have to worry about your baby fiddling with the latches or normal wear-and-tear causing the drop sides to be improperly secured. So, if you are paranoid about safety, look for a no drop side crib.

Conclusion

Finding the right crib for your baby needs a little work. The avoid regret after purchase, list down your needs and the features that you want for your crib. Then, narrow down your crib choices through the list to arrive at your purchase.

Baby Crib Selections

When preparing for a new baby, a baby crib is a good start in purchasing baby furniture. A baby crib can be an important part of your baby's room. When picking out a baby crib you should consider certain things such as the safety of the crib, the style and design of the crib, the comfort it offers for your baby and if it is constructed well. There are different types of cribs to choose from such as a convertible cribs, standard cribs and portable cribs. Convertible cribs are popular because they can convert into a toddler bed once the baby grows. Convertible cribs are nice for many reasons. They keep up with your child as they grow older. They can be a good purchase because you are getting years of use from the crib as your baby grows older. This crib can go from a baby crib to a toddler bed then on to become a day bed and then to a full size bed. These types of cribs are made well and come in many attractive styles for your nursery.

A portable crib is a great crib to take along with you if you are traveling. It is also handy to move it around your home when needed. They are light in weight and easy to carry. They can fold up easily and come in different styles. A portable crib is a good choice in furniture for your baby. The standard crib is another popular choice in baby cribs. It has a traditional look that looks attractive in your baby's room. It acts just as a crib and does not convert to any other bed unless you buy a conversion kit that is sold alone. These cribs are stylish and designed well. Other types of cribs are sleigh cribs, round cribs and canopy cribs. Round cribs are round in size and very stylish. Round cribs work well for a new born. They can change to a toddler crib as your child grows older and is a safe crib for your baby. A sleigh crib has a style of its own. It is considered to be a very elegant type of crib for your baby.

Canopy cribs have the same shape as a standard crib. Canopy cribs are comfortable for your baby. And they have a canopy which keeps it cozy and warm for your baby. It gives your baby protection from the light coming through and can be very comforting to your baby. It can give your baby a more secure feeling being in this crib. The canopy gives this baby crib a special touch and makes it a great stylish crib for your baby's nursery. Some baby cribs include mobiles and toys as added accessories. Some of these types of cribs also serve double duty turning into larger beds for your child as they grow. Baby cribs are more updated these days and have many new features. They are a very useful and versatile piece of furniture for your baby's room.

Evolution of Safety Standards For Baby Cribs

A crib is a baby's bed with high, often slatted, often movable sides, suitable for a child who has outgrown a cradle or bassinet. When a young infant starts rolling over at approximately 3 to 4 months of age, the infant has outgrown the bassinet and needs a larger infant bed with better safety. Safety of a crib is more important than its looks. A brief account of evolution of safety standards for cribs in US is presented in this report.

No safety regulations were in force for building cribs before 1974 in the US. In 1974 laws were passed for mandatory safety standards to be followed by crib manufacturers. This was the result of a number of unfortunate injuries and deaths attributed to faulty design and lack of safety standards associated with the cribs at that time. US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) imposes the safety laws.

The Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association (JPMA) was born in 1959 and obtained its charter in 1962. JPMA is recognized as an organization dedicated to enhancing children's product safety. JPMA has developed a certification program that demands quality, safety and functionality. ASTM International, originally known as the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), was formed over a century ago, is currently one of the largest voluntary standards development organizations in the world-a source for technical standards for materials, products, systems, and services. ASTM F1169-09 pertains to the latest safety standard of a full size baby crib. ASTM F1169-09 standards ensure structural integrity and design requirements addressing entanglement on corner post extensions. It requires the manufacturers to provide warning labels and instructional material for full-size baby cribs. Fully-furnished cribs are tested on, and need to conform to the following test requirements: mattress support system vertical impact properties; drop and stationary side (static and cyclic) properties; crib side spindle/slat torque properties; drop and folding side latch properties; and plastic teething rail properties.

In August of 1995 CPSC reported that used cribs are responsible for about 50 infant deaths a year. The report also said that: cribs accounted for more deaths of infants than any other nursery item, virtually all the reported victims were under age 2 and about 3/4th of the victims were under 1 year of age, incidents occurred mostly in the child's home, frequently infants strangled or suffocated when they became trapped in the crib side or end that had separated from the rest of the crib because of loose or missing hardware. Some infants also became trapped between undersized mattresses and the side of the crib, in gaps created by missing or improperly attached mattress supports, or in areas between broken or improperly spaced slats. Some infants strangled when clothing or items around their neck became entangled on the crib corner posts or crib hardware. Most of the of cribs involved in these incidents were previously owned or used. They were "hand-me-downs" gifts from friends and relatives or by purchasing them at yard sales, flea markets, and used furniture stores. Infant deaths in cribs have declined from an estimated 150 to 200 a year to about 50 since the safety standards have been set forth in 1974.

CPSC currently recommends that cribs meet the following safety guidelines:

1. No missing, loose, broken, or improperly installed screws, brackets, or other loose hardware on the crib or the mattress support.
2. No more than 23/8 inches between crib slats so a baby's body cannot pass through the slats. If a soda can fits easily through the slats on a crib, the spaces between the slats are too wide.
3. A firm snug-fitting mattress so a baby cannot get trapped between the mattress and the side of the crib.
4. No corner posts over 1/16 of an inch above the end panels (unless they are over 16 inches high for a canopy) so baby cannot catch clothing and strangle.
5. No cutout areas on the headboard or footboard so a baby's head cannot get trapped.
6. A mattress support that does not easily pull apart from the corner posts so a baby cannot get trapped between the mattress and crib.
7. No cracked or peeling paint to prevent lead poisoning. 8. No splinters or rough edges.

JPMA certifies the cribs that meet the safety criteria of the CPSC and the voluntary safety standards of the ASTM. It is important to use a well-fitted mattress for your baby's crib. The standard size of a crib mattress is approximately 515/8 inches by 271/4 inches. A standard crib mattress will fit new standard crib, but may not fit an older crib made before 1974. Buy a standard size crib that is JPMA certified with a standard size mattress for your baby.