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Sunday, January 23, 2011

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.

Saturday, January 22, 2011

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.