Selecting Your Baby's Crib

When my wife and I became grandparent we were excited about having our new grandbaby visit. Buying a crib was one of the first activities to go on our list of things to do. The big question became, how to select a crib? Our number one concern was the safety of our grandbaby. So we wanted a good product. Since the baby would only be with us a few times before he was too big for a crib, we didn’t want to spend too much for the crib.

Choosing a crib for your baby is one of the most important furniture-buying selections you will make. Since your baby could be using the crib until two or three years of age, when he/she moves to a larger bed, it makes sense to spend the time to make the right choice. Make sure it is safe and strong. Researching the subject, I learn when selecting a crib there are a number of things to consider before making a purchase.

With the abundance supply of older cribs, in antique and use furniture stored, you may ask should I get an old or new crib? If you choose an old crib, double check the crib to make sure it is safe. Cribs made after 1985 are required by law to meet specific safety standards. Slats or bars on a crib should not be more than 2 3/8 inch apart. This is to prevent the baby’s head from getting trapped. Make sure there are no other defects or design flaws that would put your baby in danger. Be mindful of the paint that was used on the older cribs. Lead may be in the paint of older cribs posing a health threat to your baby. Should you decide to use an antique or older crib, it might make sense to have it refinished.

November 2005 issue of ConsumerReport.org recommends against buying a “pre-owned” crib at a yard sale, thrifty shop, or online. The reason for that recommendation is that they may not meet current safety standards.

It is a challenge to select a new baby crib. There are so many to choose from. But there are basically only four types:
Standard – rectangular shaped with either one of two drop-down sides.
Canopy – has a post at each of the four corners, which hold up a metal frame on which you can put a fabric canopy.
Convertible – converts from a standard crib to a toddler bed and then a day or full size bed.
Round – Round shaped. They usually have a single drop side.

Cribs are available in these price ranges:

Economy cribs – price range $100 - $150. Prices are lower because manufactures use cheaper materials. They may be perfectly adequate.

Mid-priced cribs – price range $150 - $450. These models are sturdier and more decorative than economy models.

High-end cribs – price range $450 and above. Many are imported from Europe and have hand-rubbed, glazed, or burnished finishes. You’ll see sleigh style with curved end boards and hand-painted detailed, as well as some models handcrafted from wrought iron.

Recommendations
I found the best advice is to follow ComsumerReport.Org recommends, “Buy unused, made after 1999, and Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association (JPMA) certified or certified to meet the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) voluntary standards (ASTM F-1169 and ASTM F-996). Click here to read more of the ConsumerReport.org November 2005 report.