Ursula Ansbach

The Perfect Baby Crib for You



Posted: Thursday, January 01, 2009

by Ursula Ansbach
mybabyfurnitureplus

When you are looking for the perfect baby crib there is a wide variety to choose from. There are standard cribs, convertible cribs, wooden cribs, iron cribs, round cribs, corner cribs, and twin cribs. The perfect crib for you depends on several factors: your budget, your plans for your family, the size and shape of your nursery and the number of babies you are providing for.

If you are on a bit of a shoestring budget, a nice, solid standard baby crib will fill the bill. Make safety and reliability your first requirement , avoiding the temptation to purchase a less expensive crib that may be made from pressed wood or plastic or any crib with questionable construction. Even if you don't forsee re-using the crib , you want to purchase a baby crib made from solid wood. Solid wooden cribs don't chip or break easily. They feel better to baby's touch and they hold up longer. Most wooden cribs have non -toxic finishes. Some pressed wooden cribs and those made before 1978 actually have formaldehyde finishes. Additionally, I've seen cheaper cribs fall apart before babies have outgrown them. I've actually seen parents use tape and string in the hopes that the crib will make it until their baby reaches toddlerhood. Not ideal! Not safe! You want a crib that passes the requirements set by the Consumer Products Safety Commission and the JPMA or Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association. Please consider reading a previous article on this topic: Baby Crib Safety: Your Most Important Consideration.

Most standard baby cribs have a dropside, mattress height position adjustments, are intended to sleep single babies, and serve the baby only until he or she outgrows it. Standard cribs are usually designed in the familiar rectangular structure. Some standard cribs have drawers underneath for handy storage, and if there are wheels they should have locking casters . Standard cribs may have the capacity to convert into day beds when your baby has outgrown them. Consider a standard crib made of iron for extra durability that may last through generations and become a family heirloom.

One of the smartest inventions of our times , in my opinion, is the convertible crib. Instead of being shifted to the attic when baby grows, it changes to a toddler bed and, when your toddler goes through his or her next big growth spurt, a full sized bed is readily available. I have recently seen a convertible crib by Child Craft that changes to a toddler bed, then a full sized bed and finally, a queen sized bed. You actually save money in the long run, even though your initial investment may be a bit higher. Never buy anything less than a high quality convertible crib since the conversion process demands strong wood and hardware (metal, not plastic bushings to hold screws)!

If space is abundant, you may want to consider a round baby crib. Round cribs are also more accessible to the adult and provide more room for the baby. They do require more space however and sometimes linens and mattresses are not so easy to find. If you are short on space you may consider a corner crib that will tuck away and allow more space in your nursery. Corner cribs are also usually a bit larger for baby. Both styles may be a bit pricier than standard types of cribs.

If you've been doubly blessed, baby cribs for twins are available. Twin cribs are usually double cribs that are joined in siamese style. I recently saw a double decker twin baby crib. While such a crib could solve space issues I question the safety element. Just forget to lock the upper wooden rail one time and you could have serious problems! You will probably pay more for twin cribs than you would for the purchase of two separate cribs simply because of the trendy design. Consider that while your babies are twins, they are also, first and foremost individuals and treating them as such from the very start can be boost to their self image.

In summary, there is a wide variety of baby cribs available to meet your needs. Standard cribs, convertible cribs, round cribs, corner cribs and twin cribs provide a variety to choose from. As you consider your budget, your plans for your family, available space and, most importantly, safety, durability and longevity, your are certain to find the perfect baby crib for you.

Ursula Ansbach is the owner of the online furniture store MyBabyFurniturePlus.  She is also a teacher, educator and parent who lives on the shores of Lake Erie with her family.   http://www.mybabyfurnitureplus.com
This Article has been viewed 638 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
No comments yet.
We want your comments! If you can read this, you don't have javascript enabled, so you can't use this comment system. Please enable javascript.