Crib Connect – Baby Crib Info & Reviews

Author: admin

Crib Recalls

When it comes to your baby, safety is always your first concern. While it’s tempting to think that all of the products on the market for babies are safe, this isn’t always the case. There are several reasons why a baby product might be recalled, most of which are safety concerns. Baby crib recalls have become more frequent in recent years, as many companies are searching for ways to produce less expensive products.

Where to Find Crib Recalls

Our Site
Here at CribConnect.com, we’re committed to helping you make sure your child’s crib is safe. That’s why we have a large amount of resources available to assist you in finding out of your baby’s crib has been recently recalled. Here, you can find out information about what could cause the recall, as well as what to do if your child has been injured by their crib.

Online
There are a wide variety of resources available online to find crib recalls. Some websites have a list of affected brands, while others go into detail about the reasons for the recall. It’s best to follow baby crib recalls on a trustworthy site that’s regularly updated with the latest information about crib recalls.

Manufacturer’s Website
In many cases, the manufacturer of a certain crib is required by law to announce the recall on their website after the recall has officially been initiated. However, some sites seem to have a slight delay in reporting recalls. It’s always best to check a wide variety of websites to make sure that your baby’s crib hasn’t been involved in any recent crib recalls.

Local News
Many local news channels often announce recalls as soon as they are initiated. Since a crib recall is often a serious situation (as faulty cribs could result in injury or death for infants), be sure to stay updated on a variety of sources to find out the latest information about baby crib recalls.

Why Might a Crib Be Recalled?

There are a wide variety of reasons why a baby crib might be recalled. Though not all of these reasons are a definite cause for concern, it’s always best to return your baby’s crib if it has been recalled. Failure to do so could put your child at risk of injury, sickness or other serious problems. Here are a few of the reasons why a baby crib might be recalled.

Complaints from Customers
In some cases, a recall could be initiated after a large number of complaints have come in by customers. These complaints could be unrelated, or the recall could be initiated before the actual problem with the crib has been determined. This is one of the reasons why it’s very important to give a crib company feedback if you notice any problems with your baby’s crib.

Improper Construction
A construction flaw in the crib could be severe enough to trigger a crib recall. Construction flaws may vary, and may not always be a direct safety problem. A construction problem in a crib could be anything from a loose bracket to a poorly-fitting joint. However, some construction flaws could present a direct threat to the safety of your child.

Toxic Materials
A crib might also be recalled if it’s discovered that it contains (or could contain) toxic substances. These substances may vary, ranging from the wrong kind of paint used on the crib, to a sealant that could cause breathing problems. Toxic materials in cribs is always a cause for concern, and is often one of the major worries of many parents. It’s best to follow the instructions to return your crib as soon as you discover that it’s been recalled due to a toxic substance contamination.

Potential “Safety Hazard”
In some cases, the specific reason for the recall could not be determined, but instead is simply labeled as a “Potential Safety Hazard”. This usually means that a problem has been detected in the crib which could potentially cause injury, sickness or other safety issues with children. A safety issue might fall into one of the categories above (such as toxic substance or construction flaw), or might be something else entirely.

What to Do if Your Baby’s Crib is Recalled

As soon as you figure out that your baby’s crib has been recalled, you need to take action. Check the source of the recall, and see if it includes any instructions for how to return your crib. You can always call the manufacturing company for your crib, and ask for further information about the recall. Some retail stores will accept returns of recalled cribs, though some stores might require you to have the original receipt. In some cases, a company may organize “drop off” points, where you can drop off the recalled crib and obtain a voucher that might give you a full refund.

May 3, 2011
Bassinets
Crib or bassinet? Surprisingly, many parents often ask themselves this question, even though cribs and bassinets are two entirely different pieces of baby furniture. Here’s a bit of information about bassinets, how to choose a bassinet, and some very important information about the correlation between bassinets and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

What is a Bassinet?

There are several key differences between bassinets and baby cribs. First, a bassinet is much, much smaller than a baby crib, and is used for a different purpose. The bassinet is usually only slightly larger than the baby, and cushioned with padding. The baby’s head is elevated slightly, and a blanket covers most of the baby’s body. The bassinet is meant to provide a “cocoon” environment, which is said to be soothing to newborns. Due to the close fit of a bassinet, it’s said to remind infants of the womb, and may keep them comforted until they are a few months of age.

The bassinet is usually rounded, in an oval shape. Some bassinets are attached to a stand, and may or may not have rolling wheels on the bottom. The bassinet is said to most closely look like a “cradle”, since it often has a decorative piece of cloth that half-covers the bassinet. This cloth can help shield the infant from direct sunlight.

Bassinets can be purchased with a variety of accessories, ranging from attachable toys to built-in mobiles that hang over the bassinet itself. Some bassinets even have an audio system, which can be used to play soothing music or ambient sounds as the baby sleeps. However, when choosing accessories for your bassinet, try to stay away from bumpers, extra cushions or stuffed toys placed inside the bassinet. These items can cause a higher instance of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).

Bassinets and SIDS

There has been a lot of controversial information involving a connection between bassinets and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). While the official cause of SIDS is as of yet still unknown, it’s theorized by some doctors to be the result of an improper amount of oxygen-rich air being able to reach a baby. Also, babies may suffer from SIDS as a result of re-breathing expelled carbon dioxide. Due to the tight nature of a bassinet environment, many experts have studied if a bassinet can contribute to SIDS.

However, what they discovered was fairly interesting. In reference to bassinets, an increase of SIDS is seen only if the mattress inside the bassinet is plush or very soft. SIDS increases were not seen in bassinets that had an extra firm mattress in the bottom.

Also, infants with higher occurrences of SIDS had bumpers or extra padding in their bassinet, which may have interfered with airflow. Because of this, many baby experts advise against placing items in your baby’s bassinet, including stuffed animals, extra blankets and unneeded cushions. Also, if your baby is covered with a blanket in the bassinet, you should only allow the blanket to come up to just under your baby’s arms. This way, the blanket can’t accidentally shift to cover your baby’s mouth and nose.

Stationary vs Portable Bassinets

When choosing a bassinet for your baby, you will have to choose between two different types – a stationary bassinet, or a portable bassinet. A portable bassinet is sometimes also called a “Moses Basket”, after the bible story about baby Moses floating down a river in his bassinet. Portable bassinets are favored as a more mobile method of keeping a baby from moving excessively. Since the bassinet is designed to be a cocoon, this means that the baby will be snug and secure.

A stationary bassinet is popular in many households as a way to keep a newborn infant immobile and safe. Stationary bassinets sometimes have a half-cover, as seen on a traditional baby carriage.

How Long to Use a Bassinet

It’s only safe to use a bassinet for your baby for a specific period of time. Bassinets are great for newborns, since they provide a safe “cocoon” environment. In many cases, hospitals will provide a bassinet so that a mother can be close to her baby immediately following delivery. Also, on some airplanes, the plane attendants will provide a soft bassinet attached to a bulkhead for parents with newborns.

However, a bassinet can only be safely be used to keep a baby in until the age of four months, or until the baby is able to roll over by itself. At this time, there is a danger of suffocation, and the baby should be moved to a regular crib.

Here are a few more of our articles where you can learn about Bassinets:
May 3, 2011
Baby Crib Reviews
Choosing baby products can be one of the most exciting (and most confusing) parts of preparing for a new baby. There are cribs, wipes, bottles, thermometers, blankets, bibs, towels, soaps, oils and a hundred other products that you’ll probably be tempted to buy! When it comes to purchasing a crib for your baby, it’s very important for you to read baby crib reviews. Choosing your baby’s crib isn’t a decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly, since there are some cribs that may not be safe for your child. Here’s a bit of information to guide you through how to navigate the hundreds of different baby crib reviews available.

Why Read Baby Crib Reviews?

There are many reasons why reading baby crib reviews can be a great way to ensure that you’re making the best choice for your child. Choosing your baby’s crib is a big decision, since not all baby cribs are created equal. Some cribs may contain dangerous components, or materials that could be hazardous to your baby’s health. Because of this, reading baby crib reviews is an essential part of the crib buying process.

How to Read Baby Crib Reviews

When reading any product review, it’s best to approach it with an open-mind. Be aware that many people are much more likely to share a negative experience than a positive one. Also, it’s important to remember that some companies will employ “shadow” reviewers, who will give certain products positive reviews in order to boost its ratings on certain review websites. The best thing to do is to check up on baby crib reviews from a wide variety of sources, and see if you can identify any common complaints. For example, if many people on different websites report that their baby developed a rash after sleeping in a certain type of crib, you might be able to assume that crib contains a material that can cause skin reactions. As long as you use your common sense, you shouldn’t have a problem gaining useful information from baby crib reviews.

Where to Find Baby Crib Reviews

There are several sources you can use to find baby crib reviews, including:

Our Site!
Here on CribConnect.com, you have access to a wide variety of reviews about different baby cribs. These reviews are a compilation of information gained from the manufacturer’s website, independent sites as well as reviews that other customers have posted. We strive to bring you the best information about baby cribs, and our reviews will help you figure out which baby crib is best for your child. Our reviews are unbiased, and not sponsored by any companies or affiliates.

Manufacturer’s Site
You can sometimes find reviews about different products directly on the manufacturer’s website. If a company sells products directly from their site, they may have a section where reviews about the products are posted. However, be aware that many companies screen these reviews, and may not approve product reviews that reflect negatively on their products.

Online Review Websites
There are a few websites online where you can find information about baby crib reviews. Some of these sites are independently owned, while some of them are sponsored or associated with different crib companies. Beware of any online review website that also sells products on their site, since they may be promoting a specific brand.

Friends and Family
When purchasing a baby crib, you can often get information about certain brands from your friends and family. If someone you know has recently had a baby, don’t be shy about asking them about their experience with different baby products. Even if they received a second-hand or discount crib, you can still get a good idea about the crib’s durability and functionality.

Writing a Baby Crib Review

If you have an experience to share about a certain baby crib, sharing your experience can be an important and valuable way for you to help other parents choose a baby crib. Remember – both positive and negative experiences are important! If you have good experiences with a certain type of baby crib, writing a review can help inform other parents about some of the benefits of choosing that crib for their child. Conversely, if you have had difficulties with a particular crib, sharing your opinion will help other parents steer clear of a potentially troublesome product.

Check out some of our articles about Baby Crib Reviews!
May 3, 2011
Baby Furniture
During pregnancy, many mothers will engage in “nesting” behavior. This may involve purchasing baby items, setting up the baby’s room or spending a lot of time tidying up around the house. This is also the time when you might be purchasing furniture for the baby’s room. Furnishing the baby room (or a part of your own bedroom) can be both a rewarding and stressful experience. Here are a few tips to help make choosing your baby’s furniture easier.

Choosing Baby Furniture

There are a few different factors you may want to consider when purchasing baby furniture. Some of these factors may be:

Safety First
As a parent, safety should be your first consideration when purchasing furniture for your baby. Though it may be tempting to save money by purchasing less expensive baby furniture, don’t forget to think of your baby’s safety. Inexpensive items may not have as strict safety standards as furniture of higher quality. Also, some items may have been recalled, so be sure to check the latest information about recalled baby furniture before making your purchase.

Durability
In the interest of saving money, you might be tempted to go for less expensive baby furniture, without thinking about durability. Babies grow fast! Also, if you purchase inexpensive baby items, you run the risk of having to replace them in a short amount of time. Use your best judgment, and try to stick to baby furniture that is both durable and affordable.

Material Construction
What type of material would you prefer for your baby’s furniture? Would you rather have your baby’s furniture made out of wood, metal or plastic? Or, would you prefer baby furniture that’s made of a combination of materials (such as metal and wood)? Your choice of material could be for aesthetics, to match the design of your home, or as a personal preference.

Quality
In general, higher quality baby furniture may cost a bit more than less expensive baby furniture. However, this isn’t always the case, so it’s important for you to decide the level of quality for your baby’s furniture beforehand. Would you prefer an expensive oak crib, or would you be content with one made of pine? Would you like designer baby furniture, or would you prefer something simpler?

Price
This is usually one of the major deciding factors for any parent that’s choosing baby furniture. Since most of us are on a tight budget, price is often one of our highest priorities. We want to choose baby furniture that fits our current income. Because of this, it can be difficult to decide which of the less expensive baby furniture items are actually worth the price. Far too often, many parents choose a less expensive item, and end up replacing it after only a few months.

Design
If you have a theme in mind for your baby’s room, you might want to choose your baby’s furniture based on a specific theme or design. Because of this, your choices for baby furniture might be a bit limited. For example – maybe you’re doing your baby’s room in a theme of blue and white, and want to complement this with some lightly colored pine furniture. For your baby’s crib, you will have to make do with baby cribs that are made of pine, if you want to fit with the room’s design. However, don’t be afraid to improvise! Experiment with different combinations of furniture, and you might be surprised at the results.

Choosing Baby Furniture on a Budget

If you’re on a tight budget, it can be difficult to find baby furniture that is within your financial reach. However don’t give up! There are a few options for purchasing good quality (and sometimes even designer) baby furniture even if you don’t have a lot of money to spare. As far as baby furniture goes, you can always check your local thrift stores for gently used items. Don’t purchase used mattresses, however! It’s always best to purchase your baby’s mattresses new, since used mattresses can have germs, bacteria, mites and other dangers.

Another option for finding inexpensive baby furniture is to ask friends and family members. In many cases, people may have extra baby furniture items in storage, which they might be willing to sell to you at a great price. You can also check your local newspaper, Craigslist and Freecycle for other options on getting baby furniture for cheap (or sometimes even for free). As with any deal made over the internet – be sure to use caution! If you choose to pick up items from a seller, try to meet in a populated area, and bring a friend with you.

Here are a few more articles related to baby furniture:
May 3, 2011
Crib Bedding
There are so many things that need to be done to prepare for a newborn baby! Many parents love the process of getting ready for their new baby, spending lots of time (and money) on different types of baby products. The baby’s room is one of the most fun projects for any parent, including setting up their baby’s crib. After purchasing a baby crib and a crib mattress, you’ll probably begin looking for bedding for your baby’s crib. Here are a few tips that will help you choose crib bedding.

Crib Bedding and SIDS

Some parents often voice concerns about crib bedding and SIDS. The interesting thing is, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome hasn’t been linked to one particular cause. However, many experts have theorized that one potential cause of SIDS is a restriction of oxygen flow around the baby, which causes the baby to re-breathe carbon dioxide. Other experts have thought that the material of the bedding might make a difference in the risk of SIDS. To avoid these risks, there are a few things that you can do.

Purchase crib bedding that fits tight around the mattress, without any loose areas that could accidentally cover your baby’s mouth or nose. Also, if you use a blanket in your crib, make sure that it can only be pulled up to just under your baby’s arms. This will ensure that the blanket doesn’t accidentally become pulled up to cover your baby’s face. Only purchase non-toxic crib bedding material, and be sure to wash it before placing it inside your baby’s crib. This will help prevent any loose fibers from becoming airborne, which could potentially cause respiratory problems.

Choosing Crib Bedding

Deciding which type of crib bedding is best for your baby can be a bit of a challenge. There are a bunch of important factors for you to consider when purchasing bedding for your baby’s crib. Some of these are:

Bedding Material
Some people choose different types of bedding material for their baby’s crib. Some bedding material has been specially made to be free of toxic colors, dyes or chemical washes. Some bedding material is also waterproof, which makes cleanup of any accidents much easier. You may also be able to purchase a liner that goes underneath your baby’s crib bedding, which prevents moisture from reaching the crib’s mattress.

Color and Print
Many parents like to purchase colored or printed crib bedding for their baby’s crib. Cute character prints, colorful prints and other designs are among the many choices for printed crib bedding. If you’re decorating your baby’s room in a specific theme, you might want to purchase crib bedding and blankets that mach this theme. For example, if you’re decorating with a theme of Disney characters, you might want to purchase crib bedding that has prints of Disney characters. If you’re having trouble finding the right type of print to match your baby’s room, try searching for different types of crib bedding designs online.

Price
Many people like to purchase inexpensive crib bedding to save money. Crib bedding is often available at discount stores, since many manufacturing companies often have overstocked or out-of-print crib bedding designs. If you’re worried about price, discount stores are a great place to start. You can also often find inexpensive crib bedding online, or by using promotional codes. Since some manufacturing companies sometimes offer promotional codes on their website, it’s best to check the site before making a purchase online. You can also try asking friends and family if they have any gently used crib bedding that might be suitable for your baby’s crib.

Type of Crib
What type of crib are you purchasing bedding for? Is it a square crib, or a rectangular crib? The type of crib you’ve chosen for your baby does have an impact on the type of crib mattress that will best fit your needs.

Crib Mattress Size
Don’t forget to measure your crib mattress before purchasing crib bedding. The crib bedding should fit snugly around the mattress, without any loose corners or bunching. Most mattresses have their dimensions printed on the packaging. Be sure to also make sure that your crib’s bedding fits the thickness of the mattress, and is able to tuck tightly down around the corners.

Check out a few of our other articles about different types of Crib Bedding:
May 3, 2011
Crib Mattress
Your baby’s crib represents a comfortable, fun area where your new baby will be spending a lot of their growing-up months. For a baby, a crib is their sanctuary, a safe place to rest and be comforted. Part of making sure your baby is happy (and safe) involves properly setting up your baby’s crib. This involves purchasing a good quality, sturdy crib, as well a comfortable crib mattress.

Purchasing a crib mattress may seem like just a small part of what you need to do to prepare for your new baby. However, did you know that your crib mattress is actually one of the most important parts of the crib? Your baby’s crib mattress should be firm, and offer your baby a lot of support. Also, the mattress shouldn’t be too soft, or obscured with stuffed animals or extra blankets. Here’s a quick guide that will help you become more familiar with crib mattresses.

What Kind of Crib Mattress is Best?

There are a number of different debates regarding the different types of crib mattresses. Some types of crib mattresses are said to be dangerous to a child’s health, such as an excessively soft crib mattress. In general, most baby experts seem to agree that a firm crib mattress is best, since it lowers the chance of accidental suffocation. Try to avoid any type of crib mattress that comes with attached pads, since too much obstruction in the crib can result in poor air circulation around your baby. Since poor air circulation is theorized to be one of the major causes of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), this is extremely important!

Choosing a Crib Mattress

The process of choosing a mattress for your baby’s crib can involve a lot of extensive research about what’s best for your child. There are several considerations that you might have to take into account when choosing a crib mattress. These may include:

Crib Mattress Material
The material of your crib mattress is more important than you might think! Remember, your baby will probably be in contact with the crib mattress for long periods of time. In the event that your baby might have an accident (and if you don’t have a mattress cover that’s waterproof), you might have to clean the crib mattress yourself. Try to purchase a crib mattress that’s machine washable, or that can be washed by hand. Also, make sure that your crib’s mattress is made of non-toxic material. The stuffing for your crib mattress should be soft, but still be firm enough to give your baby adequate cushion against the bottom of the crib. Avoid any stuffing materials that will bunch or compress over time.

Crib Mattress Cover
Even with the protection of a diaper, your baby still might have accidents in the crib. To help make cleaning the crib easier, you should really invest in a high-quality, machine washable crib mattress cover. This mattress cover should be made of a non-toxic material, and should fit snugly around the mattress. When choosing a crib mattress cover, it’s best to purchase one that’s designed for the type of crib mattress that fits your baby’s crib. The mattress cover should pull tight around the corners, without any bunching or folding.

Price
Many people choose to decide which crib mattress to buy based on its price. While it may be difficult to be on a budget and purchase supplies for your baby, try not to purchase the least expensive crib mattress you can find. Instead, choose your crib’s mattress based on its quality and durability. If you’ve purchased the right kind of baby crib, your baby might be able to use it for a long period of time. Because of this, try to choose a crib mattress that will last, and be able to endure at least a few trips through the washing machine. Don’t purchase used crib mattresses! They can harbor bacteria, mites and other dangerous substances that could harm your baby’s health. Always purchase new, sealed crib mattresses.

Size
Be sure to measure your baby’s crib before deciding to purchase a crib mattress. Cribs come in different sizes, so you’ll want to make sure the mattress you purchase will fit your baby’s crib. This is especially important if you have purchased a used or handmade crib, which may be in different dimensions than the mattresses available for purchase. Also be on the lookout for crib mattresses that are on sale or discounted, since this can help you to save money on your baby’s crib mattress.

Check out a few of our articles where you can learn more about Crib Mattresses:
1. Organic Crib Mattress
2. Crib Mattress Reviews
3. Crib Mattress Size
4. Portable Crib Mattress
5. Crib Mattress Dimensions
6. Crib Mattress Pads
7. Foam Crib Mattress
May 3, 2011
Welcome to CribConnect.com

Choosing the right products for your baby can be a bit of a stressful experience. Each day, there are more stories about baby products that have been recalled or taken off of the market. Finding the right products to meet the needs of your baby is a decision that should be treated with care. As a parent, you only want the best for your baby. Fortunately, we’re here to help!

We want to aid you in choosing the best and safest crib to meet your baby’s needs. On our site, we will be covering a wide variety of cribs, bassinets and mattresses. We’ll help guide you through the process of selecting the right crib, walking you through the assembly procedure and making it a comfortable environment for your baby. We’ll also let you know about any new information about cribs, mattresses or bassinets that have been taken off of the market due to recalls.

Our Goals

Being a parent is a lot of responsibility, especially if you’re a first-time parent. A new baby can be exciting, but it can also put a lot of stress on you to choose the “right” products. There are thousands of different baby products, each of which is advertized as being the “best” choice for your baby. We want to help you cut through the marketing, clever advertising and gimmicky commercials for baby cribs. Instead, you should be able to have access to real, researched information about how to choose a crib for your baby. That’s our mission! We want to help make the process of choosing a crib as easy and painless as possible.

What We Cover

On this site, we’ll be covering a variety of topics related to baby cribs, baby crib accessories, baby furniture, and much more! You can expect to find useful and accurate information that will help you learn about what types of baby furniture are best for your baby.

Looking for information about Organic crib mattresses? Character print bedding? The latest information about baby crib recalls? You can find all of that information (and more) here! We’re committed to covering every topic relating to baby cribs, accessories, baby furniture, bassinets and other topics.

Safety First

We believe that you have the right to know if a product on the market has been deemed unsafe for your child. That’s why we keep our site updated with the latest information about any baby cribs, mattresses or other items that have been recently subjected to a recall. As a parent, you deserve to know the truth about which items may contain components that could harm your baby’s health. To help you gain a better understanding about the safety of baby products, we also offer a wide variety of reviews about different types of baby cribs, mattresses and other items.

Baby Crib Types

Are you a newbie to purchasing baby cribs? We’re here to help! With the wide variety of articles that are available on our site, we cover a wide variety of different topics. We will walk you through which essential information you need to know before purchasing a baby crib, mattress, bassinet or other baby product. Did you know that some cribs are better for certain babies? Did you know that some baby crib mattresses can contain toxic components that can harm your baby’s health? You can find all of this information (and much more) here on CribConnect.com.

For Parents, By Parents

Our site was designed as an inspirational source of information for new parents. CribConnect.com is designed for parents, by parents. Like you, we want only the best for our children. Since there’s so much information available about different baby products, we know it’s easy to get confused. That’s why we created this site – as a source of real, accurate and unbiased information to help you do what’s best for your child.

Baby Products on a Budget

If you’re like us, you don’t have a lot of extra income to spend on fancy baby items. We understand! That’s why we cover a wide variety of options for purchasing baby cribs, bassinets, baby mattresses and other baby furniture on a tight budget. You don’t always have to sacrifice quality to purchase inexpensive baby furniture – sometimes, the best deals are right under your nose! We’ll be sharing with you some of the best-kept secrets for where you can find inexpensive, high quality baby cribs and baby furniture.

Read More

We hope that you find all of the information on our site useful! Please feel free to offer us feedback about any of the articles you find on our site – or if you have suggestions for how we can improve our information. In any case, congratulations on taking an important step towards learning about how to choose baby furniture that’s best for your child!

April 16, 2011
Best Baby Cribs

Choosing the Best Baby Cribs

Of all of the items you must acquire before you bring your new baby home, a crib is probably the most important one. Newborns sleep as much as 17 hours in a 24-hour period, so your little one will probably spend more time in his crib than he will anywhere else. Even as he is growing, your baby will nap and play there, so making a wise investment is of utmost importance. Selecting one of the best baby cribs available depends on several determining factors, and knowing them can help narrow your choices.

Safety Features to Look for

Your child’s health, safety and security are your primary concerns, so finding baby cribs that are secure will be your first priority. Unlike earlier models that included a drop-down side so that you could easily pick up or lay down your baby, the best cribs will only have stationary sides. While this might seem like an inconvenience, the movable sides were found to be hazardous, as infants have become trapped, causing injury and death. In addition, rails should be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart.

Design and Style

Baby cribs come in an array of sizes, colors and designs. Choosing the best crib style for your baby is a highly personal choice. Traditional cribs remain popular, but other options include convertible cribs that you can transform into a toddler bed with side rails and, later, a standard twin headboard and footboard. Cribs with canopies are charming for a new little princess, and round cribs are unique and modern.

If you choose to stick with stained wood, consider the style of your home and other rooms. Cherry and oak tends to look rich and classic, while pine and cedar have qualities that are more rustic. Of course, you can opt for a painted crib or purchase an unfinished piece and paint it yourself. Skip the blue for boys and pink for girls and go with a shade that is ideal for any baby, such as sage, gray or tangerine.

Budget Considerations

Finally, it is important to take into account the amount you want to spend. While your baby’s new crib is an important investment, there are many other items you will need to keep her happy and healthy as well. Establish a reasonable guideline for crib shopping. Fortunately, there are cribs to fit any budget, so you are sure to find a selection of the best baby cribs to suit your little one’s needs without breaking the bank.

April 20, 2010