Important Safety and Styling Features of Baby Cribs

Baby Cribs are the feature item in any baby's nursery. Most parents can get away with keeping their newborn in a bassinet for the first few weeks of life; eventually however, all parents will have to invest in some type of baby crib to ensure their newborns safety during the early years.

The number of different crib types available can often be overwhelming. There are sleigh, convertible, mini, wooden and rocking cribs to name a few. Some of the most popular baby cribs are those that convert into a toddler bed. Buying this type of crib is an economical decision allowing baby to use the same bedding for years to come. Other types of convertible baby cribs allow the crib to be attached next to the parent's bedside for co-sleeping arrangements. This style of crib is often a popular choice among attachment parenting supporters, who believe that baby is better off sleeping with mom and dad for the first few months of life.

Some of the newest version baby cribs have the capability of 'rocking' your newborn to sleep. This can be an exceptional plus when trying to get a colicky baby to sleep. Keep in mind however, when considering this style of crib that eventually baby will outgrow the rocking crib and have to move to an ordinary bed. The transition might be a little disconcerting at first. Babies develop habits early on, and a baby who learns how to fall asleep with rocking will likely require some type of soothing mechanism in order to fall asleep in the years to come.

No matter the type of baby crib you decide on, there are certain important safety factors you should take into consideration before purchasing. These include the following:

• Never buy a "used" crib unless you are certain that it is in quality shape and has all the parts. If you are missing a part, you might be able to order spare parts from the manufacturer. NEVER, EVER try to force a crib so that it works without the spare parts. Your baby's life can be in danger. Many an infant has been critically injured or suffocated because of a collapsed crib. Most manufacturers and organizations recommend purchase of a new crib to ensure the safety of your newborn infant.
• Make sure that all slats are placed no more than 2 3/8 inches apart
• Ensure that the mattress fits snugly into the crib, so that there is no more than a two finger width space differential between the edge of the mattress and the side of the crib
• Corner posts should be no higher than 1/16 of an inch to prevent entanglement or suffocation
• Screws and bolts should all be secure

Some other considerations when you are searching for baby cribs include how secure the drop side latches are. You want to be certain that they are strong enough to prevent baby from accidentally unlatching them. Also, when setting up your baby crib, be certain not to fill the babies bed with extra blankets or stuffed animals. Such items also pose a suffocation risk, especially during the first four months of baby's life when SIDS is a risk factor. Lastly, be certain that you do not place the crib within reach of any hanging objects that baby might accidentally grab onto and pull down.

Many parents often look for a colorful mobile to attach to the rail of their baby crib. This is a fine idea, and can provide your baby with hours of stimulating entertainment. Just be certain that you remove the mobile by the time baby is sitting up, so that she doesn't accidentally pull the mobile down or become entangled in any loose strings.

Adriana Copaceanu is a busy mom of 2. Visit her Busy Moms Online if you are looking for ways to maximize your precious time. And if you are a new mom, you'll find everything you need to know at her Baby's First Year website.

---

The Personality Traits of a Capricorn Baby

Your Capricorn Baby..December 23 - January 19Capricorn babies thrive on... Read More

The Best Way To Give Medicine To A Baby

So you carefully fill a spoon with medicine for baby,... Read More

Childrens Bedroom Furniture - Three Mothers Share Their Buying Habits

Just two months ago, a group of mothers from three... Read More

Selecting The Right Type of Stroller For Your Lifestyle

Having a baby is exciting, but also very tough! There... Read More

Six Ways to Save on Your Baby Shower

It's time to celebrate the baby! As Keepsake Favors' resident... Read More

How Often Should A One-Month Baby Go for Check Up?

What happen during the first month of your newborn, does... Read More

Baby?s First Shoes: How to Choose the Right Ones

Any parent of an active toddler has asked this question:... Read More

Potty Training Boys - How To Potty Train Boys - Do You Teach Them to Sit or Stand?

I am asked this question by many parents - they... Read More

How to Find Those Elusive Baby Gifts That Are Just Right

Baby Gifts from gift certificates to very expensive toys. Something... Read More

Baby Slings - Comfort for Both the Child and the Parent

Baby slings are one of those things that have been... Read More

Baby Car Seat Glossary Guide

To the uninitiated parent, buying a car seat for your... Read More

Baby Shower Themes For Your Special Baby Shower

Do you want to provide a baby shower that is... Read More

Couples Baby Shower Honors Both Mom and Dad

If having a Couples Baby Shower seems odd to you,... Read More

The Top 10 Fun Things for Parents and Toddlers to Play With

1. Give your child a spray bottle of water and... Read More

Baby Names - Choosing Trendy or Traditional

Lists of baby names are always fun to look at,... Read More

Unique Baby Bedding - Because Every Baby is Special

All parents want something absolutely unique for their baby. Be... Read More

Baby Yoga and Me

Having carried a sizable bump around for a very long,... Read More

Childrens Backpack Safety and Comfort

One of the easiest and safest ways to carry your... Read More

Healthy Baby Food - When is the Best Time to Start Consuming Juice?

Mother's milk is the best choice for healthy baby food.... Read More

Baby Shower Gifts

As a host, you need to consider the people that... Read More

Using Baby Signing To Communicate With Your Young Child

Baby Signing..Around 20 years ago, two American doctors discovered baby... Read More

Your Baby?s Nursery ? What You Will Need

As an expectant mother, you are full of excitement and... Read More

How to Make Your Own Baby Food and Save a Fortune!

Baby in a highchair, mom in front with a small... Read More

Potty Training Facts

Potty training, toilet training, toilet teaching or toilet learning are... Read More

Most Important Decision of a Lifetime - What to Name Your Baby

Most people don't know the meaning of their name, but... Read More

Free Baby Shower Invitations

Free baby shower invitations are the best! Everyone knows that... Read More

Baby Massage: A Cure for Colic

Colic hurts. Any parent who has an affected child will... Read More

Potty Training Resistance - Is Your Child Resisting Your Potty Training Efforts?

Potty Training ResistanceFrom your perspective, your child is resisting all... Read More

Baby Boy Clip Art to liven up your Baby Shower Cards

Loads of baby boy clip art images are available, once... Read More

Gift Giving For Baby

Since they are you friends or relatives, chances are you... Read More

Baby Shower Checklist-Hostess

Using baby shower checklist-hostess are the best way to stay... Read More

Baby Girl Clip Art

The online baby girl clip art images help you to... Read More

Baby Clipart for All Your Baby Shower Printing Needs

Baby clipart is the perfect accent to all of your... Read More