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.

---

Top 3 Must Have Books for Your Baby or Toddler

Reading is one of the most important things you will... Read More

Baby Shower Planning and Hosting

Planning and organization are crucial to hosting a successful baby... Read More

Safely Feeding Babies - 10 Important Tips

Babies usually triple their birth weight the first year. That's... Read More

Front Packs vs. Baby Back Packs

For ages caring parents have carried their babies with them... Read More

You Have a New Person at Home: Babys Fourth Month Guide

Baby is into her fourth month now.Mom's milk is best.Breast... Read More

Real Nappies (Cotton Nappies) or Disposables - The Debate

I'm sure you have heard some of the debate surrounding... Read More

Its Not Too Late to Vaccinate Against the Fear of Failure Flu

There's an epidemic in our culture. Have you heard of... Read More

Keeping Your New Baby Safe

After all the baby furniture is purchased, you'll have to... Read More

Read Together With Your Baby

Imagine sitting your baby in your lap and reading a... Read More

Language Development In Your Baby

From birth to one year your baby will go from... Read More

Potty Training Facts

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

Baby?s First Year ? What to Expect

As a new Mom, you are probably wondering about many... Read More

Weaning A Baby Onto Solid Food

The best time to wean your baby onto solid food... Read More

What Should You Consider When Choosing Baby Clothes

Are you expecting a baby? You might be tempted to... Read More

The Baby Food Debate: The Benefits of Homemade Baby Food Over The Jars

Americans have long depended on jarred baby foods for convenient... Read More

Wasp and Bee Stings to Babies

Are you expecting a baby? Are you planning on having... Read More

Learning Activities For Your Baby

Books and Babies - For babies from age 6 weeks... Read More

The Personality Traits Of An Aries Baby

Your Aries Baby..21 March - 19 April.A typical Aries has... Read More

Baby Clothes - Daywear, Nightwear, And Special

When choosing and buying baby clothes, parents can be faced... Read More

Five Easy Steps to Potty Train Your Baby

No?Don't let your child pee or poop every where and... Read More

The Truth About Baby Bedding

Imagine your little baby in her nursery. So happy in... Read More

Using Baby Signing To Communicate With Your Young Child

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

Baby Bedding Wants Vs. Bedding Baby Needs

If you walk into any baby store or online baby... Read More

Guide to Easy, Affordable Baby Shower Decorations

Great baby shower decorations are more about using your imagination... Read More

Baby Clothes for Your Baby Shower Gift

Baby clothes are one of the most popular types of... Read More

How to Choose a Diaper Pail for Disposable Diapers

When you have already made the decision not to use... Read More

Shared Dancing has Benefits for Babies and New Moms Alike

Every parent knows the calming effects on their baby of... Read More

Creative Potty Training

When I was potty training my two young boys, I... Read More

Wooden High Chairs Offer Simplicity, Beauty, and Practicality for Todays Busy Families

Wooden high chairs with their looks and functionality make a... Read More

Baby Shower Gifts

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

14 Steps To Reducing Your Infants Reflux

Many of the things listed below will help with your... Read More

Liven Up Your Baby Shower With A Few Games

You have a baby shower planned for a friend; you... Read More

Does The Size Of Your Baby Matter?

Does size matter? No, not that! Is your baby too... Read More