What New Parents Should Look for When Buying Their First Crib

Instead of going crazy baby-proofing the whole house when a newborn is on the way, parents should take a deep breath, relax, and focus. More specifically, the focus should be on choosing the best crib possible. After all, a newborn isn't going to spend that much time crawling around the kitchen. Instead, he or she is going to be sleeping, napping, and resting a lot in the bedroom or nursery.

The cornerstone to a safe and healthy baby is a new crib that's up to the contemporary safety standards. It might be quaint or lovely to use a hand-me-down crib from your own youth, but with splinters and lead paint, not to mention years of aging, the best bet is to buy something new. After all, safety is the most important concern here, and it is possible to get a brand-new crib with a classic design and feel.

Also important for growing families is the idea of investing in a crib that will last even longer if plans to have more children are in the future. A crib is an important investment, and choosing well doesn't just mean safety for your newborn, but also, a sturdy and reliable piece of baby furniture for years to come.

Thankfully, there are regulations for cribs, so parents shopping through a reputable store that only stocks new items won't have to obsess over small details. In addition to a safe and sturdy design, cribs have railings that do not lower beyond a certain amount, and are secured with durable movable parts. Depending on the layout of your child's nursery or bedroom, you might only need a crib where one railing lowers, but there are also cribs that have the capability to lower both sides, depending on which side the parent is standing on.

Circular crib designs have been growing in popularity, and those usually only lower on one side. There are a number of different designs, depending on the parent's aesthetic, from regal canopies that look more old-fashioned to contemporary and chic takes. Finding something to fit your taste shouldn't be a problem.

In addition to the standard crib described above, there are also convertible cribs, with can be converted from a crib into a toddler bed, with some even then converting into a full-size bed, too. This is a more expensive option, but will be a one-time purchase, as it can be used as your child grows up.

As important as a good crib is, a good crib mattress is crucial, too. Make sure that you get one that securely attaches to the crib, and allows no room for your child to accidentally get a hand or finger caught underneath. Be sure to check the security of the mattress when changing the sheets, too.

When buying a crib mattress, be sure to look for a couple of different things. Make sure that the mattress attaches to the crib securely in some form or another, and double-check that it's not possible to wedge more than a finger between the mattress and the crib itself. That's an especially important safety concern for curious newborns, who could accidentally wedge their little hands and feet, and have big trouble.

Another important factor is the distance between the slats. Make sure there isn't enough room for a child to wedge a head or hand in, and accidentally have an accident during the night.

Another extra crib-related accessory to think about for when your child gets a little bit older is a teething rail. This makes it so that your child won't accidentally be eating paint or wood when teething time comes around, and it's easy to remove and clean a teething rail, too, to keep things sanitary.

But more than just an object to cause concern and worry for parents, a crib is a baby's safe haven, a place to sleep, dream, and grow. It is important to make sure there are stimulating toys around, so that your baby is growing in mind as well as in body. Choosing the right mobiles, musical toys, and other devices ensures that there is entertainment for your child, and toys that your child interacts with secured safely to the crib also do wonders to improve coordination and mind power. Don't forget the toys!

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