Baby Cribs - The Focal Point of Any Nursery

Baby will be sleeping in a crib from birth to 2 or 3 years of age, so this important piece of furniture will be the top priority when filling a nursery. Things to consider while shopping is safety and sturdiness, style, and the length of time you’ll be using it. The differences between a $200 and a $1000 crib is the quality of materials, styling, and extra features such as drawers and the ability to convert into a child’s bed.

Safety is a top concern, and since 1991, all cribs must meet federal guidelines. Some features include the proper width between slats, the safety of decorative elements, and the use of non-toxic paint and materials. When comparing cribs, it’s good to give it a good shake, to see if it’s wobbly or feels shoddy.

The crib may be a place for your newborn to sleep in, but it is you who will be enjoying the look and style of it. Many parents look for a crib that fits a certain theme of the nursery, while others look for something unique and distinctive, such as a round instead of box-like construction. Whatever your style, it comes secondary to the quality construction and safety of the furniture.

Convertible Cribs – Furniture that Grows With Baby

DaVinci Valerie Convertible Crib A regular crib can be a beautiful piece of furniture for the nursery, but in three years, your child will be too big for it. If you are thinking long term, a crib that can convert into a child’s bed is a welcome and versatile solution. On average, a good convertible bed can be used until the child reaches 50 pounds, or 35 inches tall. Buying one bed instead of two certainly makes sense, saving you money in the long room and making it useful long after the nursery turns into a child’s room.

Some products can convert to a full-size adult bed as well, using adjustable sliding rails or separately sold rails to make the bed longer. With one side up and the other removed, you can also use it as a loveseat.

A good convertible crib should come with the following versatile features:

• Several adjustable mattress heights, which you lower as baby becomes more mobile.
• A guardrail once the crib becomes a bed.
• The headboard and footboard perform the same functions when converting.

Portable Cribs

Portable Crib Planning to travel with baby? Going to grandma’s for a visit? A portable crib is the answer! Lightweight, compact and easily foldable into your car, it is a must for parents on the go. Many are on wheels, and some even come with a carrying bag. Since they are smaller than ordinary cribs, you can use most models until baby is about 18 months old.

• If the crib has mesh on the sides, make sure it is of a tight weave, with no loose threads, and is secure to the top rail and underside.
• If there are wooden slats, make sure they are not spaced more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart (about the width of a soda pop can.)
• Check and make sure there are no loose bolts or staples.

Because the mattress is so thin, some parents may think of adding a second mattress. Don’t do this, as portable cribs are not designed for thick padding. This is because the sides of the crib is made of flexible mesh. If the padding is deep, baby can easily get caught between mattress and the mesh wall.

Follow the safety instructions, and you’ll have an indispensable piece of equipment that’s great for baby, and allows you to stay mobile outside the home.

Round cribs – Fantasy and Creativity to complete baby’s nursery

Majestic Princess Round Crib Beautiful, distinctive and creative, a round crib makes a great bed for baby. This unique piece of furniture is becoming increasingly popular in sophisticated, higher-end nurseries, where quality craftsmanship and elegant themes are combined with safety and comfort. Because of its full 360 view, baby will be constantly stimulated and able to see his or her entire surroundings, and bumps on the head from sharp corners are eliminated.

All Things Creative is one such manufacturer of hand-made round cribs, a company in the southern United States. Their round cribs are custom built using high quality native birch, beech, poplar and maple hardwoods. Two base heights allow you to lower the crib mattress as baby gets older and is able to pull himself or herself to a standing position. The crib uses a rigorously safe double latch release mechanism, where you press on two latches at the same time to drop down the center panel. As well, the crib is on rollers, allowing you to easily move it around the room or to a different room. Lock brakes keep the crib in place. Durable and stable, a combination of metal crosses support the bottom. Many come with a removable extra shelf to store diapers and bedding.

However, what really gives these cribs their “wow” factor is the care and creativity put into the design. Do you like boats? Buy a round crib with non-toxic, hand painted anchors and sailboats, with boats and fish attached to a ring of beautifully carved posts. How about a garden bower for a baby girl? Look for a pink crib with paintings of flowers and surrounded by a fabric canopy gently draping to the floor. Other popular designs include cherubs, dragonfly gardens, Noah’s Arc, Play Ball, and Starry Night.

Other furniture companies feature Victorian-like wrought-iron cribs, Winnie the Pooh themes, and wonderful heart-shaped designs. Standard sizes are 42 inches in diameter for the mattress and 47 inches in diameter for the entire crib. Every crib sold in the United States, in stores and on-line, meet or exceed the JMPA safety requirements of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). As baby’s crib is one of the most important and emotional investments a new parent will make, a round crib will make a great addition to a theme nursery, and give you many years of wonderful memories.

Tips on buying a round crib

• Most round cribs are custom made, and therefore non-refundable. Check the store for details
• As these types of cribs are still rare, you may not find them in regular stores, nor the accessories. Therefore, if you buy them online, buy the mattress and a some sets of bedding at the same time. You will also save on shipping.
• If you have twins, duet cribs are available, and can be joined together
• Think long-term. Many parents are treating these cribs as heirlooms, and passing them on to family and friends.

Shopping Tips:

• If you want the ability to move the crib, look for sturdy and lockable metal casters
• Make sure the side of the crib is easy to drop. Look for a smooth and silent mechanism that you can open with one hand, as you will often find yourself holding a sleeping baby in one arm while trying to operate the lock. Of course, the mechanism can’t be so easy that baby can unlock it!
• Look for the ability to adjust the mattress height. When baby gets older and can begin to stand, lower the height to make the crib deeper.
• The supporting frame for the mattress should have metal supports. Many cribs only have a wooden particleboard, which may not support the stress of an active, jumping baby.

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