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Baby Crib Buying Guide

Basics
Types
Features
Accessories
Age Range
Safety Tips
Cost Range
Buying Tips
Parents Favorite

Basics
One of the most important investments you will make will be purchasing your child's crib. Considering that your child will spend much of the first few years of his or her life in a crib, make sure that you are satisfied with the style, finish and quality. Most cribs are available in a wide variety of styles and finishes and are available with matching pieces to assist you in furnishing your entire nursery.

Types
Canopy Cribs: Many parents prefer the style of a canopy crib over a traditional standard crib. Canopy cribs have four large posts with metal frames over the top to secure fabric canopies. Many manufacturers offer various styles and colors of canopies to match other nursery crib collections.

Convertible Cribs: Convertible Cribs convert from a standard crib to toddler beds, day beds and even full size beds. Purchasing a convertible crib will help ease the transition from crib to bed easily with its sense of familiarity. Investing in a convertible crib will save parents in additional expenses once your child outgrows his crib.

Standard Cribs: There are two basic kinds of cribs: those with single drop sides and those that have double drop sides that can be lowered so you can remove your baby easily. Although double drop sides are the most convenient, single drop side cribs are more stable. Cribs that have rails that fold down are not recommended.

Features
Adjustable Mattress Heights: Most cribs feature two or more mattress height adjustments to raise and lower the crib mattress. As your child grows, lower the mattress position by depressing the clips that hold the mattress support in place. This is an important feature in that it will help prevent injury to your child once he begins to pull himself up and tries to climb out.

Mattress Support: Most cribs have a metal mattress support that is held by four metal hooks located on all four sides and attached to one of the mattress height clips. A metal support will hold up to any active jumping toddler, although, the springs might press against the mattress and cause tears.

Release Mechanism: All cribs feature one of three lock release mechanisms: metal rods, trigger release and knee release. This is important in preventing a toddler from accidentally lowering one of the sides and is required by law. Metal Rods, located on either side of the rail to hold it in place, allow the rail to move up and down. To lower a side, parents must depress the release mechanism usually located in the center and on the back of the rail you are lowering. This is the nosiest of the three release mechanisms. Trigger Release buttons or knobs are located on either side of the rail at the top. A parent must depress or pull the buttons/knobs at the same time to lower the railing. Knee Release mechanisms require a parent to first lift the railing slightly and then push in the railing with your knee. This release mechanism is the quietest of the three.

Rolling Casters: Most cribs feature rolling casters enabling a parent to move the crib, a feature that is extremely convenient when changing sheets and bumpers. Casters are made of either plastic or metal with metal casters lasting longer than the plastic ones. Casters should feature some kind of locking mechanism to prevent your toddler from 'walking' his crib around the room.

Teething Rail: Most cribs include plastic teething rails that cover the tops of the railings to prevent your toddler from chewing on the wood. If your crib does not include plastic teething rails, they can be purchased separately and easily snap right on the crib rails.

Accessories
Attachable Toys tie to the crib railings providing entertainment and stimulation.

Crib Bedding can be purchased separately and is available in a wide variety of colors, styles and fabrics to suit your individual needs. Most crib bedding is available in matching collections that include lamps, mobiles, wall décor, window treatments and other decorative accessories. Your basic crib bedding should include a four sided bumper, fitted crib sheet and a crib blanket to keep your little one snug. Extras such as a matching dust ruffle and diaper stacker help complete the look of your nursery.

Cozy Crib Tent attaches to the crib rails and sides and is used to keep your baby inside and pets out.

Mattresses are available in either foam or coil depending on which you prefer. See our Mattress Buying Guide for a complete breakdown on the different models available and essential tips to help you purchase the correct mattress to suit your needs.

Musical Mobiles are available to make your child's first few months of life in his crib more enjoyable. A mobile attaches to the crib rail and plays a lullaby while dangling characters or objects gently spin overhead encouraging your child to reach and develop his coordination. Make sure you remove the mobile once your child can pull himself up.

Teething Rails are made of plastic and can be purchased separately in 12 inch sections that snap on easily over the crib rails to prevent your toddler from chewing on the wood.

Sleep Positioners position your newborn on his side or back to provide support while he is sleeping.

Age Range
You can use your crib from the day you bring your baby home until the ages of two or three. At this age, your child has already maneuvered his way out of the crib and is ready to move into a bed.

Safety Tips

Make sure the crib meets current safety standards. This means the distance between slats should be less than 2 3/8" and the corner posts should be no more than 1/16", unless it is a canopy crib. Be wary of older, hand me down, and antique models because many of them do not meet the current safety standards. Slats that are wider than the safety standards pose serious health hazards for your child.
The crib mattress should fit snugly between the crib rails and sides so that there is no more than two fingers width between the edge of the mattress and the side of the crib.
The drop sides of the crib should be at least 9" above the mattress.
Check your crib thoroughly for cracked/peeling paint, splinters or rough edges.
Make sure there are no cutout areas on the headboard or footboard which can cause injury your baby.
Make sure the drop side has one of the three locking mechanisms to prevent your baby from accidentally releasing the drop side.

Cost Range
A sturdy, well-made crib will run between $200 and $400. The more expensive cribs generally are made of better quality wood and have more intricate designs. Some less expensive models may look like real wood but are made of laminate or veneer over MDF-type wood. More expensive cribs also come with more features, such as extra storage space. Convertible Cribs tend to cost more but convert to toddler beds, day beds and even full size beds to suit your baby's needs as he outgrows his crib.

Buying tips

For easier movement, look for a crib that has rolling casters with brakes.
Thoroughly inspect your crib and make sure your crib is in good condition.
Make sure your crib is sturdy and does not wobble. Test the crib out prior to placing your baby in it.
Think about your crib well in advance of your baby's arrival. Most cribs take several weeks to order and deliver, so make sure you order in time. Don't forget to give yourself some extra time for assembly.
Buy a crib with a drop side that is easy to operate.

Parents Favorite
Most Parents recommend the Jersey Sleigh Crib made by Angel Line available in various finishes. The smooth natural lines and curved shape make this crib a welcome addition to any nursery and a matching Sleigh Changing Table is also available. Both pieces are easy to assemble and are very sturdy.

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