Rock-A-Bye Baby: Shopping for a Safe 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.

As tempting as it might be to give into nostalgia and save a little bit of money, a crib should be new, no earlier than the'90s. Older cribs simply aren't up to safety standards, even if they are beautiful, and many of them were painted with lead paint, which you definitely don't want a newborn chewing on. Invest in a new crib with a classic design for the ultimate baby safety.

Most children will sleep in their crib until two or three years of age, so invest wisely and make sure that the crib you choose is going to last. This is also especially important if there are plans for more children in the future, as the crib might be housing more than one baby throughout the course of its time in your home.

All cribs sold are supposed to comply with universal safety standards, which include a sturdy and durable design and railings that lower, to make picking up your child and putting him or her down easier on your arms and back. Some cribs have railings that lower on both sides, while others only have them on one side. Depending on the layout of the room, you might only need a railing that lowers on one side.

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.

If your family is more interested in a device that can grow with the child, or is only planning on having one child, there are convertible cribs that will serve as a bed from the time you bring your child home until the time he or she moves out. These convertible cribs start out as cribs, convert to toddler beds, and then some even convert to day-beds after that. It's a good investment for the long-term.

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.

As your child grows, it might be important to add a teething rail, so that when your child begins teething, he or she won't be chewing on the actual wood of the crib. Bumper guards are also a good bet, as they line the crib and make it so your child won't hit his or her head when rolling around during sleep.

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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