A lot of things need to be bought in preparation for a baby’s arrival. These include baby furniture sets, such as the crib and tables beside it, newborn baby clothes, newborn baby toys, and all of the items needed in childproofing the home in order to ensure baby safety. Of all of these things, however, arguably the most costly, and the most important, is the baby furniture. And of all the baby furniture that will be purchased, the most critical is the crib.
Cribs come in all shapes and sizes, using many different materials with many different finishes, textures, and colors. Modern baby furniture and cribs use popular, cutting-edge materials with modern designs, some going with a more classic look and approach than others. For people who have homes that are modern in appearance, or more upscale in design, this is the way to go. Some families do not have the same funds available, and opt to get discount baby furniture and cribs, which could be anything from old-style, previous season furniture, or used furniture in good condition. Beware of cheap baby furniture and cribs, however, unless they are low-end models from a highly reputable brand, for the simple reason that it is a baby that will be using it, and safety cannot be compromised.
Regardless, the most important thing to consider when getting furniture, especially the crib, is safety. Cribs have to meet or exceed the Juvenile Products Manufacturing Association, or JPMA standards, and should be JPMA certified. By being certified, they meet the following important criteria:
Have slats or spindles no more than 2 3/8” apart, made of sturdy materials that are not rusty or toxic, have a mattress that fits snugly with no more than 1 inch of space between the edge and the side of the crib, no cutout areas on the headboard or footboard where the head of the baby can be trapped, have no splinters or rough edges, and have corner posts not taller than 1/16”, as this can pose a strangulation hazard with the baby clothes.
These criteria have to be met, regardless of the type of crib that will be bought. There are a number of general styles of crib that can fit the needs and style of any home. These include the Jenny Lind crib, sleigh crib, round crib, cribs with flat slats, and the canopy crib. There are also convertible cribs that can turn into a day bed, or even a full-size bed for the child as he grows older. Beware of dropside cribs, however, which are the cribs that have sides that drop down to have easier access to the baby, as many of them have been cited as safety hazards.
Once all of these factors have been met, then the parents can decide on the color, finish, and costs of the crib and furniture.