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About Baby Beds ...
Get the Facts

All baby beds must follow prescribed safety standards. Get the facts before you head for the stores.

As you have seen by now, the styles and options of baby beds available today can make you dizzy. The question is not just of which style or feature to choose. There is also the issue of when to order, what stores to check out, and how (and where) to set it up, once it finally arrives.

4. The best construction material.

You are naturally concerned about the material used to construct the cribs. The most popular ones are made of wood, but there are some metal cribs available too. Go for stained or painted hardwoods like maple, ash, beech or oak. Some metal cribs are also very sturdy and secure, but can be somewhat limited in styling. All finish materials must be lead free and non-toxic.

5. Order in advance.

Once you have decided on the crib of your choice, order the piece well before your baby is due. Most stores do not keep furniture items (such as baby beds) in stock. You need to build in time for the crib to finally arrive. You also need time to assemble and set it up.

6. Don’t forget the mattress.

The stores display baby beds complete with mattress and decorative bedding. But when you order the crib, the rest is not included. Remember to order the mattress. Again make sure this is a high quality product that can last several years. We will deal with crib mattresses separately.

7. Setting up the crib.

The placement of the crib in the baby room is equally important. Keep the crib (and any other furniture) away from window blinds or drapery. The cords are dangerous as they can cause strangulation. An older baby could even pull himself up and fall through the screen. (Tip: Keep cords out of your child's reach. Use a clamp or clothespin, tie the cord to itself, or cut the loop in half to make two separate cords.)

8. Baby beds bargains.

There are many ways in which you could get a baby crib for a price lower than the retail price.
* Store Sales – keep a lookout for local furniture shops for any upcoming sales event. Discounts can work well in your favor.
* Furniture outlets – The furniture outlet stores also keep new furniture at much lower prices. There are also several online retailers available if there isn’t one in your neighborhood.
* Resale bargains – Local yard sales could churn up something useful. Also parents whose kids have outgrown their baby cribs advertise in the classifieds. However, we do not recommend buying a resale crib.
(Tip: Only buy a crib manufactured in the last five years. Make sure it has the instruction manual. Check it thoroughly to make sure that all the parts are present and properly installed.)

9. Crib recalls.

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) regularly updates products that have been recalled. Check this list prior to finalizing your purchase. Go to the CPSC child product recall page.

10. Mandatory and Voluntary Safety Standards.

Most new baby beds conform to the prescribed safety standards. Check out the crib safety tips detailed by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Also read the information on crib safety and SIDS published by the CPSC.

As you can see, there is more to buying baby beds (and other furniture) than simply following your heart for the visual appeal. Holding a living, kicking, crying baby in your arms is a divine experience. But there are practical issues involved and they cannot be ignored.

Did this entire information overload scare you? When you have to sit down and work out the practicalities of having a baby, the magic seems to wear off a little. Don’t worry. The magic will seep back in as you start building up on your theme for the nursery.

Get the furniture worries out of the way first. Then we will get to the fun part.

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