With
all the different features of baby cribs, it can be a little overwhelming to sort
it all out. This article reviews some of the most comon baby crib features and
reviews the pros and cons of each feature. Is
the Baby Crib Made of Quality Materials and Construction? Wooden Baby Cribs/Iron
Baby Cribs You don't often think of the material that the baby crib is
made of as an actual feature to consider. But, picking a baby crib that is made
from quality materials can make the difference between a baby crib that is used
for years and one that you wish you had never bought. Wooden baby cribs should
be stained or painted hardwoods like maple, ash, beech, or oak. The overall stability
of the baby crib could be threatened by the use of inferior woods in the manufacturing
process. This is due to the baby crib slates becoming weakened and/or warped with
use. Baby Cribs can also be made from metal such as iron. While Iron Baby Cribs
can be beautiful, the styling can be limited over time. If you plan on keeping
the baby crib for years, be sure that you think you will like the metal styling
in the future. Issues to Consider with the Baby
Crib Side Bar: To Drop or Not to Drop Baby cribs are made either with fixed,
single-drop or double-drop sides. If you are tall, fixed sides are fine for you.
I am 5' 8" tall and never lower the sides of my baby's crib. Higher end models
will have side rails that lower on both sides of the baby crib. Depending on how
you position the baby crib, this could be a nice feature. If you plan on putting
your baby crib up against a wall, this feature won't add any benefit to the baby
crib. There are three basic types of drop sides: -
Knee Push-Leaning your knee against the baby crib side to lower it. This is typically
a simple and quiet type of drop side.
- Foot Bar-Balancing on one
foot, you push a lever to lower the baby crib side. This ma be a bit tricky depending
on how you are standing on one foot.
- Double Trigger-You have to
use two hands to lower the side. This style is ok as long as you are not holding
the baby. But, it is not very convenient since you will most likely have your
baby in your arms before you lower the baby crib side.
Ideally, you
should be able to lower and raise the side rail with ease. Keep in mind that you
will often have your baby in your arms when you are trying to lower the bar. When
trying out a model in the store, try lowering the bar yourself while imaging that
you have your baby in your arms. This will give you an idea of how easy it will
be when you are trying to put your baby down to sleep. Also, be sure that the
rails have locking mechanisms to prevent accidental release. You may want to consider
how quietly the side rail raises and lowers. You would not want it to wake your
sleeping baby. Does the Baby Crib Allow you to
Lower the Mattress? Make sure your baby crib lets you adjust the height
of the mattress. Unless you are tall, a higher mattress will make it easier for
you to get your baby in and out of the baby crib. Once your baby starts to move
around, you will need to lower the mattress. The baby crib you buy should have
at least 2 height positions for the mattress. Some higher end models will have
3 height levels which is a nice bonus feature. Baby
Cribs with Drawers Some higher end models have drawers in the bottom of
the baby crib. If space is an issue for you, this may be a good feature to have.
You may be able to put off buying a dresser for your little one. Just beon the
bottoms of the drawers (if htere is space for your little one to crawl under the
crib. Baby Cribs with Wheels Some baby
cribs come with wheels. This is a very nice feature if you plan on moving the
baby crib around. It can make it easier to change the linens and to clean under
the baby crib. Being able to roll a baby crib into another room is also a nice
flexibility to have. Metal wheels are better than plastic. Keep in mind that this
could be a potential danger as well, especially if you have other children in
the home. They could push the baby crib themselves (i.e. down the stairs, up against
a window or furniture). Make sure that the wheels have a good, solid locking mechanism.
If the baby crib that you want does not come with wheels, you can always buy high
quality wheels and install them yourself or have someone install them for you. Convertible
Crib: Baby Cribs that Convert into Other Things Many baby cribs are designed
to convert to a toddler bed, a bench, or even an adult daybed for later use. While
this is a very nice feature to have with your baby crib, make sure that you like
what it converts to. If it converts to a toddler bed, consider how long your toddler
will be able to sleep in it. You may end up having to buy a regular size twin
bed in a few years if you child outgrows the toddler bed. Also, most baby cribs
with this feature require an additional kit to make the conversion. Be sure to
check on how much this kit will cost you before making your decision. About
the author: Sarah Holmes, Ph.D. quit her full-time job in order to stay home with
her baby girl. She created www.BabyCribCentral.com
as a free resource to other new moms and dads. Her site compares prices on hundreds
of baby cribs from more than 20 online stores allowing you to find the beset price
with a click of a button. Her site also offers lots of information about the different
types of cribs as well as all sorts of safety information about how to buy and
use your new crib safely. Resources
http://www.firstbabymall.com/product/crib.htm
http://www.baby-place.com/crib_safety.html | 
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