After bringing your new bundle of joy home for the very first time you’ll want to make sure you have certain items already on hand, like essentials including their crib or bassinet. But with all of the many varieties on the market today and with most people attempting to stick to some type of budget, how is one to know what to look for, which brand or model is better than another, or how cheap is “too cheap?”
Your baby is so precious and vulnerable, so when first considering buying a baby crib, ensure safety standards are met. In the United States, baby crib standards includes things like the width of the crib’s slats or bars, and the distance between each one. The height to the top of the safety rails is important when considering safety, but bear in mind that it is the distance from the top of mattress which is key.
Further, take care if buying an old crib, as those made before 1978 may contain lead in the paint.
The Advantages of Buying Cheap Baby Cribs
If you’re on a budget, cheap baby cribs can be a real lifesaver, provided of course, that they meet all of the necessary safety requirements and are well constructed. Inexpensive cribs will also allow for more monies to be spent on other much needed items, such as the crib’s bedding, bumper pads if you choose to use them, blankets, and the ever essential mattress pads, not to mention all of the other things baby will need like a stroller, or a walker, a high chair, and a playpen.
Buying new, but cheap baby cribs are also the perfect alternative for the frugal mom and dad who don’t want to risk using a used crib for their little one. There’s no way to be sure that an older, used model will meet the safety standards of today, or that it wasn’t subject to a recall in years past unbeknownst even to the seller.
DaVinci, Great Beginnings and Jerry Lind are good examples of well manufactured but inexpensive baby cribs.
The Disadvantages of Buying Cheap Baby Cribs
Inexpensive cribs are rarely made from “real” wood, which makes them not quite as strong and durable as their authentic counterparts. At a minimum, it is wise to buy a sturdy crib which will withstand a lot of shaking and jumping up and down, which will come much sooner than you think.
Some cheaper baby cribs also may not have all of the same features that more expensive models do, including mattresses that are fully adjustable, making it much easier to lift baby in and out of the crib when they’re small and unable to climb out, or railings that are convenient to raise and lower, especially while holding baby. A lock on the railings of the crib is an essential feature for both cheap and luxury cribs, as this will stop your active baby lowering the side as they get older.
Some other possible risks of purchasing Cheap cribs are manufacturing defects, such as sharp edges or points, creases and cracks, or holes or splinters in the wood. While we all want to get a good bargain and save money whenever we can, sacrificing our baby’s safety or well being certainly isn’t worth saving a few dollars.