Here are a few tips that should be considered when choosing a new crib for your baby.

Choosing a crib

Choosing a crib can be one of the toughest decisions you
will make when preparing for your little bundle of joy.
There are so many different types and styles that expecting
parents often get overwhelmed. This article will give you
some basic tips on what to look for when picking out a crib.

First off, do NOT buy or accept a used or old crib. The money
saved does not come close to making up for the risks involved.

What exactly are the risks?

1. The crib may not meet current safety standards. For example,
crib slats can be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart to prevent the
baby's body from getting stuck. Also, the mattress must fit tightly
so that the baby cannot get trapped between the mattress and the
side of the crib.

2. An older crib may have lead paint in the finish.

3. If you are missing parts or instructions, you could put the
crib together wrong making it into a death trap.

Bottom line, this is your baby we're talking about. He deserves
a crib that is safe.

Got it? Good!

Now, when you go browsing for cribs, don't wait until the last
minute. You'll be surprised to find that most baby furniture
stores will not be able to get your crib for anywhere from a
couple of weeks to several months after you place your order.

I know its ridiculous, but that's just the way it is.

As far as color is concerned, your choices are usually white,
natural wood, cherry, and several shades of stained woods.
Some baby stores are even carrying black baby furniture. It
wouldn't be my choice, but to each his own.

Styles will differ, but all cribs sold in the US must meet
safety guidelines. Most of the safety standards manufacturers must
abide by today are thanks to The Danny Foundation.

In 1984, 23-month old Danny Lineweaver was seriously injured in
his crib when his shirt got tangled on one of the crib posts.
After 9 years of home care, he died in 1993. In his memory, the
Danny Foundation was founded. At the time, baby cribs were
responsible for about a hundred infant deaths per year. When
the Danny Foundation dissolved at the end of 2005, the number
of infant deaths attributed to cribs had dropped to fewer than
sixteen.