What New Parents Should Look for When Buying Their First Crib

One of the most important parts about being a new parent is the transition a house makes once there is a newborn living there! New parents often are more than just a little overwhelmed with the prospect of preparing a home for a baby, but there isn't that much need to fret. After all, the child will be spending most of its time sleeping, in the bedroom or nursery, so instead of going crazy trying to get the whole house ready, breathe a sigh of relief and focus on that one room!

As tempting as it might be to give into nostalgia and save a little bit of money, a crib should be new, no earlier than the'90s. Older cribs simply aren't up to safety standards, even if they are beautiful, and many of them were painted with lead paint, which you definitely don't want a newborn chewing on. Invest in a new crib with a classic design for the ultimate baby safety.

It is important to remember that most children spend at least two, and as many as three years sleeping in a crib. Therefore, your purchase should be well-made as well as safe, and built to last at least that long. For parents planning on raising more children, consider that the crib might need to last even longer.

Clueless about where to begin when looking for cribs? You can relax a little bit. Most stores know the current safety standards, and if they're selling new equipment, you can be assured that it's going to be up to snuff. However, be sure to pay attention to the moving parts, whether or not the railings look well-secured, and above all else, make sure the entire crib itself is well-built and looks sturdy enough to hold a child.

Circular crib designs have been growing in popularity, and those usually only lower on one side. There are a number of different designs, depending on the parent's aesthetic, from regal canopies that look more old-fashioned to contemporary and chic takes. Finding something to fit your taste shouldn't be a problem.

Want a crib that grows with your child? They do exist. Convertible cribs convert as your child gets older, first into a toddler bed, and eventually into a full-size single bed.

Most of the time, parents have to buy the crib mattress separate from the crib. Just like regular mattresses, there are foam and spring options. Just like cribs, crib mattresses have their own safety standards, so a reputable store should provide only the best models.

When buying a crib mattress, be sure to look for a couple of different things. Make sure that the mattress attaches to the crib securely in some form or another, and double-check that it's not possible to wedge more than a finger between the mattress and the crib itself. That's an especially important safety concern for curious newborns, who could accidentally wedge their little hands and feet, and have big trouble.

Another important factor is the distance between the slats. Make sure there isn't enough room for a child to wedge a head or hand in, and accidentally have an accident during the night.

As your child grows, it might be important to add a teething rail, so that when your child begins teething, he or she won't be chewing on the actual wood of the crib. Bumper guards are also a good bet, as they line the crib and make it so your child won't hit his or her head when rolling around during sleep.

But more than just an object to cause concern and worry for parents, a crib is a baby's safe haven, a place to sleep, dream, and grow. It is important to make sure there are stimulating toys around, so that your baby is growing in mind as well as in body. Choosing the right mobiles, musical toys, and other devices ensures that there is entertainment for your child, and toys that your child interacts with secured safely to the crib also do wonders to improve coordination and mind power. Don't forget the toys!

When buying Prams and Pushchairs, Byron Jonas trusts none other than Go Bubba Go. They just have the best prams for growing families