Cheaper Baby Cribs – Is Buying a Cheap Crib Worth the Risk
When you bring your newborn baby home for the first time, you will surely want to ensure that everything is already in place for the baby's arrival, and the crib is one of those essentials. 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?"
Safety of your baby is your absolute priority when choosing a cheap baby crib, or any other baby crib for that matter. The US, for example, has compulsory safety standards, covering things such as the gap between the cribs slats or bars. When choosing a crib, safety should be high in your thoughts, and the distance from the mattress to the top of the rails is critical.
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 a brand new, but relatively cheap baby crib is an option for parents who are looking for economy, as even cheap cribs are subject to the same safety standards as the expensive ones. Buying a used crib can be risky, as you do not know it's history for sure or whether it meets modern safety standards.
Examples of well made but relatively cheap baby cribs are Jenny Lind, Great Beginnings and Graco.
The Disadvantages of Buying Cheap Baby Cribs
Cheap cribs are rarely made from "real" wood, which makes them not quite as strong and durable as their authentic counterparts. Really, though, you should aim to buy a sturdy crib, as that little newborn will grow amazingly quickly and will soon be like a caged tiger.
Some of the cheaper baby cribs amy lack the features of those cribs which cost more, such as the ease with which you can raise and lower the sides to put in/remove the 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 Economy 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.
No related posts.
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.