Here are several useful tips to help you choose the best crib for your baby.

1. Safety

What to look for:

* The distance between slats must be no more than 2 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) to protect infants from falling out and toddlers from trapping their heads between the slats.
* The side rails that lower should have at least two locking devices to prevent older babies from releasing them.
* When a side rail is lowered, its top should be at least 9 inches (23 centimeters) above the mattress support. To protect older babies, the top of the raised side rail must be at least 26 inches (66 centimeters) above the mattress support at its lowest position.
* If the crib has corner posts, they must be either flush with the top of the headboard and footboard or very tall – over 16 inches (41 centimeters). Anything in between is a potential strangulation hazard.
* Get the firmest mattress you can find. Don’t rely on manufacturers’ labels – test it yourself. This is extremely important because soft mattresses may play a role in sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
* Be sure that the mattress fits snugly in the crib. This keeps a baby from slipping in between the mattress and the crib sides.

* Evaluate a used crib with extra care. There may be too much space between slats, or elaborate cut-outs in the headboard and footboard that can trap a baby’s head. A crib made before 1978 may have a finish that contains lead, so a crib that has been in the family for generations may not be the best one to use!

2. Convenience

You will spend a great deal of energy lifting your baby in and out of the crib. Look for a crib with a drop-side and adjustable mattress height to make this task easier. You may also want to look for a crib with rolling casters. These will allow you to move the crib around easily should you wish to do so.

3. Where Will Baby Sleep

Baby’s intended sleep location is a big factor in determining which crib is right for you. If you want baby to sleep in your room you may want to consider a small baby bed. Your options include a bassinet, moses basket or cradle, all of which can be used until baby is four months old. Alternatively there are longer-term options such as the Amby bed or the co-sleeper (bedside crib).

If you want baby to sleep in a separate nursery room, a good idea is to place a moses basket inside the full size crib. This way baby gets the security of a small baby bed while getting used to his own space.

4. Size and Shape Count

If you have a small baby nursery to work with, you may want to consider a mini crib or a corner crib instead of a regular rectangular one. Both of these options save a considerable amount of space. On the other hand, if you have a large nursery room, a round crib placed in the center can be more interesting than a standard crib against the wall.

5. Right Price

A good baby crib needn’t cost you an arm and a leg. Your baby budget will be stretched thin enough over the coming months without paying too much for your crib. There are great ways to save money when you go shopping. Here are some examples:
* Shop the sales by signing up for newsletters at your local stores and online retailers.
* Think e-Bay. You can often get a brand new crib straight out of the box at a highly discounted price.
* If you shop online look for free shipping options.

6. Take Baby’s Growth Into Account

It may seem like a long way off now, but it won’t be long before your baby becomes a toddler and needs to move out of the crib into a bed. Will you be having another baby to take over the crib? If not, consider a convertible crib that will grow with your child.

7. Choose Your Finish Carefully

Make sure you have a plan for your baby nursery before you decide on the finish for your crib so that it forms part of the overall design. Here are a few more tips:
* If you have a small baby nursery, stay away from dark furniture, as it will make the room feel smaller.
* If you will be passing this crib on to a second baby, stick with neutral, unisex colors that will go with any theme or color scheme.
* If you choose a convertible crib, consider what finish will go well in a toddler and a teenager’s room.

Have fun! Baby Shopping is one of the perks of being pregnant!