Cheap Baby Crib

Safety Issues

Many people equate cheap with used. While there are certainly used baby cribs that are perfectly safe, how do you know if they are safe or not? The US Consumer Product Safety Commission issued the following guidelines:

• A firm, tight-fitting mattress. The mattress should be firm and fit snugly in the crib. You should not be able to fit a two-finger width between the side of the mattress and the crib.
• No loose, missing, or broken hardware or slats. Loose hardware could be a choking hazard. Loose slats could come out, posing a strangulation risk.
• No more than 2 3/8" between the slats (about the width of a soda can). Because a baby's head is typically larger than the rest of his body, his head could become stuck if his body slipped through the slats of the crib.
• No corner posts over 1/16" high.
• No cutout designs in the headboard or footboard. This rule uses the same logic as that of the slats--an infant's head could get caught in the cutouts.

There are other risks associated with baby cribs as well, including the following:

• Cribs with rollers. If you purchase a crib with rollers, look for those that have casters that lock to prevent the crib from moving across the floor.
• Mattress hangers. These hangers will allow you to lower the mattress as your baby grows. Although it is fine to start out with the mattress raised to the highest level when your baby is an infant, you'll need to lower the mattress as your baby grows and becomes taller and more mobile.
• Bumper pads. If you use bumper pads, be sure they fit snugly against the sides of the crib and keep all ties secured and as short as possible. Remove the bumper pads once your baby can pull up and stand.
• Crib location. Carefully consider where to place your crib in your baby's nursery. Place the crib at least a foot from walls, dressers, or any other furniture in the room to reduce the risk of strangulation. Never place a crib next to window blinds or drapes either.

Finally, if you have determined the crib you are using isn't safe, take it apart and dispose of it. Don't sell or give it to someone else.

Crib Maintenance

Even if you've determined that the cheap baby crib you've purchased from a local consignment shop or borrowed from your sister is safe, you'll still need to pay attention to crib maintenance. As long as you use the crib, you should make periodic inspections of the following:

• Check for loose slats or boards.
• Check for loose or rough nails, screws, and other hardware.
• Be sure the mattress is firm. In fact, even if you borrow a crib, you should seriously consider purchasing a new mattress to use with it.

Where To Buy a Cheap Baby Crib

There are ways to save money if you want to buy a cheap baby crib. For example, consignment stores often have affordable cribs. Be sure you pay close attention to the above safety issues, however, before using this crib.

Stores like Target and Wal-Mart also run seasonal sales on baby nursery items. Check back periodically, and you may find a cheap baby crib.

Finally, check out the following Websites as you search for a deal on a cheap baby crib:

• Deal Time
• Baby Mine Store
• Kiddi Care
• My Simon
• Kelley Furniture

Do you know any more tricks for finding a cheap baby crib? If you have a comment or idea, we'd love to hear from you!