Is a Cheap Baby Crib Really Economic?

June 24th, 2009

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?”

Your baby is so precious and vulnerable, so when first considering buying a baby crib, ensure safety standards are met. In the United States, baby crib standards includes things like the width of the crib’s slats or bars, and the distance between each one. A key factor to consider is the height of the safety rails, taken from the top of the mattress where the baby will be standing much sooner than you think.

Further, cribs made before 1978 probably contained lead in the paint, so be cautious when buying second hand.

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.

To buy a cheap crib remains an option for those strapped for cash, because the safety standards are the same for cheap and expensive cribs. 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 baby 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.

The difference between cheap baby cribs and their more expensive counterparts is likely to be in longevity, styling, quality and features. One thing to be sure you have is a locking mechanism on the rails so that your rapidly growing baby will not pull them down in a few months’ time.

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.

 

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