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Buying a crib without breaking the bank |
Although there are alternatives to using a crib for infant sleeping, a crib is the safest place for an infant or toddler to sleep. A modern crib that meets current safety guidelines reduces the risk of infant or toddler death due to suffocation, strangulation or SIDS. The chance of injuries such as those that might be sustained if a baby were to fall out of a regular bed and onto the floor are also lesser with a crib.
A crib is one of many things a baby should have to be safe, but how can you buy a crib without breaking the bank? Here are a few tips to getting a bargain on a crib.
1. Your crib must be safe, so this is not the area in which to compromise quality. Look for safety certification stickers on the crib, and check with the crib manufacturer to make sure none of the crib components have been recalled. The assembled crib should be sturdy.
2. A handmade or solid wood crib is likely to cost more than mass-produced model crib. Avoid specialty crib or sleep stores, checking department store crib sales instead. Yes, an elaborate crib can be more attractive than a basic crib, but its function will be the same. You can make up for the plainness of a basic crib with colorful crib sheets or fanciful paint in the nursery.
3. Invest in a convertible crib that will serve your child through toddlerhood and beyond. A convertible crib may be slightly more expensive in the short term than a regular crib, but will save you money as your child grows.
4. The crib mattress you choose, may be as expensive as the crib itself, so look for a firm, moisture-resistant crib mattress that fits snugly into your crib frame. Again, a slightly higher initial investment in this crib component can save you money later – particularly if you purchase a convertible crib that can re-use the crib mattress.
5. A second-hand crib is fine, but it should be modern model. Examine any used crib carefully before you purchase the crib. Even if you do buy a used crib, you should consider, for hygienic reasons, purchasing a new crib mattress for your baby's crib.
6. Consider a mis-matched nursery set. Your crib doesn't have to match the rest of your nursery furniture, and mis-matched pieces can often be obtained for far less money that a matched piece. A crib is a temporary piece of furniture you child will not even remember, so as long as the crib is safe and comfortable, it is a good choice.
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