What To Look For
The most important things to consider when choosing your baby boy's crib are your family's safety and needs. A crib should have good air circulation, slats that are narrower than your baby's head, and no history of recall. The drop-down side crib is no longer recommended by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. In fact, they have issued a warning that this type of crib can be dangerous and deadly.
The mattress should be firm. If you're buying a foam mattress, the heaviest will be the best quality. Also, make sure that the mattress fits the crib very snugly--don't take any chances of your baby suffocating.
Depending on your space, choose a mini-crib, a crib you can easily set up and take down, or a larger crib that can grow with your child.
Common Pitfalls
Oftentimes, parents will buy an expensive crib that their baby doesn't end up using very much. This may be because their baby outgrows it too quickly, they use a bassinet for up to the baby's first six months, or they have another sleep area, like a playpen, that their baby seems to prefer. For this reason, you may want to wait to buy your crib until after your little boy comes.
Where To Buy
When making the investment for a crib, it's best to buy in-store. Babies R Us has hundreds of options, with playpens, mini-cribs, convertible cribs, crib and changer combos, and standard cribs to suit modern or traditional tastes. Their prices are consistently among the best and they often have promotions. Babies R Us also offers Buyer Protection Plans for two to three years' service.
Cost
You should plan on spending from $100 to $400 for your baby boy's crib. Several cribs come with a one-year manufacturer's warranty or provide the option to purchase one. These typically cost about 5 to 10 percent of the crib's price.
Comparison Shopping
Depending on your available space, you may want to consider the crib and changer combo. This functional and attractive option attaches a changing table to the end of a baby crib. As your baby boy grows and begins to wiggle, you will appreciate the convenience of a sturdy changing table close enough to your sleeping baby to change his diaper while he is still drowsy.
Insider Tips
Ikea carries several affordable, well-made, and stylish baby cribs. They come in several boy-friendly colors like blue and green.
