Buying Cheap Baby Cribs - Disadvantages and Advantages

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?”

Government safety standards for cribs are there for very good reasons, so take them into account when choosing a crib for your newborn, or expected, baby. The USA has baby crib standards which coverbar or slat size and the distance or gap between them. The height to the top of the safety rails is important when considering safety, but bear in mind that it is the distance from the top of mattress which is key.

Further, take care if buying an old crib, as those made before 1978 may contain lead in the paint.

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.

Buying a brand new, but relatively cheap baby crib is an option for parents who are looking for economy, as even cheap cribs are subject to the same safety standards as the expensive ones. There’s no way to be sure that an older, used model will meet the safety standards of today, or that it wasn’t subject to a recall in years past unbeknownst even to the seller.

Some popular brands of relatively inexpensive but well manufactured baby cribs include Graco, Jenny Lind, DaVinci, and Great Beginnings.

The Disadvantages of Buying Cheap Baby Cribs

Inexpensive cribs are rarely made from “real” wood, which makes them not quite as strong and durable as their authentic counterparts. For long term economy, be sure to buy a tough crib that can withstand the most active of growing babies, some of whom jump up and down viigorously while still crib bound.

Some of the cheaper baby cribs amy lack the features of those cribs which cost more, such as the ease with which you can raise and lower the sides to put in/remove the baby. One vital safety feature to watch for is an easy to use but effective safety lock on the side rails, so the baby cannot find an easy way out as they become active later.

Some other possible risks of purchasing Low cost baby 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.