If you walk into the nearest baby supply store, you will likely be overwhelmed by the selection of cribs laid out before you, many of them just waiting for you to fall in love with them and take them home. Stores are clever in their sales tactics and will dress the cribs up with the most aesthetically pleasing bed clothes they can. They will also do their best to talk you into the one that has you bedazzled, but should you buy it?

Purchase Before Your Due Date

You’ll want to purchase the crib well before you are due, you don’t want to walk into a store, decide on a crib and find they don’t have it in stock. Getting well before your due date will ensure you get the one you want rather than settling for what they have.

Safety Standards

An important thing to know and understand is that all cribs, regardless of price are required to meet federal safety standards if they are sold in either the United States or Canada. The regulations are very strict regarding cribs and this is the reason they all look very much alike. That doesn’t mean there aren’t benefits from purchasing a higher priced crib. You’ll likely get a better grade of wood that is more pleasing to the eye, thicker corner posts and hidden hardware. The drop sides are likely to be quieter and you may be supplied with under crib drawers. Some will even convert to a toddler’s bed when the time comes.