If it has not passed your mind yet, taking care of babies is expensive! This costly reminder is a fact, and you, as a parent, need to plan for possible expenses, especially for the baby crib. Some parents would go with hand-me-downs, but it is better to buy a new crib. It is safer. You might be thinking and wondering, though, “How much is a baby crib?”
Regardless of the price range, you need to consider buying one because the crib is one of the safest places for your newborn to sleep. Not only that, but they follow federal standards required by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association. This article will learn the average costs of the different kinds of baby cribs and some crib safety guidelines. Read on!
What is a Crib?
A baby crib is a bed for your little one. It is a special design that comes with slatted railing on all four sides to keep your infant or toddler in place. You can buy one when it is your first time pregnant—the best time, of course, is when you know the gender, color schemes and styles of the crib. The average period of baby crib use is, at most, 24 months—but it always depends when your child will transition to their toddler bed. Then again, how much is a baby crib, you ask? You will know soon enough.
Guide for the Perfect Crib
Before we learn how much a baby crib is, you should already know what to look for in a baby crib. Here are some buyer’s guidelines for soon-to-be or even already mommas out there:
Bottom Drawers
For more convenience, look for cribs that have a drawer or two under the mattress support. This part is perfect for keeping linens or your baby’s clothing.
Construction Materials
Cribs come in many materials—wood, plastic, and even metal. I prefer wooden cribs, but always watch out for serious defects.
Convertibility
Parents need to plan, especially about their baby growing out of the crib. The solution to this if the convertibility of the crib you are going to buy—can you convert it into a toddler bed in the future? Find cribs that can transform into a full-sized bed frame for lesser expense in the future.
Crib Sides and Railings
Follow the mandatory safety standard of crib slats of not more than two 3/8in apart. The decorations must measure either less than 1/16in high or more than 16in high. This precaution is to avoid the clothes of your child catching on it.
Mattress Height & Support
Find models with at least two or three mattress height positions—go with cribs that do not require more tools to adjust. Mattress supports, which are the metal frames at the bottom, also have to be adjustable but must be stable and secure to support the weight of your baby.
Say No to Drop-Side Cribs
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has required the phasing out of crib models with drop sides. This new requirement is because such models are linked to at least over thirty deaths in the past decade. Go with a crib with stable or stationary sides.
Teething Rails
Also, check if the cribs come with plastic coverings on the top of the side rails. These are to protect the crib and, of course, the gums and teeth of your baby.
Wheels or Casters
Some cribs now have plastic or metal caster wheels that make it easy for you to move the crib around. Just make sure that the wheels or casters lock.
Price Range per Crib Type
Let us now answer the question: “How much is a baby crib?” Well, baby crib price ranges from around $100 to $3,000 for customized models.
Economy Cribs
These cribs are usually the standard ones with less expensive construction materials and simpler finishes and designs. They cost between $100 to $250.
Mid-Priced Cribs
These cribs are sturdier and have more decorative finishes compared to the economy cribs. They also have convertible features and locking wheels or casters. They cost between $300 to $400.
High-End Cribs
These cribs are usually imported from Europe or Asia and made of expensive materials, such as hardwood and wrought iron. They are usually hand-crafted and custom-made. They cost around $460 to $2,500.
Crib Safety Tips
Regardless of the price range, though, what is important is your child’s safety when they are in the crib. Here are a few of the safety tips you need to remember:
- Never use an antique or used crib; always go for a new one.
- Always check the crib slat spacing if it falls on the safety standard.
- Go for a basic design.
- Look for splinters and paint cracks over the finish.
- Check the corner posts or finials to be in their standard height.
- Check the mattress support and height.
- Make sure the mattress fits.
- Avoid using sleep positioners or wedge.
Hopefully, with all those tips on price range and safety, this can help you find the perfect baby crib!
Conclusion
You know the different answers to the question: “How much is a baby crib?” The price range can be expensive, but most cribs are durable and long-lasting—so that is a great payoff. The one thing left to do is apply the guidelines in this article to secure your baby when in the crib, such as checking on mattress height, or slat spacing, and even design. Just remember there are different kinds of cribs, and they also cost varyingly. Hopefully, the information here is enough to help you choose the right baby crib that fits your budget. Know more about baby cribs.