How to Buy Your Baby's First Bed

Awaiting the arrival of your new baby is a time of joy, excitement and anticipation. You'll spend a great amount of time getting the nursery decorated and stocked with all the necessities. When it comes to choosing your baby's first bed, there are some important safety considerations to keep in mind to ensure your new little one has not only a comfortable slumber but a safe sleep environment as well. While it's hard to fathom, baby cribs are the cause of most infant deaths, according to KidsHealth.

Instructions

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      Determine where your baby will sleep the first few weeks of her life. Many parents opt to put their baby to sleep in their own bedroom in the early days for convenience, as you'll be getting up numerous times each night with a new baby. In that case, you may want to consider getting a cradle or bassinet to use when your baby first comes home from the hospital because it's smaller and more portable than a crib.

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      Select a bassinet or cradle that has a sturdy bottom and a wide base to prevent it from getting tipped over accidentally, cautions HealthyChildren.org. You'll have to move your baby to a crib when she's around 1 month old or weighs 10 pounds.

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      Consider just buying a crib if you want something your baby can sleep in for a long period of time. If you're purchasing a used crib or getting one given to you, you'll want to ensure it hasn't been part of any recalls by visiting the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission website. Next, ensure it bears the safety certification seal from the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association so you'll know it doesn't have any lead-based paint on it.

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      Buy a new crib with the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association safety certification seal on it for your baby's safety. Just be sure that the crib doesn't have drop rails, since they have been deemed unsafe, according to HealthyChildren.org. You'll also want to check to make sure the crib hasn't been recalled recently.

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      Consider getting a crib that has an adjustable mattress height so that you can keep it higher when your baby is a newborn and you're constantly taking her out and putting her back in the crib. As she grows and gets older, you can lower the mattress to prevent her from climbing or falling out, suggests HealthyChildren.org.

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      Measure the crib slats, making sure they are no more than 2 3/8 inches apart and are nonadjustable. Avoid cribs that have cutouts on the headboard or footboard and those that have bedposts that rise higher than the sides of the crib, warns HealthyChildren.org.

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      Purchase a firm mattress that fits snugly into the crib, leaving no space between the crib frame and the mattress.

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