1. Make sure you and Baby can rest easy by choosing a crib with the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal of approval, which indicates that the crib meets the quality, safety, and functional requirements established by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).
2. Convertible cribs will last your child from birth to adulthood by first transforming into a toddler bed and then into a full-size bed. Some cribs will include all the necessary parts to complete these conversions, while others may require you to purchase additional conversion kits.
3. Most cribs feature adjustable height mattresses. Keep the mattress at the highest level so it is easy to pick up your infant. As your baby becomes increasingly agile, lower the mattress so she can't climb out of the crib.
4. Look for cribs with hidden hardware to ensure sturdy construction and to prevent your baby from being scratched. Your crib must also have a non-toxic, lead-free finish in case your baby decides to teethe on the slats!
5. Take the guesswork out of decorating and instantly create a unified look in your baby's room by buying a nursery set. Choose coordinating cribs, dressers, armoires, changing tables, and bookcases to complete your furniture selection.
6. Portable cribs roll on wheels and can be quickly moved from room to room. Many versions fold up, so they are great for traveling with your baby. Look for multipurpose models that can also be used as playpens or changing tables.
7. Easy and fast to assemble and tear down, portable Pack 'n Plays can be used as play pens and on-the-go beds. You can travel to visit family and friends without worrying about the availability of safe, comfortable accommodations for your baby.
8. Many standard cribs will have a drop-down front rail that makes it easier to get your baby in and out of the crib. Make sure the rail can stay securely in the upright position, however; you don't want the rail to accidentally drop down and let your baby out unsupervised!
9. Sleigh cribs, with their graceful arches and flared frames, are the classic choice for baby beds. They evoke a sense of grace and peace, and are available in standard, convertible, and portable designs to suit your needs.
10. For extra convenience, look for a crib with a bottom drawer for storing extra blankets, sheets, stuffed animals, and other baby essentials.
