2nd Trimester

YIKES- consumer report on cribs...

Cribs
 
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Cribs
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-->Of all the items on your baby shopping list, a crib probably will be among the most challenging to select. There's a vast array of cribs on the market, ranging from economy and midpriced models to high-end cribs with hand-painted details and European influences that up the style ante.

Whatever style you choose, you'll want a crib that's durable, safe and matches your taste and budget. Increasingly, you'll find crib styles that adapt as your child grows?from toddler bed to day bed to full-size bed. So making the right choice now means you may not have to shop for your child's bed later.

Recent recalls have raised concerns about the safety of cribs with drop sides. We recommend that you look first for a crib with stationary sides until more stringent and comprehensive safety standards are developed. CR's tests do not address the durability issues associated with recent recalls that could impact safety.

While you may consider a bassinet, cradle, or co-sleeper at first (some common alternatives for your baby's first four months or so), your child is safest in a crib. Cribs are the only beds for babies that are required to meet certain standards issued by the federal government. There are no federally mandated standards for bassinets, cradles, or co-sleepers.

Bassinet manufacturers can voluntarily comply with ASTM International (formerly the American Society for Testing and Materials) standards for bassinets (indicated by a Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association or JPMA certification logo on the package), but they are not required to do so. JPMA certification on a bassinet can offer a layer of protection that uncertified models cannot, but a JPMA label in no guarantee of safety.

In the absence of any safety standards for co-sleepers, the ASTM International has recently agreed to develop co-sleeper or "bedside" sleeper standards after being lobbied by Consumers Union. In the meantime, co-sleepers on the market are not required to meet any standards. Consumers Union, the publisher of Consumer Reports, recommends against the use and purchase of co-sleepers until an adequate safety standard is developed.

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Re: YIKES- consumer report on cribs...

  • That is very interesting!  DH and I are planning on going with a crib right away.  I'd heard talk of the drop sides being recalled too, but didn't know how valid of a claim that was.  Thank's for sharing!
  • We were talking about getting a crib without a drop side because with DD she would wake little bit when putting the side back up and I didn't want that to happen... Definately NOT going to get one now! Your welcome!
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  • I am way to short for all these stationary side cribs. But everywhere I turn I keep reading how unsafe the drop-sides are. So frustrating.
  • IKEA has a crib, it got the highest ratings on one web site... They are just kinda ugly to me! Oh and they don't convert like the others... 
    IKEA LEKSVIK *Est. $150 Compare Prices

    IKEA makes inexpensive cribs that reviewers say are safe and stand up well to everyday use. The IKEA LEKSVIK is made of solid wood and veneer and has two mattress height settings. Other than the fact that it converts to a? toddler bed, the LEKSVIK is a basic crib without additional features. The LEKSVIK baby crib doesn't have a drop side, but some critics say stationary sides are safer overall. Parents who prefer an upscale look or a wide choice of finishes may want to opt for a more expensive crib, but for those who don't mind IKEA's minimalist styling, the LEKSVIK is a good choice. A mattress isn't included, but any standard crib mattress will fit.

  • What kind of "dangers" do side drop cribs have?  Any clues?  (is it just the quality?  or is there a specific concern with them?)
  • I am not entirely sure but a bunch were recalled not too long ago for that reason...

  • imagebesszilla:
    I am way to short for all these stationary side cribs. But everywhere I turn I keep reading how unsafe the drop-sides are. So frustrating.

    They aren't as bad as they seem.  That's what I used with DS and I'm only 5'2, plus I have a bad foot and knees and can't raise up on my toes at all.  The mattress will be raised when your baby is little, and once he/she gets bigger, it's not really a concern anymore.  I LOVED our crib, besides the fact that it scratched way too easily.

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