Cribs

inomniaparatus · August 2015

where is the best place to read safety ratings on cribs?
I love the ones from Restoration Hardware and my mom generously offered to buy it ... But before I commit to one was wondering if anyone had any experience with them and where to look to make sure they have good ratings.
Obviously, we have time but I'm just pre-shopping

MamaFroFro · August 2015

I haven't had experience with cribs from restoration hardware. We bought a cheaper crib from target and after trying to assemble (huge PITA) we found out one of the pieces wasn't cut right so we exchanged it for another. This crib was so hard to put together it was ridiculous. Second time round, same issue. I returned it and got one from pottery barn. It was SO easy to put together and very beautiful. It also converted to a toddler bed then after that I converted it to a desk my son still uses. It will be going back to crib state soon for this baby so we got lots of bang for our buck. Honestly though, we didn't even use the crib until baby was about 9 months. We probably could have skipped it all together.

froggy994 · August 2015

I used the book "baby bargains" to read a lot of reviews on cribs and bigger items. I found it pretty helpful when comparing brands. We ended up getting our crib and dresser from babies r us. I think it was the baby cache brand.

inomniaparatus · August 2015

MamaFromero said:
I haven't had experience with cribs from restoration hardware. We bought a cheaper crib from target and after trying to assemble (huge PITA) we found out one of the pieces wasn't cut right so we exchanged it for another. This crib was so hard to put together it was ridiculous. Second time round, same issue. I returned it and got one from pottery barn. It was SO easy to put together and very beautiful. It also converted to a toddler bed then after that I converted it to a desk my son still uses. It will be going back to crib state soon for this baby so we got lots of bang for our buck. Honestly though, we didn't even use the crib until baby was about 9 months. We probably could have skipped it all together.

What did you use for first 9 months?

inomniaparatus · August 2015

FYI in putting the crib in my room
Just signed a lease on a 1 bedroom before I found out I was pregnant so we don't have space for much more than a crib.
Should I be considering a bassinet instead? I just heard that crib is safest, but I can't do both. One or other...

VitaLuna · August 2015

@inomniaparatus They make mini cribs that would be worth looking at.

We got a crib from a local boutique baby bed shop. My LO is almost 2 and has never slept in it! We'll try it again for the next one.

The thing that was important to us was quality construction, not a bunch of chemicals, etc. Unfortunately, that usually comes with a price. I think our crib was around $300-400? Like car seats, though, cribs have to meet certain safety standards, so it's not like you have to worry about buying a "dangerous" crib off the shelf.

inomniaparatus · August 2015

What's a link crib? Like a co-sleeper?

This is my front-runner choice right now - but I don't want to get it if baby won't sleep in It. Are you guys saying you didn't use your cribs because they were in nursery and you kept baby in your room -- or did the baby not like the crib for some reason? Or is it better off in co-sleeper? The crib will be in same room as my bed so I'm wondering if it won't be an issue and we'll get use out of it.

wisco29 · August 2015

If you're tight on space you could look at something like this and then get a crib when you have the space

we used a bassinet for dd's first 3 months but then she got too long and she went in the crib in our room.
This lo will use one of these co sleeper things because we got one from a friend for a good deal

VitaLuna · August 2015

inomniaparatus said:
What's a link crib? Like a co-sleeper?

This is my front-runner choice right now - but I don't want to get it if baby won't sleep in It. Are you guys saying you didn't use your cribs because they were in nursery and you kept baby in your room -- or did the baby not like the crib for some reason? Or is it better off in co-sleeper? The crib will be in same room as my bed so I'm wondering if it won't be an issue and we'll get use out of it.

Oops! I meant a mini-crib. I'll go back and edit. They make stand alone mini cribs that are just like the regular ones, but smaller. We did have an arm's reach cosleeper, then side carred a full size crib (one that a family member was getting rid of) and not too long after I went back to work she started sleeping in our bed because I was too dang exhausted to get up to nurse all the time. We took the side carred crib off when she was able to crawl and put our mattress on the floor.

This time around, I'm going to try the rock n play. I didn't the first time, because I had heard it was hard for babies to transition from the inclined seat to a flat crib, but clearly we never had luck with the transition, anyway!

VitaLuna · August 2015

Forgot to add, the reason she hasn't used the crib is that every attempt had been a massive fail, so I finally just gave up. I think with enough determination we could've done it, but I'm a total softie and couldn't let her cry it out, and our more gentle attempts left me too exhausted/stressed to keep it up. No matter your agenda on anything, babies will do whatever the hell they want anyway. The sooner you can accept it (it took me a while), the better life will be

inomniaparatus · August 2015

wisco29 said:
If you're tight on space you could look at something like this and then get a crib when you have the space

we used a bassinet for dd's first 3 months but then she got too long and she went in the crib in our room.
This lo will use one of these co sleeper things because we got one from a friend for a good deal

We have space for a crib - just not a crib, bassinet, co sleeper and whatever other options there are lol.
I am making my room over into a cohesive looking nursery so I still get that experience and am going for a certain look for everything.
My bed is white and grey so it will fit in well.

I just don't want to get a nice crib of baby won't sleep in it. I also was considering a bassinet instead but was worried about safety issues. But I'm glad to hear that maybe that's not a real concern if you're baby was fine in it.

I like the look of the crib a lot more than the bassinets but just want to make sure I'll get use out of.

VitaLuna · August 2015

Honestly, there is no way to know how much use you'll get out of it. You can't predict what kind of sleeper your baby will be, what your feelings will be towards crib transition, etc. Even if you think you know what kind of parenting style you'll take towards sleep, things may change. There is no guarantee that you will or won't use it.

If space is tight, I think it's logical to wait until you're ready for the crib and go with something else to start with. Most families I've known, no matter where their baby ended up eventually, didn't use the crib the first 3 months or so.

wisco29 · August 2015

The bassinets made now aren't safety concerns, I wouldn't necessarily use an older one because they don't much for mesh and it's more fabric which equal to bumpers.

The summer infant sleepers have good ratings which are like bassinets.
You can always have something small in the living room area for your lo or get a fisher price snugga-(whatever animal) swing. They are super popular and babies seem to love them.

Target sometimes has a deal if you get the swing you get a free rock n play.

jellybellybean3 · August 2015

Totally off topic but I just wanted to comment on the rock n play sleeper others mentioned. IT ROCKS!! If there is one thing I recommend having, it is that. Total lifesaver for picky babies (or not so picky too)! We got soo much use out of it before the transition to crib.

Edit: pressed enter before I was finished ha! Anyways, it's so small and convenient that having both that and a crib wouldn't be a big deal. They aren't too expensive either. But I guess if baby is in your room maybe just a crib would be fine? the crib just didn't work out for us with either child for the first few months

MamaFroFro · August 2015

@inomniaparatus we used a cariboo bassinet. They are a little pricey for a bassinet but I like the look, they are sturdy, lightweight, and easy to assemble, the mattresses don't have any nasty chemicals, and you can use it later as a laundry hamper or for toy storage. They even offer toy box conversion kits. You can use them up to 20 lbs or until baby is sitting up on their own (about five months average). We also co-slept.

Edit to add: our son flat out hated the crib. Also since I was breastfeeding it was just easier to have him at arms reach at night.

ohbaby714 · August 2015

We used a pack and play with the infant sleeper in our room for the first 6 months (infant sleeper for about the first 2 1/2 until she started rolling over) it was super nice to have her at arms reach and it didn't take up as much room as the crib.

We loved it because once we were ready to transition her to her crib it didn't seem as big of a deal for her because it wasn't too far off from a crib. We still use the pack and play allllll the time! If she is sick we set it up in our room so she can be closer to us.

inomniaparatus · August 2015

wisco29 said:
The bassinets made now aren't safety concerns, I wouldn't necessarily use an older one because they don't much for mesh and it's more fabric which equal to bumpers.

The summer infant sleepers have good ratings which are like bassinets.
You can always have something small in the living room area for your lo or get a fisher price snugga-(whatever animal) swing. They are super popular and babies seem to love them.

Target sometimes has a deal if you get the swing you get a free rock n play.

Thanks! All this info is really helpful. I was planning on registering for the mamaroo and/or a rockaroo as well.
I also have the 4moms breeze playard in storage already (got lots of baby gear some years ago through work for free so I held on to)

Anyone know the difference between a rockaroo and mamaroo?

brushesnbrunch · August 2015

I was looking at the mamaroo and rockaroo. From all the reviews I read, people like the mamaroo better because it has more options on different swing settings (ex: bouncing, forward/backward, side to side, etc) where as the rockaroo didn't.. At least that's what I got out of it.

CuriousKiddosMama · August 2015

My crib was $70 on clearance at target. While I think it's great that your mother is willing g to gift you with an amazing crib, you may want to reconsider, for several reasons others listed above, but also because of wear and tear. Your baby maybe a chewer and as soon as they can stand start chewing on the crib. Mine did this just a little, but on a cheap crib I don't care. If it was that expensive and I was planning on converting it to a bed or something g else in the future I would have a heart attack if my kid damaged it (which is going to happen).

AdventureMama · August 2015

I think if I were you I'd get something smaller and less expensive to start out with if you're limited on space. I can't recommend the Rock n Play highly enough. It's slightly inclined, you can rock it (so helpful in those first few months!) and it's very easy to move around with you. I can't even count how many showers I took with the RnP in the bathroom so that I'd know if he woke up. You can't use it once they're sitting up, but it'd be a great thing to start with and you can trade it for a crib later (or store it, because it folds flat and can slide under a bed).

We didn't get much use at all out of our bassinet so it's not really something I personally recommend but I know some people love them.

thoughtfulmommy · August 2015

We used the uppababy bassinet for the first few months. We got our crib on sale, but I still regret paying what we did for it. If I were to do it again, I would buy a simpler more affordable crib because it really is not used for very long.

I also bought the book baby bargains to research what to save and what to spend on.

MrsJ2522 · August 2015

Bfavors said:

I was looking at the mamaroo and rockaroo. From all the reviews I read, people like the mamaroo better because it has more options on different swing settings (ex: bouncing, forward/backward, side to side, etc) where as the rockaroo didn't.. At least that's what I got out of it.

I can't wait to get one of the mamaroos!

g8trkim · August 2015

inomniaparatus said:
FYI in putting the crib in my room
Just signed a lease on a 1 bedroom before I found out I was pregnant so we don't have space for much more than a crib.
Should I be considering a bassinet instead? I just heard that crib is safest, but I can't do both. One or other...

They grow out of the bassinet around 4 months so if you plan on being in the apartment for awhile you may just want to go ahead and get the crib. If you will only be there a couple months a bassinet would be a good idea.

JLaszlo00 · August 2015

I am thinking about starting with the arms reach bedside cosleeper and then when LO grows out of that transitioning to a crib in our room. Thankfully I got a great crib That transitions to toddler bed from a friend so I only need to buy the cosleeper but that I can use for all future children. I am a FTM and all my mommy friends have told me too that they didn't use a crib their first several months, they coslept or used some sort of side bed cosleeper.

brushesnbrunch · August 2015

tboslet said:

Bfavors said:

I was looking at the mamaroo and rockaroo. From all the reviews I read, people like the mamaroo better because it has more options on different swing settings (ex: bouncing, forward/backward, side to side, etc) where as the rockaroo didn't.. At least that's what I got out of it.

I can't wait to get one of the mamaroos!

Me too! I was memorized by the one on display at buy buy baby. Must have one!

Ju111310 · August 2015

If I were in your shoes, I would go with the beautiful RH crib. A crib is the ideal long term place for a baby to sleep. I used a bassinet next to my bed with DS for the first 2 months bc it was easier with BF since his crib was in the nursery. But from the day we came home, he always had daytime naps in the crib (to help with transition to crib later). I moved him into his gorgeous Bratt Decor crib (with RH bedding) at 7 weeks for nighttime sleep.

Was it worth spending money on a bassinet for 7 weeks? No. Thankfully it was a gift. A pack n play would be a cheaper, more versatile long term sleep option but if mom's volunteered to buy the crib -- go for it! Personally, I wouldn't start out with an incline sleeper like a Rock N play bc that's not a long term sleep option and could potentially make transition to a flat crib difficult. Obviously every baby is different, if you end up with a difficult sleeper that hates the crib then you'll make a run to the store for a Rock N Play or swing or whatever will get you some sleep.

As for everyone's excitement about the mamaroo...mehhh. That was probably the piece of baby gear I was most excited about last time and then it was a bit of a letdown. DS didn't hate it or love it. It moved pretty slow. I think a regular old cheapo baby swing would have done just as good of a job.

ETA -- typos. I have a DS not a DD :-)

inomniaparatus · August 2015

I think I may stick with a crib and then go for a mamaroo as well. I have the space already designated for the crib and I like the look. The crib can move with me to the house we end up in. I just wanted to make sure the majority of infants sleep in cribs to start but I guess there is no simple answer.

FYI we're getting such a nice crib because there are minimal things I'm buying furniture wise... Just a glider, the crib and a dresser. I have all the other gear through my old job already - strollers, car seats, etc.

I know people love the rock n play... I think my godson has one that they're handing down to me.
Do you need this is addition to the mamaroo - like do they serve different uses?

wisco29 · August 2015

I never heard anyone loving the mamaroo... So many people on my Bmb who actually got one wished they had just gotten a rock n play.

Maybe read reviews on a variety of stores for the mamaroo to see what other people say

MamaFroFro · August 2015

@inomniaparatus if you have had your car seat a while, make sure to check the expiration date on it.

inomniaparatus · August 2015

So if you have one, you don't need the other- right?

brushesnbrunch · August 2015

All the reviews I read online were very mixed about them, but all the mom friends I've talked to absolutely loved the mamaroo so I think it's kind if a toss up. I think a lot of places allow you to return it if it doesn't work for you so I think that's what I'm going to do.

And yes, if you have one you don't need the other.

MrsJ2522 · August 2015

@wisco29 Oh no really? It looks so cool, I just wish I could fit in it.

inomniaparatus · August 2015

Cool thanks
Fyi in the midst of this post I was comparison shopping online at like pb kids and stuff - I didn't realize how out of the ballpark this crib was on price . Im still considering it but will insist on paying half of I do go with this one. DH liked it but gave me a big eyeroll when he saw the price
So, we'll see:)

Thanks for all the good info!!

AdventureMama · August 2015

Where did you get your car seat and how old is it? That is one of the only things that you really really need to buy new. Not just because they expire but also because if they've ever been in a car accident, you need a new one.

VitaLuna · August 2015

inomniaparatus said:
So if you have one, you don't need the other- right?

EDIT: I misread. You'd want a crib and some sort of swing or something, too. A mamaroo works (although, like others, I've heard they're not actually all that wonderful). You may want to keep the rock n play for a little bit to see if you'd use it, particularly since it folds flat and wouldn't be extra clutter in the way.

brushesnbrunch · August 2015

VitaLuna said:

inomniaparatus said:
So if you have one, you don't need the other- right?
You would likely want both a crib and some sort of bouncer or swing. Some babies hate swings, some love them. Ours was a lifesaver when we bought it a couple months in. I was kicking myself for not getting it sooner.

Not sure I answered the right question.. My answer was for both a mamaroo and rock n play. If you were asking for swing and crib/something used as a bed, yes I would get one of each.

VitaLuna · August 2015

Bfavors said:

VitaLuna said:

inomniaparatus said:
So if you have one, you don't need the other- right?
You would likely want both a crib and some sort of bouncer or swing. Some babies hate swings, some love them. Ours was a lifesaver when we bought it a couple months in. I was kicking myself for not getting it sooner.
Not sure I answered the right question.. My answer was for both a mamaroo and rock n play. If you were asking for swing and crib/something used as a bed, yes I would get one of each.

I misread what she was asking. I think you're right that she was asking mamaroo AND rock n play, plus crib. I edited it.

AdventureMama · August 2015

I agree you'll want a place to sleep and a bouncing/vibrating seat or swing. We got a lot of use out of both, actually, and our RnP and our crib. He just went through phases where the swing was the only thing that put him to sleep, or only the vibrating seat did the trick. Babies are fickle. I have also hear a lot of negative things about that mamaroo thing...it's sooo expensive but it moves really slowly and everyone I know who has one prefers a regular swing. We bought one that converts from a swing to a vibrating seat and I'm super excited about it!

brushesnbrunch · August 2015

AdventureMama said:
I agree you'll want a place to sleep and a bouncing/vibrating seat or swing. We got a lot of use out of both, actually, and our RnP and our crib. He just went through phases where the swing was the only thing that put him to sleep, or only the vibrating seat did the trick. Babies are fickle. I have also hear a lot of negative things about that mamaroo thing...it's sooo expensive but it moves really slowly and everyone I know who has one prefers a regular swing. We bought one that converts from a swing to a vibrating seat and I'm super excited about it!

Which one did you get?

inomniaparatus · August 2015

AdventureMama said:
Where did you get your car seat and how old is it? That is one of the only things that you really really need to buy new. Not just because they expire but also because if they've ever been in a car accident, you need a new one.

Everything I have is straight from the company - not used. I get skeeved from used things lol - unless it's from immediate family. I'm just a germaphobe.
It's an orbit stroller system (with car seat) from 2 years ago- still the same model they sell now. And I'm giving my mom the maxi cosi car seat I got and a Quinny buzz stroller. The orbit is mine

It's not the first stroller i'd pick - I think I like the bugaboo better but it retails over 1k so I really can't complain. It just really stands out because of its strange look- but I'm really grateful to have so much stuff already.

AdventureMama · August 2015

Oh that's good. I think a lot of people don't realize that you shouldn't use carseats that aren't brand new.

Also something I thought of re: expensive crib is to keep in mind that tonnnns of kids chew on cribs. That's a big reason I wouldn't drop huge money for them. They all serve the same function and they almost all end up with bite marks all over the top rail.

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