Generation 2 Worldwide and “ChildESIGNS” drop side cribs were recently recalled by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The crib’s plastic hardware can break, causing the crib’s drop side to detach from the crib and creating a space where infants or toddlers can roll and become entrapped.

Additionally, the crib’s mattress support can detach from the crib frame, again creating a suffocation or entrapment hazard.
CPSC has received reports of 3 deaths, 20 cases of the drop side breaking, and 8 reports of mattress support detachment. The manufacturer, Generation 2, went out of business in 2005, so the CPSC has limited information about the cribs. All drop side cribs from these manufacturers, regardless of model numbers or style, have been recalled.

The cribs were sold at furniture and retail stores such as Buy Buy Baby, Kmart and Walmart nationwide at prices ranging from $60 to $160. The CPSC advises parents to contact the store where they purchased the crib for one of the following:

• refund
• replacement crib
• store credit

Policies will vary depending on the retailer. If you have difficulties obtaining one of the options from the retailer, contact the CPSC for assistance.

Today’s Baby has introduced the New Yorker convertible crib with a stylish curved back/headboard for beauty in any room and a stationary side for maximum safety.

The crib is manufactured from solid pine so it will stand up to years of use, and converts from a crib to a toddler bed, day bed, and, finally, a full size bed.

The spring mattress base adjusts to three different positions as your baby grows. This quality convertible crib is available in trendy black, cherry and espresso finishes and is suitable for baby boys or baby girls.

LaJobi, Inc. has introduced the Nursery 101 line of children’s furniture. Nursery 101 currently offers three transitional, ready-to-assemble product lines, designed to grow with your baby into the teenage years.

Baby’s Room Basics Collection
The Baby’s Room Basics Collection, available in a choice of Classic Cherry, Dark Walnut and Classic White finishes, includes a crib and dressing table. The crib converts from infant crib to toddler bed to daybed.

Baby’s Room Deluxe Collection
Also available in Classic Cherry, Dark Walnut, and Classic White, the Deluxe collection adds a four-drawer dresser to the set, making the Deluxe collection everything you need for your child’s room. The crib also converts into a toddler bed and, later, a stylish daybed.

Morgan Crib and Combo Changer
The innovative Morgan Crib and Combo Changer is a combination crib and dressing table which also converts to a bookshelf. The Morgan crib converts into a toddler bed, daybed and, finally, a full-size bed. This collection is available in Classic Cherry and Classic White.

Nursery 101 cribs are “Classic” cribs, which feature no moving parts and have a 3-height mattress platform that adjusts as baby grows. They are JPMA, ASTM and CPSC safety certified.

DaVinci Crib Mattress

Many people think the major decision to make when purchasing a crib mattress is: foam or innerspring? The  ironic thing is, the answer isn’t really that important. We’ll explore the differences between foam and innerspring baby crib mattresses in a moment.

For now, let’s look at the three most important factors to consider when purchasing a baby crib mattress – all related (of course) to your baby’s safety.

1. Fit – The baby crib mattress should be a tight fit in your baby’s crib, leaving no more than one finger’s worth of space between the mattress and the crib’s slats. Most baby cribs and mattresses manufactured today are standard size, but it pays to measure, just to be sure. If you purchase a round or oval crib, you may need to buy a special mattress sold by the crib manufacturer to get the right fit.

2. JPMA Certification – If your crib mattress carries a seal of approval from the Juvenile Products Manufacturing Association, you can be sure you are getting a quality, mattress that meets all current safety standards.

3. Firmness – The firmer the better when it comes to baby mattresses. Babies can’t roll  themselves easily out of face-down positions and a soft mattress, where baby sinks down, can pose a suffocation risk. You can test the firmness of a mattress by pushing down on it. Your hand should meet with considerable resistance. In a foam mattress, the foam should rebound almost immediately, returning to its original flat shape.

Mattress covers
The cover is an important part of the mattress. Some mattresses come with removable, washable covers – a good idea since spit-up incidents and diaper blow-outs do happen. Some mattress covers are waterproof, and some include an anti-microbial layer, also good ideas for those inevitable “incidents.” Some experts say an anti-microbial layer is unnecessary as long as you wipe down the crib mattress with mild soap and warm water promptly after it gets soiled.

Multi-layer covers offer more durability throughout the life of the mattress, and add to the mattresses price. Better mattresses will have double or triple laminate covers.

If you are concerned about chemicals and allergens on your baby’s crib mattress, you can also find organic crib mattresses and mattress covers.

How well made is the mattress?

In addition to the firmness and the quality of the cover, you can test the quality of a mattress by examining how well the seams are made. On a plastic cover, do the seams look and feel sturdy? Are fabric seams frayed, stressed and ready to pop open?

Dream On Me Ultrapedic Convoluted Foam Crib Mattress

About foam mattresses
Now, back to that nagging question: foam or innerspring. When it comes to your baby’s safety, a good-quality, firm mattress of either type will be the same. Foam mattresses tend to cost less, so, if you’re on a tight budget, you can probably afford a better quality mattress by selecting foam.

Additionally, foam mattresses often weigh less than their equally firm inner spring counterparts (about 7 – 8 lbs. v. 15 – 20 lbs.). This is a big benefit when changing the sheets, especially in the middle of the night after a diaper accident. The firmer and better quality foam mattresses way more than cheaper ones, but they are still not as heavy as most inner spring mattress; we are talking about the difference between foam and steel!

Essere Organic Innerspring Crib Mattress

About inner spring mattresses
Inner spring mattresses are judged—and priced—by the number and gauge of the coils they contain, as well as the amount and material of the different layers. It can seem confusing to purchasing an inner spring mattress. Follow these tips to help you make a selection:

• Look for an inner spring baby mattress with approximately 135 – 150 coils and a steel gauge of 15.5 or less. Don’t go any lower than that for coil count, or any higher for the gauge. (The higher the gauge of steel, the thinner the steel.)

• If you select a mattress with a higher coil count (160 or greater) the gauge of the steel goes up. You are not really getting a firmer mattress, since both of these factors affect the firmness. There is a point of diminishing returns in regard to coil counts. Some experts, in fact, minimize the importance of coil count – but you still don’t want to drop below about 135.

• Look for a crib mattress with strong border rods, large pieces of steel that circle the top and bottom of the mattress along the edges of the mattress. Border rods provide extra edge support and keep the mattress from sagging over time.

A quick note: Unlike adult mattresses, in which the length of the warranty typically indicates the price and quality of the mattress, baby crib mattress warranties are less important. The mattress should last as long as you plan to use it, whether for one child or more.

Additionally, like cribs, to ensure your baby’s safety you should not use a secondhand mattress from a garage sale or thrift store. Passing crib mattresses on between children in the same family is fine – you know when it was purchased and how it was cared for.

Check Amazon for Baby Crib Mattress

Graco Victoria Convertible Crib

The baby crib and nursery furniture is certainly one of the most exciting purchases you will make for your new baby. Your baby will have their furniture for most of their childhood, so you want to select the best crib and furniture set your budget can afford.

Of course, a crib’s safety is the number one consideration when you’re making a purchase – especially in light of the massive crib recalls that have been making news lately.

Crib Safety
When shopping for a new crib, look for one that meets or exceeds JPMA (Juvenile Products Manufacturing Association) standards and is JPMA-certified. The JPMA has certified more than 2,000 products in 17 different categories.

Safe baby cribs meet the following criteria:

• Crib slats or spindles should be no more than 2 3/8” apart. (You should not be able to fit a soda can between the slats). Spindles or slats should not be loose or missing.

• Hardware is sturdy, not bent or rusted.

• The crib mattress should fit snugly, with no more than one inch between the edge of the mattress and the side of the crib.

• No “cutout” areas on the headboard or footboard, where an infant’s head may get trapped.

• No splinters or rough edges.

• Crib should not have corner posts taller than 1/16 of an inch, as a baby’s clothes can get caught on these posts, posing a strangulation hazard.

The Consumer Products Safety Commission recommends that parents should not use secondhand cribs manufactured prior to 1978. The CPSC safety standards for cribs changed in1974, while standards for lead paint use changed in 1978. You can find out more about secondhand crib safety here.

Type of Crib
Most people decorate their baby’s nursery in a style that matches the rest of their house, whether that is modern/contemporary, traditional, shabby chic, French Colonial, etc. Once you decide on a style, you can select from many different crib designs.

Some popular styles of cribs include:

• Jenny Lind

• Sleigh

• Round

• Flat slats

• Canopy crib (Posts should be over 16” high).

Convertible Crib
Another factor to consider is convertibility: Do you want a crib that will turn into a toddler bed and, later, a day bed or full-size bed for your child? Or do you plan to use the crib for a second child and buy a new toddler bed and, finally, a twin or loft bed? Convertible cribs cost a bit more, so if you plan to use the crib only as a baby crib, it makes sense to buy one that doesn’t convert.

Additionally, some people say that less expensive convertible cribs, even converted into full-size beds or day beds, still look like cribs. For this reason, if you can’t afford a higher-end convertible crib, you may decide against buying convertible at all.

A Word on Dropside Cribs
Dropside cribs – cribs which have sides that drop down for easy access to baby – have been cited as safety hazards lately, following the recall of two different popular brands from two manufacturers.
Toys R Us has stopped selling drop-side cribs in Suffolk County, New York. The CPSC is calling for a nationwide ban on drop-side cribs. For that reason, we cannot, in good conscience, recommend drop-side cribs as a buying option.

Bonavita Hudson Classic baby crib

Finish/Color
When you pick a finish for your wood crib, keep in mind your nursery’s décor. Conventional wisdom says not to use darker woods in small spaces, but today’s designers say this is no longer true. You can go with a chocolate, espresso, or classic cherry finish in a small nursery, providing you use light, bright colors on walls and carpeting to open the space.

Matching Pieces
What nursery pieces will you want in addition to a baby crib? Barbara Rogers of LaJobi, manufacturer of brands such as Nursery 101, Graco, Bonavita, Babi Italia, Europa Baby and ISSI, says, “The three main pieces of furniture you need are a crib, a place to change the baby, and a place to store the baby’s clothes.”

Do you like the looks of the matching dresser and changing table? Does the product line come with a variety of options? Does the set come with a matching nightstand, chest of drawers or armoire, so the furniture really will grow with your child?

Francais Lifetyle Collection from Bonavita

Measurements
Will the crib, plus changing table and dresser or armoire, fit well in the nursery? Measure before you buy. Don’t squeeze more into a small space than you really need. Many dressers can double as changing tables. You can also get additional storage space with a trundle drawer under the crib.

A rocking chair is a nice addition to a nursery – if it fits. If not, consider putting a rocker/glider in your own bedroom or in a den or living room.

Price
Since baby cribs can range in price from $100 to thousands, it’s important to decide how much you want to spend. Price is not necessarily an indicator of quality or safety. For instance, Rogers of LaJobi says, “All our cribs, from the less expensive Nursery 101 line to La BonaVita models, exceed JPMA (Juvenile Products Manufacturing Association Standards.) You can get perfectly safe, well-made cribs for $200 or less.

So what’s the difference between less expensive and more expensive baby cribs?

• Less expensive cribs usually require assembly.

• Less expensive cribs may have fewer options for different finishes and styles.

• Less expensive cribs may have fewer choices for matching furniture pieces.

• The coordinating furniture for more expensive cribs may look more like “adult” furniture, and will last into your child’s teen years – or beyond.

• The detail work on more expensive cribs may be nicer.

• More expensive cribs may be manufactured from solid wood and be sturdier.

Questions to Ask Before You Buy a Crib

• What is the décor of your home?

• What colors will you decorate your nursery?

• Do you want a convertible crib or do you plan to use the crib for a second baby?

• What other furniture pieces do you need for the nursery?

• Would you like a trundle drawer beneath the crib for additional storage?

• What kind of wood or materials is the crib made of? Is it a less expensive, ready-to-assemble crib, which may use pressboard instead of solid wood? If it’s solid, what kind of wood is it?

• How many height adjustment levels does the crib have? Some cribs allow three different height adjustments for the mattress – a higher, “bassinet height” for infants who can’t yet roll over, a mid-height for babies who can roll over but not yet stand, and the lowest height, for toddlers who can stand (and climb!)

• How sturdy is the crib? Does it pass the “shake test” in the store? Denise and Alan Fields, authors of the book Baby Bargains, share a tip in the 8th edition of their book. Sometimes, retailers will actually leave screws loose in the less expensive crib and changing table models, so they appear to be less sturdy than their pricier counterparts.

When you’re looking at cribs in a retail store, it pays to check the hardware. You might even bring a small Phillips head screwdriver and tighten loose screws, that way you can get a fair comparison between cribs of different price points.

• What is the company’s reputation and recall history? Has the crib you are looking at ever been recalled? What was the problem and how was it fixed?

Special thanks to Barbara Rogers from La Jobi for the insightful information she provided for this article.

Two drop-side crib recalls in the past few months have left many parents “seeking alternative sleeping arrangements” for their babies, as the CPSC recommends in the event of a recall.

In the case of the most recent, Diana cribs from Caramia Furniture, replacement parts are not expected to be available until March 2010. That’s a long time to be without a bed for your baby!

Here are some ideas for “alternative sleeping arrangements” while you are waiting for your recalled baby crib to be repaired or replaced.

• Break out the pack and play/play yard. To make the transition easier for your baby, keep any familiar mobiles and toys nearby. It may not be possible to attach your baby’s favorite toys to the pack and play, but perhaps you can hang it nearby? If your baby is over a year old, make sure their favorite blanket and stuffed animals make the transition with them.
• Mattress on the floor. Your infant under about 5 months old (not rolling over yet) will be fine with this arrangement. For older babies, place pillows around the mattress in case your baby rolls off, and, if your baby is mobile, make sure her room or the place where she sleeps is baby-proofed.
• Co-sleep, following Dr. Sears’ guidelines for safe co-sleeping.
• Borrow a portable crib, regular crib or play yard. Ask friends, family and neighbors if they have a crib you can borrow. Follow all guidelines to determine if this older crib is safe for your baby, even temporarily.
• Toddler bed time! Have you been contemplating the move to a toddler bed? This may be the perfect time to do it.

A newborn baby will spend at least 16 hours of every day asleep. As a new parent, you want the safest, most comfortable sleeping environment for your newborn. But with all the baby bed choices on the market, which do you choose?

Let our handy guide to baby beds help you decide if you want to place your newborn in a cradle, bassinet, pack and play, Moses basket, co-sleeper, portable crib or a full-size crib.

Fisher-Price Ocean Wonders Aquarium Cradle Swing

Cradle – Rock-a-bye baby… the infant sleeping spot since time immemorial, many parents swear by the gentle rocking motion of a cradle. Many of today’s cradles are battery-powered, while some use a hand crank. Others rock gently only through Mom’s power.

Badger Basket 2-in-1 Portable Bassinet 'n Cradle

Bassinet – If you want sleeping accommodations for your baby with all the bells and whistles, you’re in the market for a bassinet. Major manufacturers like Graco, Kolcraft, Evenflo and others offer bassinets with functions like vibration, rocking motion, music, lights, and more.

Bassinets come in every color and style to match any décor – for baby boys or baby girls. Many include storage baskets underneath or diaper hangers. Some convert to changing tables – but considering that newborns sleep more than half the day and night, you’ll rarely have the chance to convert the bassinet into a changing table. It’s best to shop for a bassinet based on other features. You can learn more in our Bassinet and Cradle Buyer’s Guide.

Graco Modern Pack 'n Play

Pack and Play – If you’re looking for sleeping arrangements that you’ll use more than 6 months, a Pack and Play is a money – and space – saving investment. Many Pack and Plays have bassinet attachments you can use for your newborn. After the first six months of your baby’s life, the Pack and Play makes an excellent portable crib for frequent travelers or to keep at Grandma’s house.

Wendy Anne Moses basket

Moses basket – Looking for an inexpensive place for your newborn to sleep? Many Moses baskets begin at just $20 – although you can spend as much as $200 for a designer model.  Moses baskets are not recommended for houses with pets, and should never be left on a couch or table. But if you’re looking for an inexpensive, portable sleeping option for your newborn, many mothers love the cozy comfort of a Moses basket.

Dream On Me 3-in-1 Portable Convertible Crib

Portable crib – If you need a second crib for travel or a babysitter’s house, a portable crib is a less expensive, easy-to-transport option. Most portable cribs are about three-quarters the size of a regular crib and have wheels to move it from room to room. When buying a portable crib, make sure it is sturdy, has lockable wheels, and a firm mattress.

Arm's Reach® Universal Co-Sleeper® Bedside Cot

Co-sleeper – The co-sleeping debate rages on. Many parents (and pediatricians) believe it is not safe to keep a baby in bed with you, while Attachment Parenting advocates (including Dr. Sears) cite research that shows co-sleeping, under the right conditions, is safe. The perfect compromise is a co-sleeper bassinet. Co-sleeper bassinets, such as those by Arm’s Reach, have a fold-down side. The bassinet attaches firmly to the parents’ bed. Nighttime nursing is made easy, since Mom and baby can both stay in bed, but baby stays in his own space.

Carter's Sleep Haven Single Crib

Full-size crib – Most babies eventually move to a full-size crib in their nursery. Some parents prefer to put their newborn in a bassinet, co-sleeper or cradle, for the convenience. But there’s no reason you can’t put your newborn to sleep in their crib from day one.

Contours® Classique™ 3-in-1 Bassinet

There’s a good chance that the first place your baby will sleep outside the hospital is within a bassinet or cradle. Many different models of bassinets exist: bassinets that rock, bassinets that roll, bassinets that vibrate, bassinets that convert into co-sleepers…

How do you select the model that’s best for you and your baby?

Bassinet or Cradle?
First, let’s differentiate between a bassinet and a cradle. Cradles haven’t actually changed much over the years. Typically constructed of wood — although some newer models are a combination of metal and plastic — a cradle permits you to rock your baby to sleep.

Heirloom Cradles
If you plan to use an heirloom cradle, make sure the rails are no more than 2 3/8 inches apart, per modern safety standards. Additionally, make sure:

• the cradle was not painted with lead paint
• the wood is not splintering
• you can purchase a mattress that fits properly
• the cradle is still sturdy
• any hardware is in good condition and not rusted

All About Bassinets
A bassinet typically is not designed to rock, although some models, such as the Kolcraft Easy Reach Ultra Light Vibes Rocking Bassinet, do offer that as a feature. Bassinets may also have wheels and be less bulky than cradles, making them easier to transport from room to room.

Some bassinets convert to a changing table or a co-sleeper, providing more flexibility. Many provide additional storage space in the form of baskets beneath the bassinet or diaper hangers on the side of the bassinet. Additionally, a bassinet will typically have a hood to block sunlight and may come with a mobile.

What to Look for in a Bassinet

The most important aspects of your bassinet relate to your baby’s safety. When selecting a bassinet, look for one that:

• Has a sturdy base. If the bassinet has wheels, they should lock when the bassinet is in use. If the bassinet folds up, as some models do for easy transport, the legs should lock securely.
• Will not tip. Keep in mind that pets can tip a bassinet, and should be kept out of any room where baby is sleeping. But under normal use conditions, your bassinet should be stable.

• Has a firm mattress that fits tightly on all sides of the bassinet. (Many bassinets come with a mattress). Be wary of bassinets with unusual shapes – it may be hard to find sheets for them. Sheets should fit tightly, and you will want to keep multiple sets on hand in case baby spits up in the middle of the night.
• Has no rough or sharp edges or spaces where baby can get trapped.

Questions to Ask Before You Buy a Bassinet

Once you know what to look for in a safe bassinet for your baby, you can begin considering the fun stuff, the features that distinguish the different models of bassinet. To decide what features are important to you, ask yourself these questions:

• Do you want storage space for blankets or diapers?
• Do you want a particular color scheme or design to match the baby’s room – or your bedroom?
• Do you want a gender neutral color so the bassinet can be used for future babies?
• Do you want a bassinet that plays music? Rocks? Vibrates? |
• Do you want to be able to move the bassinet easily from room to room? Or even pack it in the car for a day at Grandma’s or an overnight trip?
• Do you plan to co-sleep? If so, some bassinets convert to co-sleepers that attach to the side of your bed. If you’re not sure if you’d like to co-sleep but are considering it, one of these convertible models might be a wise choice.

Do you really need a bassinet or cradle?

Some parents start baby sleeping in a full-size crib from day one. Since babies only fit in their bassinet or cradle for 4 – 6 months, foregoing a bassinet altogether saves money. You may want to use a bassinet or cradle if:

• You plan to keep baby in your bedroom for the first 6 months (especially recommended if you breastfeed)
• You want a smaller sleeping option for a tight space
• You want a second place for baby to sleep at Grandma’s house
• You want the vibrating functions or rocking motions of a bassinet or cradle to help baby fall asleep.
• You feel your infant would be more comfortable in a smaller, cozier sleeping environment.

Jeep® Trek Easy-Travel Playard

Play yards, also known as Pack ‘N Plays, are multi-purpose, portable pens for babies. They have replaced conventional play pens as a convenient baby product from birth onward. Many play yards come with attachments and accessories that can turn the play yard into a:

• Bassinet (good from birth to about 4 months, or 15 lbs., or until baby can roll over)
• Changing table
• Portable crib

Several Pack and Play models from Dorel Juvenile Group were recently recalled when it was determined that the bassinet attachment represents a suffocation hazard. These models were taken off the market.

If you intend to use the bassinet portion of any play yard, however, be sure that the bassinet attaches securely and sits firmly within the play yard.

Because a Pack and Play grows with your baby, creating a safe sleep or play environment for up to 2 years (depending on your baby’s height and weight, and the weight limit on the play yard), for less than $200 it is a good investment.

You may want a Pack and Play if:

• You travel a lot and want a familiar environment where your baby can sleep
• Need a second crib for a babysitter or Grandma’s house
• Want a bassinet that will have other purposes after your baby outgrows the bassinet
• Need a second sleeping environment in a multi-story house (for instance, you want a pack and play downstairs for naptime in a house where the bedrooms are upstairs).

Considerations Before You Buy a Pack and Play
Ease of Set Up & Transport

Most play yards can be assembled in about 15 minutes or less, and disassembled even faster. You want a play yard that you find easy to put together and take apart.

When the play yard is together, is it sturdy? Do all the pieces fit together well – without tools?

All parts should fit inside the carrying bag easily. When it’s packed up, is it lightweight and easy for you to carry, or bulky and cumbersome?

If you have separate attachments, such as a mobile, a changing table, or even a bassinet, they may not fit in the included bag – although it’s a great benefit if they do!

Height and Weight Limits

Many Pack N Plays have a weight limit of 15 lbs. for the bassinet and changing table, and 20 lbs. for the play yard.

Accessories
Some features of play yards you might want to look for include: 

• Music (requires batteries)
• Mobile (powered or non-powered
• Hanging pouches for toy or linen storage
• Diaper stacker
• Wipe case
• Vibrating pad
• Swivel wheels

It should be noted that play yards are not required to meet the same safety standards as cribs, and should not be used as a permanent sleeping environment in place of a conventional crib.

After nearly 5 million drop-side cribs have been recalled in the past two years – including the largest crib recall in history with November’s recall of Stork Craft drop-side cribs – yet another another drop-side crib has been determined a safety hazard by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Caramia Furniture and Mother’s Hubbard Cupboards of Ontario, Canada, together with the U.S. CPSC, have announced the voluntary recall of the Caramia “Diane” drop-side crib, sold at Buy Buy Baby and other baby product and mass merchandise retailers from September 2002 through December 2005. The cribs sold for between $240 and $370.

The slats on the crib’s drop-side can detach from the top and bottom rails, posing fall and entrapment hazards. There have been 18 reports of the slats detaching, but no injuries reported.

The CPSC advises consumers to stop using the recalled Diane crib and contact Caramia Furniture to receive a free replacement drop side. The free replacement will be available beginning March 2010.

It’s important to note that this is not the same problem inherent in other drop-side cribs, and it is not safe to simply stop using the drop-side. Parents must find alternate sleeping arrangements for their baby immediately.

For more information about the recall, contact Caramia at 877-728-0342 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit www.caramiafurniture.com.