So many cribs, so hard to decide on what to get. Well, here's what NOT to get...
As of 2010, drop side cribs are no longer being sold in North America due to the high incidence of fatalities - babies being suffocated or breaking their precious necks after getting stuck between the gap of crib side that drops. If you're not in NA and these are still being sold, best to avoid it! Get a fixed side crib. You can read more about it here.
So how do you deal with a fixed side crib? Well, the mattress can be adjusted to two or three different levels, depending on the type of crib you buy. The challenge comes when your baby is over four or five months and can sit up. You will have to lower the mattress and will have to finesse your way into placing your baby into the crib without, a. waking him/her up, and b. without hurting yourself (the pressure on your tummy as you do this is no fun especially if you've had a C-Section.
Personally, avoid those all in one cribs with a change table, where the change table comes attached to the crib. Here's why...if you've had a C-section, it is much harder to lean over your baby while he is facing you toes to your tummy to change him. This will hurt your back! And there's the chance that he will kick you, (mine did while on the change table attached to the play yard downstairs and it hurt!). However, if you've got room to spare beside the change table then this may work for you.
You'll feel a lot better if you purchase a convertible crib. Most of these are now four stage cribs, going from a crib, to a toddler bed, to a day bed and then finally into a double bed. This will also come in handy in prolonging the use of the mattress your purchase, especially if you've purchased an organic one which can really put a dent in the bank account (more to come on the organic mattress).
There are some great cribs out there. This is what we got our lil guy and he LOVES IT! Next up, dressing up your baby's crib and what NOT to do!
