Even if you use a bassinet or cradle for the first few months after baby’s born, you’ll need to upgrade to a crib eventually. Buying your baby’s crib is an investment no parent should take lightly. There are several questions to consider. How safe is the crib? How durable? How much does it cost?

One question you should not ask yourself, however, is whether you should buy a crib in the first place. You might be tempted to go ahead and use the crib given to you by your great-Aunt Mary. Don’t!  Get a new crib. Prices range greatly and some cribs are very affordable, even for those on a strict budget.

The main reason you should invest in a new crib, however, is that safety standards are constantly being updated. There was a time when babies slept in their parents’ beds, on their stomachs, wrapped in a blanket. Today, this is not advisable due to the high risk of suffocation.  If you must use an older crib, avoid those built before 2000, about a year after the latest voluntary standards for slat-attachment strength were implemented.

The three basic types of cribs on the market are:

• Standard Cribs
• Convertible Cribs
• Mini/Portable Cribs

Standard Cribs

Most standard cribs on the market today are built to meet or exceed the minimum safety standards. Baby cribs come with fixed, single-drop or double-drop sides. Fixed sides are fine if parents are tall or if the crib will only be used occasionally.

Standard cribs generally come with an adjustable mattress height mechanism and a ‘drop’ side. Both features become increasingly important as your baby grows taller and heavier. Drop sides also make it much easier to lift baby out of the crib, especially for taller parents. As soon as your baby is able to pull up, at around 6-8 months, you will need to position the mattress at its lowest level to prevent him or her from climbing out of the crib. At least one drop side is handy if your crib doubles as a changing station.  Baby cribs with double drop sides are suitable if the nursery is big enough that the crib isn't against a wall. Most drop sides work by pressing your knee against the side of the crib.

Convertible Cribs

Parents may choose a crib that will convert into a toddler bed for its longevity, especially if they do not plan on having more children in the near future.  Convertible cribs convert into a toddler bed, then into a “big kid” bed and sometimes, even into a day bed/full-size bed/chairs!

Many convertible cribs can be switched to a "big girl" or "big boy" bed simply by removing one drop side. Some parents feel their toddlers have an easier time adjusting to the crib-to-bed transition with a convertible crib. To convert some cribs, you may need to buy additional parts, such as bed rails, stabilizing rails, or support rails, for converting to a full-size bed.

Mini/Portable Cribs

Families are much more mobile today, so portable cribs are becoming an increasingly popular choice. These cribs are smaller and lighter than standard cribs and generally have casters for easy portability. Some portable cribs only fold in half, while others feature a handle and wheels. The portable crib you choose should be light enough for you to handle it comfortably. You should also make sure the mattress is comfy enough for your little one.

Important note: Portable cribs are not required to meet the same safety standards that standard baby cribs are!

Safety Checks for All Types of Cribs

A safe crib should have:

• A firm, tight-fitting mattress
• No missing/broken hardware or slats
• No cut-outs in the head- or foot-boards
• Slats should be no more than 2 3/8" apart (the width of a soda can)
• Corner posts should not be higher than 1/16"
• A metal spring system to support the mattress--safer than straps
• If you’re buying a portable crib, make sure your selection has not been recalled (www.recalls.gov)
• Check for tears, holes, loose threads, exposed nuts, bolts and screws
• Tighten all nuts, bolts, and screws.
• Follow recommended height and weight limits.
• Make sure that there is no space between the mattress and the side of the crib
• Check mattress support attachments regularly to make sure none is bent or broken.
• If you move a crib, double-check that all support hangers are secure
• Check all crib hardware from time to time and replace anything that's loose. Missing and loose parts are a leading cause of accidents and deaths because they can create gaps where babies can wedge their heads and necks, and suffocate or strangle.

Important Safety Updates for Infant Sleeping:

• Soft bedding can suffocate infants! The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that some 900 babies die this way each year in cribs and play yards. About half of the suffocation deaths in cribs occurred when infants ended up face down on pillows or face down in a crib with pillows, quilts and other bedding.
• Babies under 12 months should sleep in a crib with only a mattress and fitted sheets. Bumper guards are unnecessary but not dangerous if they’re properly secured and not pillow-y.
• Dress your baby in a one-piece sleeper or baby sack instead of using a blanket.
• If you do use a blanket, place infants with their feet at the foot of the crib and tuck a thin blanket around the mattress. The blanket should just reach the baby's chest. baby to sleep on his or her back in a crib that meets current safety standards
• Do not use old, broken or modified cribs
• Never place a crib near a window with blind or curtain cords; infants can strangle on curtain or blind cords
• Routinely check nursery products against CPSC recall lists.

(Information compiled from consumerreports.org, babyproducts.about.com)