In today’s society everyone likes to throw away their stuff, but there is something special about our baby items that makes us want to keep them. Even so, before you give birth, many people will be happy to donate unused nursery furniture and crib bedding. Because babies are expensive business, be grateful for those offerings of baby bedding and baby cribs. When picking bedding and crib for your baby, do a little research to make sure the products are safe and trustworthy.

Your baby’s first bed is very important whether it is Moses basket or a crib. If someone has been kind enough to give you their crib you will most likely want to clean it up and perhaps repaint it. It is a good idea to check the safety of the crib while you are in the process of refinishing it. Even new baby bedding and cribs should be checked for safety. If you plan on using a cradle made of wicker, there are a couple things to consider: First make sure the wood is in good condition and there aren’t any loose or broken pieces and second check the condition of the mattress because many times this is the piece that needs to be replaced. When you fit the skirt, see that there are no loose ends or things that can go into the mouth of the baby.

Any loose threads or pieces of material may end up in the child’s mouth, so when the drapes have been fitted, be sure to pick these things up. Purchase new bedding for your crib if you are able to because the majority of organizations that are concerned about the safety of baby furniture, such as the Juvenile Products Manufacturer’s Association (JPMA) in the United States and British Standards (BS) in the UK have advised consumers to purchase new furniture and bedding, if at all possible. If a product has a JPMA seal of approval or a BS ‘kite’ mark then you know that they have been tested and will meet all the necessary safety requirements.

Previously used items are fine as long as they still meet safety requirements because it’s economical and environmentally correct to recycle usable baby bedding. Since your baby will be in his or her crib for extended periods of time it is important you spend the time inspecting it. You need to take all the necessary precautions to ensure your babies safety and well being. Please remember the following points when you check your baby equipment for safety. Be sure that snags that could catch on a baby’s clothes, as well as all chipped, loose, or toxic lead paints, are removed. Most importantly check the bars of the crib to assure that they are closer than 2 3/8 inches apart. The header and footer boards need to be solid having no holes, this will protect your infant from getting his/her head caught. If your crib wobbles you must check the joints and fixings to assure that they are tightened. You should be certain that the raising and lowering mechanism for the side rail can be operated with just one hand, and that it stays securely in place when in the raised position. The mattress should be at least 22 inches below the top of the rail, and the mattress should be clean, firm and made from good materials.

I think it is important that each new baby should get a new mattress, but make sure the mattress fits well in the crib before buying. Nursery bedding can be dangerous so it is important to make sure that all the bumpers strings are tied down or just remove the bumper completely. Due to the danger of overheating, pillows, duvets, sheepskin or quilts should not ever be used for infants under one year of age. Sheets and blankets may be combined and used. Also keep a thermometer in the room ready for use. Babies learn faster than we can observe sometimes, so it’s important to take preventative measures such as placing the crib far away from cords, lamps, blinds or curtains, or any other item the baby could climb or pull into the crib with them.

Always remember to enjoy every moment with your baby, they grow up before you even realize it.