I Need Crib Advice Now!!!

If you borrow a crib, you need to really check it for safety... not just the "coke can" test, but for corner posts (they must be either no higher than 1/16th of an inch or at least 18 inches high, test the strength of the slats, the support mechanisims, etc. There is a lot of debate on whether to use a second-hand crib, but this is how I look at it: the crib is the only place in the house where you can reasonably expect to put your baby unsupervised. Shouldn't his or her safety there be the most important thing? Is it worth the couple hundred bucks you might have saved if (God forbid) anything goes wrong? Just my 2 cents...

If money is really a concern, a Pack and Play may be safer than a used crib. If you just don't want to get ripped off, I would check out the chapter in cribs in the Baby Bargains book by Denise Field... good discussion of what's available.

Good luck, and congratulations!

If you want a cute convirtable crib go to Walmart. They have a nice one that is white (probably comes in other colors too) that a friend of mine bought for around 130$ in Feb 08. The fit together a lot more easily than the cribs of 16 yrs ago when we bought ours...my hubby had it together for her in about 15 minutes! It took longer to unwrap it! You can also watch for the sales at BabysRUs...I have found some really good bargins there if you watch. Congrats and have fun!!

I borrowed a crib from my sister-in-law for my only child -- so sentiment is not an issue for me! I am the practical sort and if you can borrow a crib--do! If you borrow a crib or buy a used O., I do remember hearing that you should NOT be able to pass a can of Pepsi thru the bars--if you can, they are too far apart and are out of date. Personally, I decided to borrow a crib and spend money on a nice bedroom set for my son when he was old enough for a "big bed." If I were you, I would look in the Penneysaver, eBay (for local pick-up only items) or on Craig's List for a nice second hand crib. After all--how much "wear and tear" does a baby put on a crib?! And don't panic, I think for the fist few months, you can get away with a bassinet and/or pack and play. Congratulations on your soon-to-be new arrival!

If you have any local, go to a consignment store. Since you've 'been there, done that' once, you know kids are not in cribs forever.

With regard to the convertible crib, What you really end up with is 1. Crib, 2. little day bed, 3. Headboard, and possibly foodboard. You don't get the rails for a mattress. I think when it's time for a full size mattress, you purchase those along with the mattress.

Honestly, I think my decision would be based on do I want my child to grow up with the baby furniture. We bought a 2nd had crib for my daughter, and just recently (she turned 5) bought her a new set of furniture from Craig's List (www.craigslist.org). She had been in a crib until 3, then just in a twin bed until she was able to give some input (parent guided input) about her bedroom set.

Best of luck...