Are you a pregnant or new mom looking for a crib for your baby’s nursery?  Unsure if you should buy new or used?  Are friends and family members offering up their previously used baby items?

The decisions can be tough in the beginning.  There is so much to buy in such a short period of time. Not only are you overwhelmed with an influx of hormones due to pregnancy or just giving birth but you are also tired beyond belief and experiencing that strong “nesting” feeling that everyone has been telling you about.

Well, the good news is that no matter whether you choose to buy a new or used crib, your baby will still love you just the same.  Babies can sense when a mother is giving her all to care for them.  They feel loved, nurtured and adored.

Most organizations concerned with baby furniture safety, such as the Juvenile Products Manufacturer's Association in the USA and British Standards in the UK say that it is best to buy new if you can. Those products that display either the JPMA seal of approval or the BS 'Kite' mark, have been tested very thoroughly and meet all the safety requirements. There are some checks you can do on cribs that have been 'handed down' too, to make sure that your baby will be safe and happy. After all the crib is the one place where your baby will spend time on their own, out of your sight.

Important things to look at to make sure the crib and bedding are okay for your baby:

• Make sure there is no chipped or loose paint.
• The space between the bars should be no more than 2 3/8 inches (approximately the size of a drinks can) to prevent baby's head from getting between them.
• There are no cut out shapes in the head or foot. There shouldn't be any posts that baby could catch their clothes on.
• Check that the joints are firm. The crib should not wobble.
• Check the mechanism for raising and lowering the side rail can be managed with one hand and that it is fully secure when raised.
• The top of the side rail is at least 22 inches above the mattress.
• Check the mattress is firm and clean. This is one piece of the crib that it may be best to replace. Buy a mattress that fits inside the crib snugly.
• Make sure any bedding conforms to fire safety regulations.
• When fitting bumpers make sure strings are hidden and secure.
• Bedding for cribs: Never use quilts, duvets, sheepskin or pillows for babies under 12 months as they are at risk of overheating. A room thermometer will ensure the temperature in the room is right. A combination of sheets and blankets is best.
• Never place the crib next to lamps, cords, window blinds/curtains, or furniture that might invite climbing.

  If your baby crib meets all of the above criteria, then you can rest assured that you are in a safe secure place.  Now the next big step is finding that unique baby bedding set for in the crib!