What to look for while...

buying Crib, crib mattress, Bassinet & Diaper bag...Babycenter is a very resourceful website...here are some excerpts...

:Cribs/Baby Cots:

• Specific safety standards:
-The distance between the crib slats must be no more than 2 3/8 inches.
-The dropsides must be at least 9 inches above the mattress support when lowered.
-When raised, the top of the dropside must be at least 26 inches above the support at its lowest position.
• Adjustable mattress height:
-Make sure the mechanism for this feature is essentially foolproof — you don't want your child's jiggling to knock the mattress out of place.
• Ease of release:
-Before buying a crib, give it a thorough hands-on inspection. Raise and lower the sides of each model several times to see which crib is easiest to operate(noise-free one-handed release is key). Note that if the release is too easy a baby may learn to lower the sides himself.
• Stability:
-Give the crib a good shake in the store. If it wobbles or rattles, that may mean it was put together improperly;it could also be a sign you should keep looking.
• Frame size:
-The crib interior should snugly accommodate a standard crib mattress — at least 51 3/4 inches long by 27 3/4 inches wide.
-Make sure that even with a mattress in place, the crib sides are tall enough to keep your baby safely inside.
• Casters:
-Metal wheels are better than plastic, but both make the crib easier to move around the room.
• Versatility: Many cribs are designed to convert to toddler beds, children's benches, and even adult daybeds for later use elsewhere in the home. While this sounds appealing, make sure the crib makeover is relatively easy to perform and that you like the look of the new furniture.

!!AVOID!!
• Old cribs:

-Cribs made before 1973, when federal guidelines went into effect, are more likely than newer models to have safety problems.
-Secondhand cribs may also have splinters, lead paint, discontinued (and potentially dangerous) features, or slats that are too far apart.
-Check slat space size and stability, and look out for any sharp edges, protruding metal, and other dangers.
• Decorative touches: Avoid fancy decorations that can break off and pose a choking hazard.

:Crib Mattresses:

• Foam mattresses:

-Made either of polyester or polyether, because they weigh less than innerspring mattresses.

-The better foam mattresses are high-density, about 1.5 pounds per cubic foot.

-Cheaper than innerspring/coil ones.

• Innerspring mattresses:

-Coil mattresses keep their shape longer than foam.

-Look for mattresses with a minimum of 150 coils.

-If you can fit two fingers between the side of the mattress and the crib, the mattress is too small.

-Firm is good.Squeeze the mattress at the edges and center to test its firmness.

-For water-resistance ticking (mattress cover), look for double- or triple-laminated ticking reinforced with nylon.

-Plenty vent holes to allow odors to escape.

:Bassinet:

-Sturdy bottom and a wide base.

-If the stand is a folding model, be sure its legs lock so the bassinet doesn't collapse unexpectedly.

-If it has wheels, make sure they lock to prevent accidental roll-aways.

-Steer clear of bassinets with hoods that don't fold back.

-Rough or sharp edges on the inside.

-If a quilt is included in the bedding set, know that it is for decorative use only and should not be used to cover your baby.

:Diaper Bag:

-One that has a good easy to use changing pad that can be used for a toddler too.

-A mesh/H2O proof pocket to hold wet stuff.

-Can be wore on the back or shoulders with adjustable straps.

-Has a light inside covering.

& heres a 'short list' of things that a new-Mom, A.Marie,with a 4 month old son, found really important that need to go in ones hopsital & diaper bag! Read on...!

"... I looked up every possible list on the web of what to register for and purchase, what to pack for the hospital, and what to pack in a diaper bag. I can't believe how many things I bought that I truly didn't need, and likewise didn't get that I should have. My best advice to expecting moms is the following list:

For Mom; 2-3 GOOD nursing bras-don?t worry about looks, 1-2 nursing gowns, several cloth nursing pads-the disposable are easier but can chap your nipples, lanisoh cream, tucks, hospital size maxi-pads, Rx Americane ointment and spray, an inflatable hemorrhoid pillow to sit on, a breast pump or rental, and a package of size 1 diapers to make ice packs out of-essential!! Also a couple of good reference books-I liked The baby Book, Babywise, and Heatly Sleep Habits, Happy Child. Please know, you will get a hundred opinions but the more you have to read the more confident and encouraged you?ll feel.

For Your Newborn; 6+ baby gowns with attached mittens, 6+ side snap tees, 6+ soft white onesies, newborn swaddler diapers, 4+ thick/cotton/extra large receiving blankets, newborn socks, only 2-3 head beanies for summer(extra stretchy), nail clippers with attached magnifier, a Boppy or Best Friend pillow and nursing stool for nursing, several cheap but soft burp rags, sensitive wipes, a nasal aspirator, Baby oil and a very fine comb- to get rid of cradle cap, a few bottles of Purell hand sanitizer, a vibrating bouncy seat, a front carrier, a total body support for the infant seat, a mirror to see baby in the car, a heart beat or soothing sounds bear, very soft wash cloths, a terry cloth bath pillow for the tub, alcohol and q-tips for the umbilical cord, a car seat and stroller.

For the hospital; you dont need much. One or two outfits for baby, some comfy slippers that you don?t mind throwing away if they get filthy, a camera and batteries or charger, a couple of snacks for dad, a hair tie, your breast pump so the staff can assist you the first time (but I rec renting one the first month), your bare minimum makeup essentials, deodorant, good smelling soaps, lotion, and shampoo that wont be offensive to baby, any baby books you want printed or signed, an extra bag for gifts, a pillow for you and Dad, and possibly something to cover your eyes to get some good rest. DONT HESITATE ASKING THE STAFF FOR A HEMMORHOID PILLOW, SAMPLES OF FORMULA JUST IN CASE, A NIPPLE SHIELD IF YOU NEED IT, A BOPPY PILLOW, A ROCKER OR GLIDER TO NURSE IN, EXTRA FOOD FOR YOU, OR EXTRA PAIN MEDS AND ICE DIAPERS IF YOU NEED THEM, AND HELP IN GENERAL. This will get you through the first month!

On a side note, I got a few items from Nordstroms, Neiman Marcus, and Saks Fifith avenue for gifts and thought the prices were ridiculous, but they were so much softer and well made that I could really tell the difference. If you can splurge, get a couple of burp rags, side snap tees, and gowns from them. Several of these items will be used for a very short period of time but they are so worth it. Borrow them if you can. "

Oouch!