We just went shopping for cribs yesterday, and I'm more confused than ever! I've heard how wonderful Bellini cribs are, and when we went to see them, we did like them. They certainly are strong. But then we also went to another store in our area, and saw ChildCraft cribs which seem strong as well (the Legacy line). Does anyone know ANYTHING about which cribs are good, which are bad, etc.? Help!!! We have to order quickly, as they take 2-3 months to deliver if they're not in stock! Thanks!!!!
Misha
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Re: Question about cribs!!!
We have a Bellini crib, 2 dressers, a book shelf and the changing table and love it all! It is very well made, when delivered they put everything together for us and we have had no problems. The crib converts to a day bed.
michele31
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Re: Question about cribs!!!
I went to Bellini's thinking that i would just fall in love with their stuff and really I didn't. I did however fall in love with their $1K (or so) bedding and have quickly learned to fall out of love with it Their cribs are strong and well made- and I have never heard a complaint from anyone. But I also have friends who purchased $300 cribs from JC Penny's and raised 2 kids in it without a problem. My stepmother had my little brother's crib set for 18 years. It was from a very expensive shop at that time. 4 other children even used it (she lent it out a few times) and it was always in perfect condition until my SIL got it. After less than 2 years it was scratched, chipped etc... it was really, really sad to see it like that. So a lot of it depends on how you take care of your furniture too. Most every crib sold in the big chains or smaller shops met current safety standards also, so that is typically not a factor in cost. For many it comes down to $$$$. If you like a Bellini crib and can afford to pay the price I am sure you will be happy with it. But for many, they are happy with the crib that they got from Target.
Kathi
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Re: Question about cribs!!!
I also have Bellini - which will be delivered in the next 2 weeks. They're not *inexpensive*, but I've certainly seen more expensive ones.
The crib (can't remember the name) that I originally wanted from them was $875... then I thought, do I really need that and we got a $550 model - same quality - less woodwork.
If you haven't bought the 'Baby Bargains' book yet, I strongly recommend you do!! It really was helpful in terms of ratings/opinions on ALL things baby.
Good luck!
christine1221
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Re: Question about cribs!!!
Another vote for Baby Bargains!!
some of the girls on the board recommended it & I'm so glad we got it. You can order it through buy.com for about $10 with no shipping charges or go to the local bookstore.
This book has saved my life! I went shopping with it in tow several times & I'm glad I did. It's very readable & makes practical recommendations. Otherwise a first time mom-to-be would go CRAZY!!!
good luck!
jlf41
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Re: Question about cribs!!!
If my memory serves me correctly- Baby Bargains rates the Childcraft cribs very highly. But you should definetely check out that book, even if you just browse through it at B&N.
bearsbabe_113
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Re: Question about cribs!!!
Another Baby Bargains fan -- that book has become my BIBLE and I go NOWHERE w/o it!!!!
The Bellini crib I fell in love with was discontinued, so I went to Behr's and fell in love with a Pali crib. I also fell in love with a Bonavita crib (it was a close second). I paid $500 for our crib. I can't tell you how I like it because it hasn't been delivered yet! But BB rated them high.
My sister had a Child Craft crib for my nephew and loved it. They're also made of good quality and got good ratings from BB.
Take a look at Behr's in Massapequa -- they have a HUGE selection of every manufacturer. And their prices are pretty good.
And FYI, if you pick a crib made by an Italian manufacturer, they close the whole month of August!!! So that will add another 4 weeks onto your delivery date. Good luck!
Edited to say: Lauren, aren't you due the same time as me??? I thought I was bad waiting until last month to order!!! Hurry up!!!
LaurenDM
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Re: Question about cribs!!!
I'm not too worried about the delivery date, because I plan to use a bassinet for the first two or three months anyway, so the crib can after the baby is born. I did, however, order the changing table (Pali), which I love! Since they have it in stock, it should be delivered within a few weeks and assembled for us too!
I will definitely have to take a look at that book, though! Thanks for the advice!
Bearsbabe - what else have you gotten so far? I need to get moving!
bearsbabe_113
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Re: Question about cribs!!!
Lauren, you are too funny!!! I finally finished registering (you know my 'drama' with that). I know I missed a bizzillion little things, but as long as I got the big/most needed stuff down, I don't care anymore!! I'll be returning the 55,000 blankets/binkies and various other stuff my mother, MIL and my DH zapped!! Mark my words!
As for the furniture: I ordered the crib and what they call a 'combo'. I'm kind of limited on space furniture-wise, so I didn't want the traditional changing table. The combo is a dresser/changing table. I'm borrowing my sister's glider and my friend just had a baby this past December, so I'm borrowing her bassinet, since it's practically brand new. (Her daughter was over 9 lbs. and outgrew it very quickly.)
Now we're starting to get the house ready!! Or I should say, I wrote down the list and Joe is starting to do some of things on the list. Not much, just the basic cleaning, painting, etc. Some stuff that should've been done after we got married, but we never had the time to do. I want to get all that done by the end of July so that I don't have to do anything in August but relax!!
Did you start registering yet?
phyl
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Re: Question about cribs!!!
good idea about getting the home ready....sorry to jump on that post Bearsbabe...you will NOT want to do much in AuG between the heat and it being your last month. Try to get a 'party' together to help daddy. I had 3 of Robs friends come over one day to help put up storm doors while my bro painted the nursery.
at the end of the day, almost all was done and I didnt have to sweat the details too much!
LaurenDM
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Re: Question about cribs!!!
I already registered, and actually had my baby shower last week already! I know it was a bit early, but my mom was worried that a lot of people would be going away on weekends during the summer. We had it at Milleridge Inn, and it was beautiful - I'm waiting to get pictures back so I can post them!!!
bearsbabe_113
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Re: Question about cribs!!!
You had your shower and you didn't order your crib yet? LMAO!!! WOW, that's great!!! Did I miss the post about that???? When was it? What did you get? Fill me in DD buddy!!!!
LaurenDM
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I didn't post about it, because I wanted to post when I got pictures to post. It was great - about 30 people came, and I got a lot of great gifts (only some that I had actually registered for, from friends who really knew that I wanted what I registered for). So now, I have to bring back a lot of outfits that were purchased in sizes 3-6 months, and were summer clothes (which it won't be summer 3-6 months after the baby is born)... LOTS more shopping to do now to get the things I really need!
bearsbabe_113
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Re: Question about cribs!!!
Oh good!! I'm so glad you had a good time and got a lot of nice stuff!! As for more stuff to get, there's always going to be more stuff to buy! Babies are a never-ending shopping trip!!! But the FUN kind!!!!
