Choosing a Baby Crib
Designing a nursery is an exciting experience, but selecting the crib is one of the most important decisions you'll make. It doesn't matter what style of slats, mattress height or the capability to convert, the crib that your baby sleeps on will impact their health and development.
Examine the crib's hardware frequently. Bolts and nails may get loose over time. Also, avoid placing your crib near curtains or window blinds that dangle, which create a strangulation risk for your baby.
Size
Size is an important factor to consider when purchasing a crib. A crib should be big enough to accommodate a sleeping infant, but small enough so that you can safely reach your baby in order to talk to them. It should be sturdy enough to withstand daily wear and tear.
nursery cots of cribs are constructed from metal or wood and most have slatted sides. These features are designed to let caregivers observe the baby from various angles and ensure proper air flow. Cribs are available until your child is of two.
Most cribs are equipped with a mattress support height that can be adjusted or raised as your baby develops. The lowest setting is ideal for babies. The highest setting is ideal for babies who are able to sit up or crawl. Check the crib's dimensions to ensure that the mattress is suitable. The slatted structure can leave small gaps which could be hazardous to your baby.
Certain manufacturers offer cribs that are not standard and mattresses that have the same safety standards as standard cribs. These include play yards and portable infant beds and bassinets. These cribs are smaller than standard ones and come with rigid or mesh sides.
Review the manufacturer's guidelines to determine the recommended mattress size if you decide to purchase a crib that isn't standard. There could be specific requirements that differ from the standard crib size of 52 inches long and 28 inches wide. It is also recommended to check the gap between the crib and mattress to be sure it is no more than 1 inch, which is the maximum safe space.
A waterproof mattress cover for your baby can help keep it clean and secure from spills or accidents. Choose a cover with an antimicrobial layer to cut down on bacteria, and a hypoallergenic layer that blocks allergens.
If you're considering a crib with drop sides, be aware that they've been linked to 32 deaths of babies between 2000 and 2010, and have been outlawed in the US from 2011. Even if you decide to buy a drop-side crib or get one from a friend ensure that you remove it when your baby is 35 inches tall or has the ability to be able to climb out.
Safety
A crib for your baby is among the most secure places for your child to sleep. It's not just an area for rest but also a place to see and hold them frequently. While there are many different models and brands of cribs available each one must comply with certain safety standards. These standards are established by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and they make sure that the cribs you purchase are safe for your baby.
Before you place your child in the crib, ensure that the crib is clean, free of dander and dust. Take away any toys or stuffed animals that might fall out of the bed. Don't put any blankets or pillows in the crib. They can lead to suffocation. Use a fitted sheet or a mattress cover instead.
Some commenters suggested that cribs should be required to comply with the formaldehyde emission standards laid out in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act (Pub. L. 112-199) and that cribs made of composite wood should be tested to determine if they are in conformity. The CPSC has determined that, although these requirements do NOT directly apply to cribs or other furniture made from composite wood, it is a good idea to require compliance with this important law.
Others suggested that the new crib standard should include the requirement to tighten fasteners after dynamic tests. We strongly disagree with this suggestion. The shake test and the vertical mattress support tests are dynamic tests that simulate and accelerate abuse of cribs. Screws that are loose are the 2nd leading cause of fatalities in cribs.
Other comments were based upon the EWS incident information. These data reveal that the most common hazards that are associated with cribs include drop-sides and mattresses that are unsafe. We decided to pay particular attention on these issues and to incorporate the performance standards already included in the standard that is currently mandatory. By incorporating them by reference, we can ensure that the safety of cribs is maintained consistently and effectively.
Style
It's an enjoyable and thrilling experience to design the nursery of your baby's. The focal point of any nursery is the crib, so it's important to choose one that is in keeping with your style and matches the room's decor. There are a variety of stylish cribs available that you can choose from modern and minimalist or traditional. There are options available in every price range, from the cheapest to luxurious. Just be certain that the crib you select conforms to all safety standards.
A crib is a compact, specially designed bed for infants and babies. It is constructed of durable materials like wood and is fitted with slatted wall panels to allow for safe ventilation. Cribs are typically larger than bassinets, and can be more expensive, but they provide more functions for your baby's early years.
There are many styles of cribs available on the market, but they all have to meet strict safety standards. The crib slats, for instance, shouldn't exceed 6 centimeters (about the width of a bottle of soda) apart. You should also beware of cutouts or ornaments in the footboard and headboard.
The mattress must be able to fit snugly into the crib's opening. This is essential because gaps between the mattress and crib could allow infants legs or arms to become entangled. Many cribs come with bars for stabilization that aid in keeping the mattress in its place. If your crib doesn't come with stabilizer bars, then you will need to purchase an additional mattress pad for support.
A quality crib also comes with a low-sitting mattress, which helps prevent children from climbing over the crib's edge. This is a fantastic feature for parents with children who are smaller or rooms that are limited in size. But, be sure to check out the mattress height before making your purchase. The corners of many mattresses will list the crib's maximum and minimum mattress heights.
You should consider buying an adjustable crib if you would like your crib to expand with your child. These cribs can be converted into an infant's bed, a daybed or even a full size bed. Some cribs, like the Babyletto Hudson 4-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 3-in-1 have conversion kits. The rest require an additional purchase.
Budget
While the majority of cribs cost in the hundreds of dollars, there are a few cribs on the market that are budget friendly. The Graco Classic 4 in 1 Crib costs less than 200 dollars and is 5-star rated by BabyCenter and Baby Bargains. It also has a profile that is medium height, making it simple to get your child inside and out.
Another crib that is budget-friendly is the Munchkin Brica Travel Pod. This portable sleep-and-play option is simple to put together and folds up in two minutes. It can be used indoors as well as outdoors on a patio or deck and is suitable for babies up to 15 pounds. It is not a permanent sleeping solution, however, since your baby will grow out of it after approximately six months.
There are also budget-friendly bassinets and cribs that can be used for the beginning of the first few months, allowing you to keep your baby snug and close. They cost more but they are smaller and easier to move. They are not a permanent sleep solution for your baby and they will outgrow it by the time they reach their first birthday.
A good crib should include a sturdy, solid mattress support that can be adjusted in four different positions, depending on your baby's growth. It should be low enough to allow you to reach into and out of it easily, especially if you're under 5'5. Some cribs have posts that are higher than 1 8 inch above the opening of the mattress This can cause your child to get trapped while they play or attempt to climb.
Some cribs have attached changing areas that help diapering a bit easier and faster. While these are convenient however, they take up more floor space than traditional cribs and might not be the best choice for smaller nurseries.
It is also important to consider the materials that the crib is made from. A lot of cribs are made from particleboard that contains formaldehyde. Instead, opt for a crib that is made of solid wood or with a metal base.