Choosing a Baby Crib
It's thrilling to design a nursery but choosing the crib is one of your most crucial decisions. It doesn't matter what style of slats, the mattress height or the capability to convert, the crib your baby sleeps in will affect their health and development.
Check your crib hardware periodically. Bolts and nails may get loose over time. Avoid placing your crib near drapes or blinds that hang because they could pose the risk of strangulation to your baby.
Size
When shopping for a crib the size is a key aspect. A crib should be big enough to accommodate a sleepy infant, yet small enough that you are able to safely reach your baby in order to talk to them. It should be strong enough to withstand the everyday wear and tear.
The majority of cribs are constructed of metal or wood, and are fitted with slatted side panels. These features let caregivers see the baby from various angles and encourage airflow. Cribs can be used until your child is of two.
Most standard cribs have a mattress support height that can be lowered or raised as your baby grows. The lowest setting is ideal for infants, whereas the highest setting is good for babies who can sit up or crawl. Be sure to measure the interior of your crib to be sure the mattress will fit as the slatted structure of a lot of cribs create small gaps that could be dangerous for your baby.
Some manufacturers offer cribs with non-standard sizes and mattresses that have the same safety standards of full-size cribs. These include bassinets for infants, portable cribs and play yards. These cribs often have mesh or rigid sides, and they are generally smaller in size than full-size cribs.
If you opt for a non-standard crib, check the manufacturer's guidelines for mattress size recommendations. There could be specific requirements that are different from the standard crib size of 52 inches long and 28 inches wide. It is also important to examine the space between the crib mattress and the crib to ensure that it is not greater than 1 inch. This is the minimum safe distance.
A waterproof cover can protect your baby's mattress from spills and accidents. Choose one with an antimicrobial barrier that reduces bacteria and a hypoallergenic layer to block allergens.
If you're thinking of buying a crib with drop sides, be aware that they were associated with 32 infant deaths between 2000 and 2010. They have been outlawed in the US since. If you do decide to purchase or get a crib with drop sides for your baby, make sure to get rid of it once your child reaches 35 inches or has the ability to be able to climb out.
Safety
A crib for babies is the most secure spot for your child. It's not just an area to rest, but also a place where you can see and hold them frequently. While there are good cribs and brands of cribs on the market each one must be able to meet certain safety standards. These standards are laid out by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and they make sure that the cribs you purchase are safe for your baby.
Before you put your child in the crib, ensure that the crib is clean, free of dander and dust. Remove any toys or stuffed animals that could fall off the crib. Also, don't use any pillows or blankets inside the crib, as they can cause suffocation. Make use of a fitted sheet and a mattress cover instead.
cheap cots suggested that cribs should comply with the formaldehyde emissions standards set forth in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act. L. 111-199) and that cribs made of composite wood should be inspected for conformity. Although these regulations are not directly applicable to cribs but the CPSC has determined that it is appropriate to require that cribs and other furniture constructed of composite wood comply with this important new law.
Other commenters suggested that the new crib standard should include the requirement of tightening fasteners after dynamic tests. We strongly disagree with this suggestion. The shake test as well as the vertical mattress support tests are dynamic tests that simulate and increase the crib abuse. Screws that are loose are the 2nd most common cause of fatal accidents in cribs.
Other comments were based on the EWS incident data. These data show that the two most frequent crib hazards are unsafe mattresses and drop-sides. Therefore, we have decided to focus on these issues in the new rulemaking and to include the performance standards that are currently contained in the existing mandatory standard through reference. By incorporating the performance standards by reference we can ensure that the safety of cribs is maintained consistently and effectively.
Style
The process of designing your baby's nursery can be an exciting and rewarding process. The crib is the main focal feature of any nursery, so it is important to select one that fits your style and compliments the decor. If you're looking for a modern and minimalist style or more traditional, there are lots of chic cribs to pick from. There are options available in every price range, from the cheapest to luxurious. Make sure that the crib you pick is safe and meets all safety standards.
A crib is a small special bed designed specifically for infants and babies. It features slatted walls to ensure safe ventilation and is often constructed from durable materials such as wood. Cribs can be bigger and more expensive than bassinets but offer greater functionality during the initial three years of your child's life.
There are a variety of types of cribs that are available on the market, but they all have to meet strict safety standards. The crib slats, as an example, should not exceed 6 centimeters (about the width of a bottle of soda) apart. It is also recommended to avoid decorative shapes or cutouts in the headboard and footboard.
The mattress should be able to fit snugly into the crib's opening. This is because gaps between the crib and mattress can cause babies legs and arms to become entangled. A lot of cribs have bars for stabilization that assist in keeping the mattress in place. But if you have an unstabilized crib, ensure you buy a mattress pad for extra support.
A great crib also has a mattress that is low that helps keep toddlers from stepping over the edge of the crib. It's a great feature for parents with smaller children or rooms that are small Be sure to verify the mattress's height prior to you make your purchase. The majority of mattresses will include a sticker on the corner, which shows the crib's minimum and maximum heights.
If you are looking for a crib that can grow with your child, consider purchasing a convertible crib. These cribs can be transformed into a toddler's bed, a daybed, or even a bed that is full size. Some of the cribs in our list, like the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 4-in-1, come with conversion kits that are included. The rest require an additional purchase.
Budget
While the majority of cribs cost in the hundreds of dollars, there are a few cribs available on the market that are budget-friendly. The Graco Classic 4-in-1 crib, for example, costs less than $200 and has been highly rated 5 stars by BabyCenter, Baby Bargains, and National Parent Publications. It also has an overall profile that is medium height, making it simple to take your child in and out.
The Munchkin Brica travel pod is another crib that is budget-friendly. This portable crib for sleep and play is easy to put together and folds in just a few minutes. It can be used indoors or outside on a deck or patio and is suitable for babies up to 15 pounds. It's not a permanent sleep solution, however, as your baby will outgrow it after approximately six months.
There are also affordable bassinets and cradles that can be used for the first few months, allowing you to keep your baby close and comfortable. They cost more however they are smaller and easier to move. They are not a permanent sleeping solution and your baby will outgrow it by the time they reach their first birthday.
A crib that is of good quality should include a sturdy, solid mattress support that can be adjusted into four different positions based on the development of your baby. It should be low enough for you to reach in and out of it easily, particularly if you're under 5'5 inches. Some cribs feature posts that are higher than 1 8 inch above the opening of the mattress that could cause your child to be trapped while they play or try to climb.
Some cribs have an attached changing area that can make diapering a little easier and faster. They are handy, but they take up more space than traditional cribs. They may not be a good option for smaller nurseries.
Think about the materials the crib is made from. A lot of cribs are made from particleboard which contains formaldehyde. Instead, choose a crib made of solid wood or with a metal base.