Choosing a Baby Crib
It's thrilling to design a nursery, but picking the crib will be one of the most crucial decisions. The crib that your baby sleeps will have a major impact on their development and health, whether it is the style of the slats, or the mattress height.
Remember that nails and bolts can be loose in time, so make sure you check your crib's hardware frequently. Avoid placing your crib near blinds or drapes hanging because they could pose the risk of strangulation to your baby.
Size
Size is a key factor to consider when purchasing a crib. The crib should be large enough to accommodate a sleepy baby, yet small enough for you to be able to reach them easily and take care of them. It should also be strong enough to stand up to the wear and tear of regular use.
Most cribs are made of wood or metal and have sides that are slatted. These features are designed to let caregivers observe the baby from various angles and ensure the proper flow of air. Cribs are used from birth until your child is about two years old. older, at which point they will have to be moved to the toddler bed.
Most standard cribs have a mattress support height that can be lowered or raised as your baby develops. The lowest setting is suitable for newborns, whereas the highest setting is suitable for babies who sit up or crawl. Be sure to check the inside of your crib to be sure that the mattress fits because the slatted style of most cribs may create small gaps that could pose a danger for your baby.
Some manufacturers offer cribs with non-standard sizes and mattresses that comply with the same safety standards as full-size cribs. These include play yards as well as portable infant beds and bassinets. These cribs usually have rigid or mesh sides, and they are usually smaller than full-size cribs.
If you choose a non-standard crib, review the manufacturer's guidelines for mattress sizes. There could be requirements that differ from the standard crib size of 52 inches long and 28 inches wide. It is also important to check the space between the crib mattress and the crib to ensure that it is not greater than 1 inch. This is the most safe distance.
A waterproof cover can shield your baby's bed from spills and accidents. Select one that has an antimicrobial barrier that reduces bacteria and a hypoallergenic layer that blocks allergens.
If you're thinking of buying a crib with drop sides, be aware that they were associated with 32 deaths of babies between 2000 and 2010. They have been outlawed in the US since 2011. If you do decide to purchase or get a drop-side baby crib, make sure to remove it when your child reaches 35 inches or can climb out.
Safety
A crib for your baby is the most secure place for your child. It's a space for them to rest and also a place where you can keep them close and check on them frequently. There are many crib models and brands available on the market. However, they all have to meet certain safety requirements. The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets these standards to ensure that cribs are safe for infants.
Before you place your child in the crib, ensure that the crib is clean and free of dust and dander. Remove any toys or stuffed animal that may fall out of the bed. Also, don't use any pillows or blankets inside the crib, as they can cause death by suffocation. Instead, use mattress pads and a fitted sheet.
Some commenters suggested that cribs must be in compliance with formaldehyde emissions standards as outlined in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act. L. 112-199) and that cribs constructed of composite wood should be inspected to ensure conformity. The CPSC has concluded that, even though these regulations do not directly apply to cribs or other furniture made of composite wood, it is a good idea to insist on conformity with this important law.
Others suggested that the requirement that fasteners be tightened after dynamic tests should be included in the crib standard that is being developed. We strongly oppose this suggestion. The shake test and vertical mattress support impact tests are dynamic tests that simulate and accelerate crib abuse. Screws that are loose are the second leading cause of crib fatalities.
Other comments were based upon EWS incident data. These data show that the two most common crib dangers are mattresses that are not safe and drop-sides. We decided to focus our attention on these concerns and to incorporate the performance standards already included in the standard that is currently mandatory. By reference incorporation is the most effective method to ensure that the cribs' safety is maintained in a consistent and efficient way.
Style
It's a satisfying and thrilling experience to design the nursery of your baby's. The crib is the focal point of any nursery, so choose one that suits your style and complements its decor. If you're looking for a contemporary and minimalist look or something more traditional, there are lots of stylish cribs to choose from. There are cribs for every budget, from affordable to high-end. Make sure that the crib you pick has all the safety requirements.
A crib is a compact crib designed especially for infants and babies. It is constructed of durable materials like wood, and has slatted wall panels to allow for safe ventilation. Cribs can be bigger and more expensive than bassinets however they offer more functionality during the initial three years of your child's existence.
There are many crib styles available, but all must meet safety standards. For instance the crib slats must not be more than 6 centimeters apart (that's roughly the width of a soda container), and you should avoid using ornamental cutouts or patterns in the headboard or footboard.
Additionally, the mattress must be able to fit comfortably into the crib's opening. This is because gaps between the crib and the mattress can cause babies legs and arms to become entangled. Some cribs come with stabilizer bars to help keep the mattress in place. However, if you own a crib that doesn't have them, ensure you buy an extra mattress pad to provide support.
A mattress that is low-level is another characteristic of a quality crib that helps to prevent toddlers from climbing over the crib's edge. It's a great feature for smaller parents or rooms with limited space However, be sure to measure the mattress's height prior make your purchase. The corner of most mattresses will show the crib's maximum and minimum mattress heights.
Consider buying sale cot if you want your crib to change with your child. These cribs can be converted into toddler beds, a daybed and even a bed that is full size. Some of the cribs in our list, such as the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 4-in-1, have conversion kits that are included. The rest require an additional purchase.
Budget
While most cribs are priced in the hundreds of dollars, there are a few cribs on the market that are budget friendly. The Graco Classic 4-in-1 crib, for example, costs less than $200 and is rated 5-stars by BabyCenter, Baby Bargains, and National Parent Publications. It also has a profile that is moderate in height, making it simple to get your child in and out.
The Munchkin Brica travel pod is another affordable crib. It is simple to put together and folds in just two minutes. It can be used indoors or outside, on decks or patios. It is suitable for infants weighing up to 15 pounds. It is not a permanent sleep solution, however, because your baby will outgrow it in about six months.
There are also affordable bassinets and cradles that are suitable for the first few months, which allows you to keep your baby in a safe and secure environment. While they are a bit more expensive than a standard crib, they are also more compact and easier to move around. But, they're only a temporary solution for sleeping and your baby is likely to outgrow them before the first birthday.
A good crib should be sturdy and solid mattress support that is able to be adjusted to four different positions, depending on the growth of your baby. It should be low enough to allow you to reach into and out of it easily, particularly in the case of children under 5'5 inches. Some cribs feature posts that are higher than 1 8 inch above the opening of the mattress, which can cause your child to become stuck while they play or attempt to climb.
Some cribs are equipped with changing areas, which makes diaper changing easier and quicker. These are convenient, but they take up more space than traditional cribs. They might not be a suitable option for smaller nurseries.
Think about the materials that the crib is made of. The majority of cribs are constructed of particleboard, which may contain formaldehyde which is a known carcinogen. Choose a crib that is made out of solid wood or has an aluminum base instead.