Choosing a Baby Crib
It's thrilling to design a nursery, but picking the crib will be one of your most crucial choices. The crib that your baby sleeps will have a significant impact on their development and health whether it's the design of the slats, or the mattress's height.
Make sure to check the crib's hardware regularly. Bolts and nails could become loose over time. Be sure to avoid placing your crib near window blinds or drapes that dangle, which pose a strangulation hazard for your baby.
Size
Size is a key factor to consider when shopping for the perfect crib. A crib should be big enough to accommodate a sleepy infant but small enough that you are able to safely reach your child to listen to them. It should be strong enough to withstand daily wear and tear.
The majority of cribs are made from metal or wood and most include the slatted sides. These features allow caregivers to observe the baby from different angles and also encourage airflow. Cribs can be used until your child reaches the age of two.
Most cribs are equipped with the mattress height which can be adjusted to meet the baby's growing needs. The lowest setting works best for infants. The highest setting is for babies who can sit up or crawl. Take measurements of the crib's interior to ensure that the mattress will fit. The slatted structure can create small gaps that could be dangerous for your baby.
Some manufacturers offer cribs with non-standard sizes and mattresses that meet the same safety standards as standard cribs. These include play yards and portable infant beds and bassinets. These cribs usually have mesh or rigid sides, and tend to be smaller than cribs that are full-size.
Review the manufacturer's guidelines to determine the recommended mattress size in case you choose one that isn't standard. There could be specifications that differ 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 it is not more than one inch. This is the most safe distance.
A waterproof cover for your baby's mattress can help keep it clean and protected from accidents or spit-up. Choose one with an antimicrobial barrier that reduces bacteria, and an anti-allergenic layer that blocks allergens.
If you're thinking of buying a crib that has drop-sides, be aware that they were linked to 32 infant deaths between 2000 and 2010 and were banned in the US as of. If you do decide to buy or receive a crib with drop sides for your baby ensure that you get rid of it once your child is 35 inches or is able to climb out.
Safety
A crib for babies is one of the safest places for your child to sleep. It's a place to relax but also a space where you can keep them close and see them often. There are a variety of crib models and brands on the market. However, they all must meet certain safety requirements. The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets these standards to ensure that cribs are safe for babies.
Before putting your child in the crib ensure that the crib is clean, free of dust and dander. Remove any toys or stuffed animal that could fall off the bed. Also, don't put any pillows or blankets in the crib as they could cause death by suffocation. Use a fitted sheet or mattress covers instead.
Some commenters suggested that cribs must be in compliance with formaldehyde emissions standards set forth in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act. L. 112-199) and cribs made of composite wood must be tested to ensure that they meet the standards. The CPSC has determined that, although these rules do not directly apply to cribs or other furniture made of composite wood, it is still appropriate to insist on the compliance of this law.
Mini Cot Bed suggested that the requirement that fasteners are tightened again between dynamic tests should be added to the crib standard that is being developed. We strongly disagree with this suggestion. The dynamic tests - the shake test and the vertical mattress support test - are designed to mimic and accelerate the use and abuse of cribs by children. Screws that are loose are the second most frequent cause of crib fatalities.
Other comments were based on the EWS incident data. These data show that the two most frequently reported crib hazards are unsafe mattresses and drop-sides. We have decided to concentrate our attention on these issues and to incorporate the performance standards already included in the current mandatory standard. By incorporating by reference, we can ensure that crib safety is maintained consistently and efficiently.
Style
It's an enjoyable and exciting experience designing your baby's nursery. The crib is the main 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 design or more traditional, there are lots of stylish cribs to choose from. There are options for every price range, from budget to high-end. Make sure that the crib you choose meets all safety requirements.
A crib is a small bed that is specifically designed for infants and children. It is constructed of durable materials like wood and features slatted wall paneling to allow safe ventilation. Cribs are typically larger than bassinets, and can be more expensive, however they are more functional for your child's the first three years of life.
There are many different types of cribs that are available on the market, but they all have to meet strict safety standards. For instance the crib slats must be no more than 6 centimeters apart (that's roughly the width of a soda container) and you should not use ornamental cutouts or patterns in the footboard or headboard.
The mattress should also fit snugly in the crib's opening. This is crucial because gaps between the crib and mattress can cause infants' arms or legs 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, make sure you purchase an extra mattress pad to provide support.
A good crib also has a mattress that is low that prevents toddlers from stepping over the edge of the crib. This is an excellent feature for parents with smaller children or rooms that are small in space. However, make sure to measure the mattress height before making your purchase. Most mattresses have a label on the corner that shows the crib's minimum and maximum mattress heights.
Consider buying a convertible crib if would like your crib to expand with your child. These cribs can be converted into the toddler's bed, a daybed or even a full size bed. A few cribs on 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 will require an additional purchase.
Budget
While the majority of cribs cost in the hundreds of dollars however, there are a few cribs on the market that are affordable. The Graco Classic 4 in 1 Crib is less than 200 dollars and is 5 stars rated by BabyCenter and Baby Bargains. Mini Cot Bed has a medium height profile, which makes it easy to take your baby in and out.
The Munchkin Brica travel pod is another budget-friendly crib. The portable sleep and play option is easy to assemble and folds up in a few minutes. It can be used indoors or out on a deck or patio. It is suitable for babies who weigh up to 15 pounds. It's not a long-term sleep solution, however since your baby will grow out of it after about six months.
There are also budget-friendly bassinets and cradles that can be used for the first few weeks to keep your baby comfortable and close. Although they're more expensive than a standard crib they are also more compact and easier to move around. They're only a temporary sleeping solution and your baby will outgrow it before their first birthday.
A crib that is of good quality will have a mattress support that is sturdy and secure, and is able to be adjusted to four different positions based on the baby's weight. It must be low enough for you to reach into and out of it easily, especially in the case of children under 5'5. Some cribs feature posts that are higher than 1 8 inch above the mattress's opening, which can cause your child to be trapped as they play or try to climb.
Some cribs come with attached changing areas that makes diaper changing easier and quicker. While these are convenient, they tend to take up more floor space than traditional cribs, and might not be the best option for smaller nurseries.
You should also consider the materials that the crib is constructed of. A lot of cribs made from particleboard, which can contain formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. Find a crib that is made from solid wood or comes with a metal base instead.