Choosing a Baby Crib
It's thrilling to design a nursery however, choosing the crib will be one of your most important decisions. It doesn't matter what design of the slats, mattress height or conversion capabilities, the crib your baby sleeps in will affect their development and health.
Make sure to check the crib's hardware regularly. Bolts and nails may get loose over time. Avoid placing your crib in close proximity to blinds or drapes that hang on the ceiling, as they could create the risk of strangulation to your baby.
Size
When you are looking for a crib size is a crucial factor. The crib should be large enough to accommodate a sleeping baby, but compact enough that you can be able to reach them easily and care for them. It should also be strong enough to stand up to the wear and tear of regular use.
The majority of cribs are constructed of metal or wood and come with slatted side panels. These features let caregivers see the baby from various angles and encourage airflow. Cribs are used from birth until your child is about two years old. old, when they will need to be moved into a toddler bed.
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. The highest setting is for babies who are able to sit up or crawl. Make sure you measure the inside of your crib to make sure the mattress will fit as the slatted structure of most cribs can 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 as standard cribs. These include play yards as well as portable infant beds and bassinets. These cribs are smaller than the standard ones and have solid or mesh sides.
If you decide to purchase a crib that is not standard, make sure you check the manufacturer's guidelines for mattress size recommendations. They may have specific requirements that differ from the standard crib mattress size of 28 inches wide and 52 inches long. Also, you should check the gap between the crib and mattress to make sure it's not larger than 1 inch, which is the maximum safe space.
A waterproof cover can shield your baby's mattress from spills and accidents. Choose a cover with an antimicrobial layer to cut down on the growth of bacteria as well as a hypoallergenic barrier that eliminates allergens.
If you're thinking of buying a crib that has drop-sides, know that they've been linked to 32 infant deaths between 2000 and 2010, and are banned in the US in 2011. If you do decide to purchase or get a crib with drop sides for your baby ensure that you remove it when your child reaches 35 inches 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 a place to rest but also a place to see and hold them frequently. While there are many different models and brands of cribs available all of them must be able to meet certain safety standards. These standards are established by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and they make sure the cribs you purchase are safe for your baby.
Before putting your child in the crib ensure that the crib is clean and free of dander and dust. Also, remove any toys or stuffed animals that may fall out of the crib. Do not place any pillows or blankets inside the crib. They could cause the suffocation of children. Instead, you should use a mattress pad and a fitted sheet.
Some commenters suggested that cribs ought to be required to meet formaldehyde emission standards set out in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act (Pub. L. 112-199) and cribs constructed from composite wood should be tested to determine if they are in compliance. The CPSC has concluded that even though these regulations do not directly apply to cribs or other furniture made from composite wood, it is appropriate to insist on the compliance of this law.
Some commenters suggested that the new crib standard should include the requirement of tightening fasteners in between dynamic tests. We strongly disagree with this suggestion. similar web page and the vertical mattress support tests are dynamic tests that simulate and increase the crib abuse. Screws that are loose are the 2nd leading cause of fatal incidents in cribs.
Other comments were based upon the EWS incident information. These data show that the two most common crib dangers are mattresses that are not safe and drop-sides. We have decided to concentrate our focus on these issues and to incorporate the performance standards already incorporated into the current mandatory standard. By incorporating by reference, we can ensure that the safety of cribs is maintained consistently and effectively.
Style
The design of your baby's nursery is an exciting and rewarding experience. The crib is the main focal feature of any nursery, so pick one that matches your style and complements the decor. There are numerous elegant cribs to choose from, whether you want something modern and minimalist or more traditional. There are options for every budget, from affordable to luxurious. Make sure that the crib you pick meets all of the required safety standards.
A crib is a small crib designed especially for infants and children. It has slatted walls that ensure safe ventilation and is often constructed of sturdy materials like wood. Cribs can be larger and more expensive than bassinets, but they are more functional during the initial three years of your child's life.
There are many types of cribs on the market, however they all must be in compliance with strict safety standards. For example the crib slats need to not be more than 6 centimeters apart (that's about the width of a soda can), and you should not use ornamental cutouts or designs in the headboard or 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 get caught in the crib. Many cribs come with stabilizer bars to help keep the mattress in position. If your crib doesn't have stabilizer bars, you will need to purchase an additional mattress pad for support.
A quality crib also comes with a low sitting mattress level 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 limited in size. However, make sure to measure the mattress height before making your purchase. The majority of mattresses will include a sticker on the corner that indicates the crib's minimum and maximum mattress heights.
If you want a crib that can grow with your child, think about purchasing a convertible crib. These cribs can be converted into an infant's bed, a daybed, or even a full size bed. Some of the cribs on our list, like the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 4-in-1, come with conversion kits included. The rest require an additional purchase.
Budget
While the majority of cribs are priced 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 is priced at less than 200 dollars and has been rated 5 stars by BabyCenter and Baby Bargains. It also has a medium height profile, which makes it easy for you to take your baby in and out.
Another affordable crib is the Munchkin Brica Travel Pod. This portable crib for sleep and play is easy to set up and folds down in just a few minutes. It can be used indoors as well as outdoors on a patio or deck and is suitable for infants up to 15 pounds. It is not a permanent sleep solution, however because your baby will grow out of it after approximately six months.
There are also affordable bassinets and cribs that can be used for the initial few months, allowing you to keep your baby in a safe and secure environment. They're more expensive however they are smaller and easier to move. They are not a permanent sleeping solution and your baby will outgrow it before their first birthday.
A quality crib will include a mattress support that is strong and secure, and it can be adjusted to four different positions based on the baby's height. It should be low enough to allow you to reach into and out of it easily, especially if you're under 5'5 inches. Some cribs have posts that are higher than 1 8 inches above the mattress's opening that could cause your child to be stuck while they play or attempt to climb.
Some cribs come with attached changing areas, which makes diaper changing easier and quicker. Although they are convenient, they tend to take up more floor space than traditional cribs and might not be the best choice for smaller nurseries.
Think about the materials that the crib is made of. Many cribs are made of particleboard, which is made up of formaldehyde. Instead, opt for a crib made of solid wood or with a metal base.