Choosing a Baby Crib
It's thrilling to design a nursery, but picking the crib will be one of the most crucial choices. Whether it's the design of the slats, mattress height or conversion capabilities, the crib that your baby sleeps on will affect their health and development.
Remember that bolts and nails can wiggle loose over time, so be sure to check your crib's hardware frequently. Also, avoid placing your crib close to window blinds or drapes that hang, which can pose a strangulation hazard for your baby.
Size
Size is a key factor to take into consideration when buying the right crib. A crib should be large enough to accommodate a sleeping infant, yet small enough that you can safely reach your baby in order to talk to them. It should also be sturdy enough to withstand the wear and tear of daily use.
The majority of cribs are constructed of metal or wood and come with slatted side panels. These features are designed to allow caregivers to view the baby from different angles and to ensure adequate air flow. Cribs can be used from birth until the child is about two years old. of age, at which point they have to be moved to a toddler bed.
The majority of cribs have the mattress height which can be adjusted to meet the baby's growing needs. The lowest setting is ideal for infants, whereas the highest setting is suitable for babies who sit up or crawl. Take measurements of the crib's interior to ensure that the mattress is suitable. The slatted design can create small gaps that could be hazardous for your baby.
Some manufacturers offer non-standard cribs and mattresses that comply with the same safety standards of full-size cribs. These include play yards, portable infant beds, and bassinets. These cribs are smaller than standard cribs and have mesh or rigid sides.
Check the manufacturer's guidelines to determine the recommended mattress size if you select one that isn't standard. They may have specific requirements that differ from the standard crib mattress dimension of 28 inches wide and 52 inches long. It is also important to be sure to check the distance between the crib mattress and the crib to make sure it's not more than one inch. This is the minimum safe distance.
A waterproof cover can shield your baby's bed from spills and accidents. Choose a cover with an antimicrobial barrier that helps reduce bacteria and a hypoallergenic layer that blocks allergens.
If you're thinking about buying a crib with drop sides, you should be aware that they've been linked to 32 baby deaths between 2000 and 2010, and have been outlawed in the US since 2011. Even if you plan to purchase a crib with drop sides or get one as a hand-me-down ensure that you get rid of it once your baby is 35 inches tall or has the ability to get out.
Safety
A crib for babies is the most secure place for your child. It is not only a place to rest but also where you can be able to see them and hold them frequently. While there are many different cribs and brands on the market each one must comply with certain safety standards. These standards are set forth by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and they ensure that the cribs you buy are safe for your baby.
Before putting your baby in the crib, make sure it is clean and free of dust and dander. Also, take away any toys or stuffed animals that could fall out of the crib. Don't put any blankets or pillows inside the crib. They could cause death by suffocation. Use a fitted sheet or a mattress cover instead.
Some commenters suggested cribs should be in compliance with formaldehyde emissions standards set forth in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act. L. 112-199), and cribs made from composite wood should be tested to determine if they are in compliance. The CPSC has concluded that although these rules do not directly apply to cribs or other furniture made from composite wood, it is appropriate to enforce conformity with this important law.
Other commenters suggested that a requirement that fasteners be tightened again between dynamic tests should be included in the crib standard that is being developed. This suggestion is not acceptable to us. The shake test and the vertical mattress support impact tests are dynamic tests that simulate and accelerate abuse of cribs. Loose screws are the second leading cause of fatalities in cribs.
Other comments were based upon EWS incident data. These data reveal that the most common hazards associated with cribs are drop-sides and mattresses that are unsafe. We decided to pay particular attention on these issues and include the performance standards already included in the existing mandatory standard. By incorporating them by reference, we can ensure that the safety of cribs is maintained consistently and efficiently.
Style
The process of designing your baby's nursery can be an exciting and rewarding experience. The crib is the main focal point of any nursery, so you should select one that fits your style and complements the decor. Whether you prefer a modern and minimalist look or something more traditional, there are plenty of chic cribs to pick from. There are options for everyone's budget, from affordable to high-end. Be sure that the crib you select meets all of the required safety guidelines.
A crib is a compact crib designed especially for infants and babies. It has slatted walls that provide safe ventilation and is often constructed from durable materials such as wood. Cribs are generally larger than bassinets and may be more expensive, however they are more functional for your baby's first three years of life.
There are a variety of crib styles that are available, however all must be safe to use. For example, the crib slats should be no more than 6 centimeters apart (that's about the width of a soda bottle), and you should not use ornamental cutouts or designs on the footboard or headboard.
The mattress should be able to fit comfortably into the crib's opening. cots 4 tots is essential because gaps between the mattress and crib can cause infants legs or arms to get caught in. Many cribs include bars for stabilization to keep the mattress in place. However, if you own a crib that doesn't, ensure you buy a mattress pad for extra support.
A quality crib also comes with a mattress that is low that helps keep toddlers from climbing over the edge of the crib. This is a great feature for parents with smaller children or rooms that are restricted in space. However, make sure to measure the mattress's height prior to making your purchase. The corner of most mattresses will show the crib's maximum and minimum mattress heights.
Consider buying an adjustable crib if you would like your crib to expand with your child. These cribs can be transformed into a toddler bed as well as a daybed or a full-size bed. Some of the cribs on our list, including the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 4-in-1, come with conversion kits included. The rest will require an additional purchase.
Budget
While the majority of cribs are priced 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 priced at less than 200 dollars and has been 5-star rated by BabyCenter and Baby Bargains. It also has a profile that is medium height, making it simple to get your child in and out.
The Munchkin Brica travel pod is another budget-friendly crib. This portable sleep and play option is easy to set up and folds down in a matter of minutes. It can be used inside or out on a patio or deck. It is suitable for infants weighing up to 15 pounds. It is not intended to be a long-term solution for sleeping because your child will grow out of the product after six months.
There are also budget-friendly bassinets and cribs that can be used for the first few months, allowing you to keep your baby in a safe and secure environment. While they're more expensive than a standard crib they are also smaller and easy to move around. They're only a temporary crib for sleeping and your baby will outgrow it before their first birthday.
A crib that is of good quality will include a mattress support that is strong and secure, and can be adjusted to four different positions depending on the baby's weight. It should be low enough for you to reach into and out of it easily, particularly if you're under 5'5. Some cribs feature posts that are higher than 1 8 inches above the mattress opening which can cause your child to become entrapped as they play or climb.
Some cribs have separate changing rooms that help diapering a bit more convenient and quicker. They are useful however they require more space than traditional cribs. They may not be the best choice for smaller nurseries.
Consider the materials that the crib is made from. A lot of cribs made from particleboard, which can contain formaldehyde which is a known carcinogen. Choose a crib made from solid wood or comes with a metal base instead.