Choosing a Baby Crib
It's exciting to design a nursery but choosing the crib will be one of your most important decisions. The style of slats, mattress height or the capability to convert, the crib that your baby sleeps on will affect their health and development.
Make sure to check the crib's hardware regularly. Bolts and nails could get loose over time. Also, avoid placing your crib near drapes or window blinds that hang, which can create a strangulation risk for your baby.
Size
Size is a key factor to take into consideration when buying a crib. A crib should be big enough to accommodate a sleeping infant but small enough that you are able to safely reach your baby in order to talk to them. It should also be durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of regular use.
The majority of cribs are made out of metal or wood, and the majority of them include slatted sides. These features are designed to allow caregivers to observe the baby from different angles and ensure proper air flow. Cribs can be used from birth until your child is approximately two years of age, at which point they need to be moved into a toddler bed.
Most cribs are equipped with a mattress support height that can be adjusted or raised as your baby develops. The lowest setting works best for infants. The highest setting is ideal for babies who can sit up or crawl. Be sure to check the inside of your crib to be sure the mattress will fit because the slatted style of a lot of cribs leave small gaps that could be dangerous for your baby.
cot beds for sale offer cribs with non-standard sizes and mattresses that meet the same safety standards as full-size cribs. These include portable infant beds, bassinets and play yards. These cribs typically have mesh or rigid sides, and they are generally smaller in size than cribs that are full-size.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions to determine the recommended mattress size if you select a crib that isn't standard. There may be specific requirements that differ from the standard crib mattress dimensions of 28 inches wide and 52 inches long. You should also test the gap between the crib and mattress to make sure that it is not more than 1 inch which is the maximum safe space.
A waterproof cover can shield your baby's mattress from accidents and spills. Look for one with an antimicrobial layer that helps to reduce bacteria, and a hypoallergenic layer that stops allergens.
If you're thinking of buying a crib with drop-sides, know that they have been linked to the deaths of 32 infants between 2000 and 2010, and are banned in the US as of 2011. Even if you decide to buy a drop-side crib or get one as a hand-me-down make sure you get rid of it once your baby is 35 inches tall or can climb out.
Safety
A baby crib is among the most secure places for your child to sleep. It is not only a place to rest but also where you can be able to see them and hold them frequently. There are a myriad of brands and models of cribs on the market each one must be able to meet certain safety standards. These standards are set forth by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and they make sure cribs you purchase are safe for your baby.
Before putting your child in the crib make sure the crib is clean and free of dander and dust. Also, remove any toys or stuffed animals that may fall out of the crib. Also, don't use any pillows or blankets in the crib; these can cause the suffocation of children. Instead, use a mattress pad and fitted sheet.
Some commenters suggested that cribs ought to be required to comply with the 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 ensure compliance. The CPSC has determined that, although these rules do not directly apply to cribs or other furniture made from composite wood, it is a good idea to require the compliance of this law.
Some commenters suggested that the new crib standard should include a requirement to retighten fasteners after dynamic tests. We strongly disagree with this idea. The shake test as well as the vertical mattress support tests are dynamic tests that simulate and speed up abuse of cribs. The loose screw is the second leading cause of crib deaths.
Other comments were based upon the EWS incident data. The data shows that the two most frequently reported crib dangers are unsafe mattresses and drop-sides. Therefore, we decided to concentrate on these issues in the new rulemaking process and to incorporate the performance standards that are currently included in the current mandatory standard through reference. Incorporation by reference is the best method to ensure the safety of cribs is ensured in a uniform and effective manner.
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 it is important to pick one that matches your style and complements its decor. If you're looking for 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. Just be sure that the crib you pick is in compliance with all the necessary safety standards.
A crib is a tiny bed designed specifically for infants and children. It has slatted walls that provide an airy environment and is typically built from sturdy materials like wood. Cribs are usually larger than bassinets, and can be more expensive, but they offer more functionality for your child's the first three years of life.
There are many different styles of cribs available on the market, however they all must meet strict safety standards. The crib slats, as an instance, shouldn't be more than 6 centimeters (about the size of a can of soda) apart. Also, you should avoid cutting outs or decorative shapes in the footboard and headboard.
In addition the mattress should fit comfortably within the crib's opening. This is because gaps between the crib and the mattress can cause infants' arms and legs to become entangled. Some cribs come with stabilizer bars to help keep the mattress in place. If your crib does not come with stabilizer bars, then you will need to purchase a mattress pad as extra support.
A low-level mattress is another characteristic of a good crib that can help keep toddlers from climbing over the crib's edge. This is a fantastic feature for parents with smaller children or rooms that are restricted in size. But, be sure to check out the mattress height before making your purchase. The corners of many mattresses will indicate the crib's maximum and minimum mattress heights.
You should consider buying a convertible crib if you would like your crib to expand with your child. These cribs can be converted into an infant's bed, a daybed, or even a full-size bed. Certain cribs, such as the Babyletto Hudson 4-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 3-in-1 have conversion kits. The rest will require an additional purchase.
Budget
While the majority of cribs cost hundreds of dollars Some cribs are more affordable. The Graco Classic 4 in 1 Crib is less than 200 dollars and has been 5-star rated by BabyCenter and Baby Bargains. It also has a medium-height profile, which makes it easy for you to take your baby into and out.
The Munchkin Brica travel pod is another crib that is budget-friendly. This portable sleep-and-play option is easy to assemble and folds down in an hour. 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 sleeping solution, however, because your baby will grow out of it after approximately six months.
There are also budget-friendly bassinets and cradles that can be used for the beginning of the first few months, which allows you to keep your baby close and comfortable. They cost more, but they are also smaller and easier to move. They are not a permanent sleeping solution and your baby will outgrow them before their first birthday.
A quality crib will have a mattress support that is strong and secure, and can be adjusted to four different positions depending on the baby's height. It should be low enough to allow you to reach in and out easily, particularly in the case of children 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 become trapped as they play or try to climb.
Some cribs come with an attached changing area that make diapering a bit more convenient and quicker. While these are convenient, they tend to take up more floor space than traditional cribs, and might not be the ideal choice for smaller nurseries.
You should also consider the materials that the crib is made of. Many traditional cribs are made from particleboard, which can contain formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. Instead, look for a crib made of solid wood or with a metal base.