Choosing a Baby Crib
It's thrilling to design a nursery but choosing the crib will be one of your most important decisions. It doesn't matter what style of slats, the mattress height or the ability to convert, the crib the baby sleeps in will affect their health and development.
Be aware that nails and bolts may be loose in time, so check your crib hardware regularly. Also, don't place your crib close to curtains or window blinds that hang down, which could create a strangulation risk 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 are able to reach your baby to attend to them. It should also be durable enough to stand up to the wear and tear of regular use.
The majority of cribs are constructed from metal or wood and a majority have the slatted sides. These features allow caregivers to see the baby from various angles and encourage airflow. Cribs can be used from birth until your child is around two years old. of age, at which point they have to be moved to the toddler bed.
Most cribs are equipped with a mattress support height that can be adjusted or raised as your baby grows. The lowest setting works best for newborns. The most advanced setting is for infants who are able to sit up or crawl. Measure the crib's interior to ensure that the mattress is suitable. The slatted design could create small gaps that could be hazardous to your baby.
Some manufacturers offer non-standard cribs and mattresses that comply with the same safety standards as full-size cribs. These include play yards and portable infant beds and bassinets. These cribs typically have rigid or mesh sides, and they are generally smaller in size than cribs that are full-size.
If you choose an alternative crib, be sure to look up the manufacturer's guidelines to determine mattress size guidelines. They may have specific requirements that differ from the standard crib mattress dimensions 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 ensure it's not more than one inch. This is the maximum safe distance.
A waterproof cover will protect your baby's bed from accidents and spills. 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 with drop-sides, know that they were linked to the deaths of 32 infants between 2000 and 2010 and are banned in the US in 2011. If you do decide to purchase a crib with drop sides or receive one as a hand-me-down make sure you eliminate it when your baby is 35 inches tall or can get out.
Safety
A baby crib is one of the safest places for your child to sleep. It is a place to relax and also a place where you can keep them close and observe them frequently. There are a variety of crib models and brands available on the market. However, all have to meet certain safety requirements. These standards are laid out 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, free of dust and dander. Also, take away any toys or stuffed animals that could fall out of the crib. Also, do not use any pillows or blankets inside the crib as they could cause death by suffocation. Use a fitted sheet and mattress covers instead.
Some commenters suggested that cribs ought to be required to meet formaldehyde emission standards outlined in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act (Pub. L. 111-199) and cribs made of composite wood must be tested to determine if they are in compliance. Although these requirements are not directly applicable to cribs but the CPSC has decided that it is appropriate to mandate that cribs and other furniture constructed of composite wood meet the requirements of this important new law.
Other commenters suggested that the requirement that fasteners are tightened again between dynamic tests should be included in the crib standard that is being developed. We strongly oppose this suggestion. best cots for newborns as well as the vertical mattress support tests are dynamic tests that simulate and accelerate abuse of cribs. Loose screw is the second most common cause of crib deaths.
Other comments were based upon the EWS incident data. These data show that the most frequently cited hazards that are associated with cribs include drop-sides and unsafe mattresses. We decided to pay particular focus on these issues and include the performance standards already included in the standard that is currently mandatory. The incorporation of reference standards is the best method to ensure that the safety of cribs is ensured in a consistent and efficient manner.
Style
It's an enjoyable and exciting process to design your baby's nursery. The focal point of any nursery is the crib, therefore it is essential to pick one that matches your style and complements the room's decor. If you're looking for a contemporary and minimalist look or something more traditional, there are lots of chic cribs to pick from. You can find options in every price range, from the cheapest to high-end. Make sure that the crib you pick is safe and meets all safety standards.
A crib is a small crib designed especially for babies and infants. It has slatted walls that ensure an airy environment and is typically constructed of sturdy materials like wood. Cribs can be larger and more expensive than bassinets, however they offer more functionality during the initial three years of your child's life.
There are many crib styles that are available, however all must meet safety standards. The crib slats, as an example, should not be more than 6 centimeters (about the width of a bottle of soda) apart. You should also beware of cutouts or ornaments on the footboard and headboard.
In addition, the mattress must fit snugly into the crib's opening. This is because any gaps between the crib and the mattress can cause babies legs and arms to become entangled. Many cribs come with bars for stabilization that aid in keeping the mattress in its place. If your crib doesn't come with stabilizer bars, then you'll need to buy a mattress pad as extra support.
A quality crib also comes with a low-sitting mattress, which helps prevent toddlers from stepping over the crib's edge. It's a great feature for smaller families or rooms that are small Be sure to verify the mattress height before you make your purchase. Most mattresses will include a sticker at the corner which lists the crib's minimum and maximum mattress heights.
You should consider buying an adjustable crib if you want your crib to change with your child. These types of cribs can be transformed into a toddler bed or a daybed, or even 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 cost in the hundreds of dollars There are a few cribs on the market that are budget friendly. The Graco Classic 4 in 1 Crib costs less than 200 dollars and is 5-star rated by BabyCenter and Baby Bargains. It also has a medium-height profile, which makes it easy for you to get your baby in and out.
Another affordable crib is the Munchkin Brica Travel Pod. This portable play and sleep option is easy to set up and folds down in a matter of minutes. It can be used inside or out on a deck or patio. It is suitable for infants weighing up to 15 pounds. It is not intended to be a permanent solution to sleeping because your child will outgrow the product after six months.
There are also budget-friendly bassinets and cradles you can use during the first few weeks to keep your baby snug and close. They cost more but they are smaller and easier to move. However, they're only a short-term sleeping solution, and your baby will outgrow them prior to their first birthday.
A crib that is of good quality should have a sturdy, secure mattress support that can be adjusted in four different positions based on the growth of your baby. It should be low enough to let you get in and out easily, especially when you are less than 5'5 inches. Some cribs have posts that extend higher than 1 8 inch above the opening of the mattress that could cause your child to become stuck while they play or try to climb.
Some cribs come with separate changing rooms that can make diapering a little easier and faster. While they are useful but they can take up more floor space than traditional cribs, and might not be the ideal choice for smaller nurseries.
You should also consider the materials the crib is made from. A lot of cribs made of particleboard, which may contain formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. Find a crib made out of solid wood or has a metal base instead.