Choosing a Baby Crib
The process of designing a nursery is an exciting experience, but selecting a crib is one of the most important decisions you'll make. The crib in which your baby sleeps in will have a significant impact on their health and development whether it's the style of the slats or the mattress's height.
Examine the crib's hardware frequently. Bolts and nails may become loose over time. Be sure to avoid placing your crib near curtains or window blinds that dangle, which pose a strangulation hazard for your baby.
Size
When shopping for a crib, size is an important aspect. A crib should be big enough to accommodate a sleepy infant, yet small enough that you can safely reach your baby to attend to them. It should be sturdy enough to withstand the daily wear and tear.
The majority of cribs are made out of metal or wood, and the majority of them come with slatted sides. These features allow caregivers to observe the baby from different angles and promote airflow. Cribs are available until your child is of two.
Most cribs are equipped with a mattress height that can be adjusted to suit your baby's development. The lowest setting is ideal for infants, whereas the highest setting is suitable for babies who sit up or crawl. Make sure you measure the interior of your crib to make sure that the mattress fits as the slatted structure of most cribs can create small gaps that could be dangerous for your baby.
Manufacturers have cribs and mattresses that aren't standard sizes, but still meet the same safety standards. These include bassinets for infants, portable cribs, and play yards. These cribs are smaller than standard ones and come with mesh or rigid sides.
If you choose a non-standard crib, check the manufacturer's guidelines for mattress size recommendations. There could be specifications that differ from the standard crib size of 52 inches long and 28 inches wide. You should also check the space between the crib mattress and the crib to ensure it's not more than 1 inch. This is the most safe distance.
A waterproof mattress cover for your baby can help keep it clean and safe from spit-up or accidents. Choose a cover with an antimicrobial layer to cut down on the growth of bacteria as well as a hypoallergenic barrier that stops allergens.
If you're thinking of buying a crib with drop sides, be aware that they were linked to 32 deaths of babies between 2000 and 2010. They have been banned in the US since 2011. Even if you decide to buy a drop-side crib or receive one as a hand-me-down, be sure to remove it when your baby is 35 inches tall or is able to climb out.
Safety
A crib for babies is among the most secure places to let your child sleep. It is not only a place to rest but also a place where you can be able to see them and hold them frequently. There are a variety of crib models and brands available on the market. But, they all must meet certain safety requirements. These standards are set forth 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 dander and dust. Also, take out any toys or stuffed animals that could fall out of the crib. Also, don't use any blankets or pillows in the crib; these can cause the suffocation of children. Make use of a fitted sheet and a mattress cover instead.
Some commenters suggested that cribs should be required to be in compliance with formaldehyde emission standards laid out in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act (Pub. L. 111-199) and that cribs made of composite wood should be tested for compliance. The CPSC has concluded that, although these requirements do NOT directly apply to cribs or other furniture made of composite wood, it is still appropriate to enforce compliance with this important law.
Other commenters suggested that the requirement that fasteners be tightened after dynamic tests should be included in the new crib standard. This suggestion is not acceptable to us. The shake test and the vertical mattress support tests are dynamic tests that simulate and accelerate abuse of cribs. The loose screw is the second most frequent cause of crib fatalities.
Other comments were based upon the EWS incident information. These data show that the most common hazards that are associated with cribs include dangerous mattresses and drop-sides. We therefore decided to focus on these issues in the new rulemaking process and to incorporate the performance standards already included in the existing mandatory standard by reference. Incorporation by reference is the best way to ensure that the safety of cribs is maintained in a uniform and effective way.
Style
It's an enjoyable and exciting experience to design the nursery of your baby's. The centerpiece of any nursery is the crib, therefore it's important to choose one that is in keeping with your style and matches the room's décor. Whether you prefer a modern and minimalist style or more traditional, there are plenty of chic cribs to pick from. There are options available in every price range, from affordable to high-end. Be sure that the crib you pick has all the safety requirements.
A crib is a tiny special bed designed specifically for infants and babies. It features slatted walls to ensure an airy environment and is typically built from sturdy materials like wood. Cribs can be bigger and more expensive than bassinets however they offer more functionality for the first three years of your child's existence.
There are many crib styles available, but all must be in compliance with safety standards. The crib's slats for instance, should not be more than 6 centimeters (about the width of a bottle of soda) apart. You should also avoid decorative shapes or cutouts in the footboard and headboard.
cots to tots should be able to fit comfortably into the crib's opening. This is because gaps between the crib and the mattress can cause infants' arms and legs to become entangled. Many cribs have stabilizer bars that aid in keeping the mattress in place. If your crib does not include stabilizer bars, you'll need to purchase an additional mattress pad for support.
A great crib also has a low sitting mattress level that helps keep children from climbing over the edge of the crib. This is a fantastic feature for parents with small children or rooms that are limited in size. However, make sure to verify the mattress's height prior to making your purchase. The corner of most mattresses will indicate the crib's maximum and minimum mattress heights.
You should consider buying an adjustable crib if you want your crib to grow with your child. These cribs can be converted into the toddler's bed, a daybed, or even a bed that is full size. Some cribs, like the Babyletto Hudson 4-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 3-in-1, come with conversion kits. The rest will require an extra purchase.
Budget
While the majority of cribs are priced at hundreds of dollars, some cribs are affordable. The Graco Classic 4-in-1 crib is one of them. It costs less than $200 and is highly rated 5 stars by BabyCenter, Baby Bargains, and National Parent Publications. It also has a medium-height profile that makes it simple to get your baby in and out.
The Munchkin Brica travel pod is another affordable crib. The portable sleep and play option is easy to assemble and folds up in an hour. It can be used inside or outside, on a deck or patio. It is suitable for infants weighing up to 15 pounds. It is not a permanent sleep solution, however because 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. They are more expensive however they are smaller and easier to move. However, they are only a temporary sleeping solution and your baby is likely to outgrow them before their first birthday.
A good crib should include a sturdy, solid mattress support that is able to be adjusted to four different positions, based on your baby's growth. It should be low enough to let you get in and out easily, especially in the case of children under 5'5. Some cribs have posts that are higher than 1 8 inch above the mattress's opening, which can cause your child to get trapped when they play or climb.
Some cribs are equipped with changing rooms, which makes diaper changing easier and quicker. They are useful however they take up more space than traditional cribs. They might not be a good choice for smaller nurseries.
It is also important to consider the materials the crib is made of. Many cribs are constructed of particleboard which contains formaldehyde. Instead, opt for a crib that is made of solid wood or with a steel base.