Choosing Cribs For Your Baby's Nursery
Cribs provide infants with a dedicated sleep space to lower the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and helps to establish a consistent sleep routine. Cribs also provide more flexibility than other options like bassinets.
Whether you go for modern or traditional style, be certain to confirm that it's certified by GreenGuard Gold to ensure it meets the highest standards of safety and minimizes exposure to harmful chemicals. Be aware of other aspects when selecting the crib that is suitable for your family.
1. Safety
As a parent, your baby's security is of the utmost importance. You want your child to sleep soundly in a secure environment, free of hazards like sharp edges or splinters. Choose a crib that meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards.
These include slat spacings less than 2 3/8 inches to avoid your baby's head, arms or legs from getting trapped in the mattress; a mattress that is well-made and comfortable; no drop sides; a stable crib that has no wobbling parts and clear instructions for assembly. Avoid any bells and whistles like bumper pads and streamers that can strangle your baby.
Look for cribs with low-VOC varnish, which is a safer option than traditional glues or varnishes which release harmful chemicals. Look for mattresses made from non-toxic materials like organic foam and cotton.
Choose a crib without any decorative ornaments or cutouts. They could cause injuries should your child pick them up, or gets their fingers stuck in them. Make sure that the mattress cover fits tightly to the crib frame and that there aren't gaps between the mattress frame. You should also avoid putting pillows comforters, quilts, sheepskins or pillow-like stuffed toys in the crib, because they can increase the risk of SIDS. Mobiles can also be a hazard, as they can be pulled down onto the baby, causing death. It is recommended to avoid a mobile completely and opt for a breathable mesh crib mobile instead. This is better for the health of your baby and allows you to watch over them while they sleep.
2. Convenience
A secure place for your baby's sleep is among the most essential things you'll require. Cribs are an excellent place for your baby to rest especially when you are engaged in other household chores.
You'll probably find cribs at your local nursery or home goods store. They must follow strict regulations set out by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. They are the best location to start your search for a top-quality crib. If you want to buy a crib for your home, there are several things to consider before making your purchase.
Cribs are a great option for infants, newborns and toddlers, offering an inviting sleeping space that will last well beyond the first few years of life. A lot of cribs are convertible, allowing you to convert the crib into an infant bed or a full-sized bed. This will save you money on your purchase and prolong its lifespan.
Another benefit of cribs is their compact footprint, which makes them suitable for smaller spaces like apartments or lofts. Some models include an adjustable table, which is beneficial if your nursery is restricted in space.
Travel cribs offer the same degree of convenience, since they're designed to be light and foldable to make it easy to transport. They're an excellent choice for taking your baby on a trip or visiting relatives and friends, as they can be easily packed into a suitcase before you leave. However, the lightweight construction of travel cribs can also lead to less sturdy construction than standard models which could be a problem for some parents.
3. Style
If you're looking for a crib that can stand out in a space choose a crib with unique styling. It could be one with sleek, minimalist designs or one that is made of a material such as bamboo or glass and features clear sides for easy visibility. They tend to be more expensive than solid wood versions, but they can add an attractive accent to any nursery.
Other cribs feature an older-fashioned style with graceful curves and molding, which is reminiscent of heirloom furniture. They can be quite extravagant, and are generally handmade with beautiful details. These are great options if you want a crib that can become a beloved piece of furniture in the course of time and can be paired with any style.
Another style that is popular is a Scandinavian-style crib with straight lines that are smooth and a light, naked wood finish that allows its natural beauty to shine through. They're a good fit for modern or contemporary nursery, and you can paint them or leave them unpainted to match your decor.
They can also serve as a changing table, making it easier to change your child. This is particularly true for infants who are young and may have trouble sitting up. They usually have drawers underneath to store diapers, wipes and other necessities.
Some cribs have curves or designs that can be used as a canopy. They can add a touch of elegance to any nursery and keep your baby comfortable and cool as they sleep. Be nursery cots , however, that the fabric you choose to use isn't too long or that it's firmly connected to the crib. This will prevent your child from reaching out to grab the fabric or pulling it down.
4. Convertibility
A crib that can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed and full-size beds is a great investment for any family. This feature allows you to save money as you do not have to purchase four separate beds as your child grows and also frees up space in the nursery. Many convertible cribs come with simple-to-store conversion kits, making it simple to use them when required.
Another thing to keep in mind when you're looking for cribs is that a lot of cribs have additional features, such as drawers or adjustable mattress heights. This will allow you to customize the look and function of your crib. It can be particularly beneficial in the case of a small or limited storage space in your nursery. Some cribs have wheels, which can be extremely helpful if you want to move the bed for cleaning or any other reason.
Convertible cribs are generally constructed from durable non-toxic materials that are safe for your baby. They also meet the stringent safety standards set by CPSC and ASTM. Many models also have an elegant or contemporary design that will fit into a broad variety of nursery decor. Some cribs are constructed of wood, while others may be constructed from stainless steel painted or metal. Some brands are even committed to sustainability and offer eco-friendly cribs that use GREENGUARD GOLD certified wood, which guarantees that no harmful toxins are released into the environment.
It takes some time and effort to select the ideal convertible crib for your nursery. However, it is one that will last for years to come. Be sure to consider your options carefully and make sure you look at prices, delivery costs, setup times and other factors to make the right choice for your family.
5. Value
The crib is the largest piece of furniture in the nursery of your baby and can have a significant impact on the overall design and feel of the room. Because of that, choosing one that is in line with your preferred style or one that works well with the rest of your room's decor can make a huge impact on how you feel about the nursery when you spend time there.
As your child ages cribs that are designed to convert into daybeds or toddler beds will continue to be useful providing you with an advantage over time. They are also less costly than full-size bed and can be given or sold to a family member after your child no longer has need.
Convertible cribs can also be easily maintained, since most components can be removed and cleaned, and a lot have a conversion set which makes it simple to transform them into the perfect size bed for your baby. Wood cribs are extremely durable and can withstand the rigors of frequent use, with some lasting through several children.
Foam crib mattresses are less heavy than innerspring mattresses and are therefore easier to maneuver when changing sheets or adjusting the mattress's height. They may wear out faster and need replacement sooner than innerspring mattresses.
Hybrid crib mattresses, also known as dual-firm or two-stage mattresses, are designed to be used by infants and toddlers. One side is softer for infants, while the other side is firmer for toddlers. They're typically safer than foam mattresses, and can be more comfortable for older babies who don't like the sagging feel of foam. They're also generally more affordable than innerspring options.