Choosing a Baby Crib
The process of designing a nursery can be an exciting time, however choosing the crib is one of the most important decisions you'll ever make. It doesn't matter what style of slats, mattress height or conversion capabilities, the crib that your baby sleeps on will affect their development and health.
Make sure to check the crib's hardware regularly. Bolts and nails could become loose with time. Be sure to avoid placing your crib close to window blinds or drapes that hang, which can pose a strangulation hazard for your baby.
Size
Size is an important factor to consider when purchasing a crib. The crib should be big enough to accommodate a sleepy baby, but small enough that you can be able to reach them easily and care for them. It should be strong enough to withstand the daily wear and tear.
The majority of cribs are made from wood or metal, and the majority of them come with slatted sides. These features let caregivers observe the baby from different angles and also encourage airflow. Cribs are used from birth until your child is approximately two years of age, at which point they require moving into the toddler bed.
Most standard cribs come with the mattress height which can be adjusted to suit the baby's growing needs. The lowest setting is suitable for newborns, whereas the highest setting is ideal for babies who sit up or crawl. Be sure to check the interior of your crib to make sure the mattress will fit as the slatted structure of most cribs may leave small gaps that could be dangerous for your baby.
Manufacturers offer mattresses and cribs that aren't standard sizes, but meet the same safety standards. These include bassinets, portable infant beds and play yards. These cribs are smaller than full-size ones and come with mesh or rigid sides.
If you decide to purchase a crib that is not standard, make sure you look up the manufacturer's guidelines to determine 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 examine the space between the crib mattress and the crib to ensure it's not more than one inch. This is the most safe distance.
A waterproof mattress cover for your baby can keep it clean and protected from accidents or spit-up. Find one that has an antimicrobial layer that helps to reduce the growth of bacteria as well as a hypoallergenic barrier that blocks allergens.
If you're thinking of buying a crib with drop sides, you should be aware that they've been linked to 32 deaths of babies between 2000 and 2010 and have been outlawed in the US since. Even if you intend to purchase or receive a crib with drop sides be sure to remove it when your child is 35 inches or can climb out.
Safety
A crib for your baby is the most secure spot for your child. It's a space for them to rest, but also a place where you can keep them close and observe them often. While there are many different brands and models of cribs on the market all of them must comply with certain safety standards. These standards are established by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and they make sure that the cribs you buy are safe for your baby.
Before you put your child in the crib ensure that the crib is clean, free of dust and dander. Also, remove any toys or stuffed animals that may fall out of the crib. Do not place any pillows or blankets in the crib. They can cause suffocation. Make use of a fitted sheet and a mattress cover instead.
Some commenters suggested cribs should be in compliance with formaldehyde emissions standards as outlined in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act. L. 111-199) and that cribs constructed of composite wood should be inspected to ensure compliance. While these rules do not directly apply to cribs but the CPSC has decided that it is appropriate to require that cribs and other furniture constructed of composite wood comply with this important new law.
Some commenters suggested that the requirement that fasteners be retightened between dynamic tests should be included in the crib standard being revised. This suggestion is not a good idea for us. The shake test and the vertical mattress support tests are dynamic tests that simulate and accelerate crib abuse. The loose screw is the second most common cause of crib deaths.
Other comments were based on EWS incident records. These data reveal that the most common hazards that are associated with cribs include dangerous 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 existing mandatory standard by reference. By incorporating the performance standards by reference we can ensure that crib safety is maintained consistently and efficiently.
Style
It is a rewarding and exciting experience to design your baby's nursery. The crib is the main focal element of any nursery, so it is important to choose one that suits your style and complements its decor. There are a variety of chic cribs available regardless of whether you're looking for something modern and minimalist or more traditional. There are options available in every price range, from the cheapest to luxurious. Be sure that the crib you choose has all the safety requirements.
A crib is a tiny bed that is specifically designed for babies and infants. It is constructed with slatted walls to provide an airy environment and is typically constructed from durable materials such as wood. Cribs are typically larger than bassinets and may be more expensive, however they are more functional for your child's the first three years of life.
There are cots to tots of cribs available on the market, however they all have to meet strict safety standards. The crib's slats for instance, shouldn't be more than 6 centimeters (about the width of a bottle of soda) apart. You should also beware of cutouts or ornaments in the headboard and footboard.
Additionally, the mattress must fit snugly into the crib's opening. This is because gaps between the crib and mattress can cause infants legs and arms to become entangled. A lot of cribs have stabilizer bars that help keep the mattress in place. However, if you own an unstabilized crib, make sure you purchase mattress pads for additional support.
A quality crib also comes with a low-sitting mattress that prevents children from stepping over the edge of the crib. It's a great option for smaller parents or rooms with a limited space However, be sure to measure the mattress's height prior make your purchase. The corners of many mattresses will list the crib's maximum and minimum mattress heights.
If you want a crib that can grow with your child, consider buying a convertible crib. These cribs can be turned into an infant bed as well as a daybed or a bed that is full size. Some of the cribs on our list, including the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 4-in-1, have conversion kits included. The rest will require an additional purchase.
Budget
While most cribs cost hundreds of dollars Some cribs are more affordable. The Graco Classic 4-in-1 Crib for instance, is priced less than $200 and has been highly rated 5 stars by BabyCenter, Baby Bargains, and National Parent Publications. It also has a profile that is medium height, making it easy to get your child inside and out.
The Munchkin Brica travel pod is another budget-friendly crib. This portable play and sleep option is simple to put together and folds in a matter of minutes. It can be used indoors or out on decks or patios. It is suitable for infants weighing up to 15 pounds. It is not designed to be a long-term solution for sleeping, as your child will outgrow the product after six months.
You can also find affordable bassinets and cradles you can use for the first few weeks to keep your baby comfortable and close. Although they're more expensive than a standard crib, they are also smaller and easy to move around. They're only a temporary sleeping solution and your baby will outgrow them before their first birthday.
A good crib should have a sturdy, solid mattress support that is able to be adjusted into four different positions, based on your baby's growth. It must be low enough for you to reach into and out of it easily, particularly if you're under 5'5 inches. Some cribs feature posts that are higher than 1 8 inches above the mattress opening which can cause your child to be trapped as they play or climb.
best cot newborn attached changing areas which can make diapering a little more convenient and quicker. Although they are convenient, they tend to take up more space than traditional cribs and may not be the best choice for smaller nurseries.
Consider the materials the crib is made of. The majority of cribs are constructed of particleboard. These materials can contain formaldehyde, which is a well-known carcinogen. Choose a crib that is made from solid wood or comes with a metal base instead.