Choosing a Baby Crib
The process of designing a nursery is an exciting time, but selecting the right crib is among the most important decisions you'll make. The crib that your baby sleeps in will have a significant impact on their development and health whether it's the style of the slats, or the mattress's height.
Keep in mind that nails and bolts can be loose in time, so make sure you check your crib hardware regularly. Avoid placing your crib in close proximity to drapes or blinds that hang on the ceiling, as they could create the risk of strangulation to your baby.
Size
Size is one of the most important factors to take into consideration when buying the perfect crib. The crib should be big enough to accommodate a sleeping baby, but small enough that you can reach them safely to care for them. It should be sturdy enough to withstand daily wear and tear.
The majority of cribs are constructed out of metal or wood, and a majority have sliding sides. These features let caregivers view the baby from various angles and promote airflow. Cribs are utilized from birth until your child is about two years old. older, at which point they will have to be moved to a 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 best for babies. The highest setting is ideal for babies who are able to sit up or crawl. Be sure to check the interior of your crib to make sure the mattress will fit, as the slatted design of most cribs may create small gaps that could be dangerous for your baby.
Some manufacturers offer non-standard cribs and mattresses that meet the same safety standards as full-size cribs. These include bassinets, portable infant beds, and play yards. These cribs are smaller than standard ones and come with rigid or mesh sides.
Check the manufacturer's guidelines to determine the recommended mattress size if you choose a crib that isn't standard. They may have specific requirements that differ from the standard crib mattress size of 28 inches wide and 52 inches long. It is also important to examine the space between the crib mattress and the crib to make sure it is not more than 1 inch. This is the most safe distance.
A waterproof mattress cover for your baby can keep it clean and protected from spit-up or accidents. Look for one with an antimicrobial layer to cut down on bacteria and a hypoallergenic barrier that blocks allergens.
If you're thinking of buying a crib with drop-sides, you should know that they were linked to the deaths of 32 infants between 2000 and 2010, and were banned in the US as of 2011. Even if you plan to purchase a crib with drop sides or get one from a friend, be sure to get rid of it once your baby is 35 inches tall or has the ability to get out.
Safety
A crib for your baby is one of the safest places for your child to sleep. It's not just an area for rest but also a place where you can see and hold them frequently. There are a myriad of models and brands of cribs available each one must be able to meet certain safety standards. These standards are laid out by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and they ensure that the cribs you purchase are safe for your baby.
Before putting your child in the crib ensure that the crib is clean and free of dander and dust. Also, take away any toys or stuffed animals that could fall out of the crib. Also, don't put any pillows or blankets inside the crib as they could cause the suffocation of children. Use a fitted sheet and a mattress cover.
Some commenters suggested that cribs should be required to meet formaldehyde emission standards outlined in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act (Pub. L. 112-199) and that cribs constructed of composite wood should be tested to ensure compliance. The CPSC has concluded that, although these rules do not directly apply to cribs or other furniture made of composite wood, it is a good idea to insist on compliance with this important law.
Some commenters suggested that the requirement that fasteners be tightened after dynamic tests should be included in the crib standard that is being developed. This suggestion is not something we would consider. The dynamic tests - the shake test and the vertical mattress support test - are designed to mimic and increase the use and abuse of cribs by children. Screws that are loose are the second most common cause of fatal accidents in cribs.
Other comments were based on EWS incident data. These data show that the two most frequently reported crib dangers are unsafe mattresses and drop-sides. We decided to pay particular attention on these concerns and incorporate the performance standards already incorporated into the existing mandatory standard. The incorporation of reference standards is the most effective way to ensure that the safety of cribs is maintained in a consistent and effective way.
Style
It's an enjoyable and thrilling experience to design your baby's nursery. The main focal point of any nursery is the crib, therefore it's crucial to choose a crib that is in keeping with your style and complements the room's décor. There are a variety of chic cribs available that you can choose from modern and minimalist or traditional. There are options for everyone's budget, from affordable to high-end. Just be certain that the crib you pick meets all of the required safety standards.
A crib is a small, specially designed bed for infants and children. It is constructed of durable materials like wood and features slatted wall paneling to allow for safe ventilation. Cribs can be bigger and more expensive than bassinets but they are more functional during the initial three years of your child's existence.
There are a variety of types of cribs that are available on the market, but they all must be in compliance with strict safety standards. The crib slats, as an instance, shouldn't exceed 6 centimeters (about the width of a bottle of soda) apart. It is also recommended to avoid decorative shapes or cutouts on the footboard and headboard.
In addition the mattress should fit comfortably inside the crib's opening. This is crucial because gaps between the mattress and crib can cause infants legs or arms to become entangled. A lot of cribs have stabilizer bars that assist in keeping the mattress in place. If your crib doesn't come with stabilizer bars, then you'll need to buy a mattress pad as extra support.
A low-level mattress is another characteristic of a good crib that can help keep children from climbing up the crib's edge. This is an excellent feature for parents with small children or rooms that are limited in space. But, be sure to check out the mattress's height prior your purchase. The corners of many mattresses will show the crib's maximum and minimum mattress heights.
You should consider buying a convertible crib if you want your crib to grow with your child. These cribs can be converted into a toddler's bed, a daybed or even a bed that is full size. A few of the cribs in our list, including the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 4-in-1, come with conversion kits included. The rest require an additional purchase.
nursery cots
While the majority of cribs cost in the hundreds of dollars however, there are a few cribs available on the market that are budget-friendly. The Graco Classic 4-in-1 Crib is one of them. It costs less than $200 and is 5 stars rated by BabyCenter, Baby Bargains, and National Parent Publications. It also has a medium height profile that makes it simple to take your baby into and out.
Another crib that is budget-friendly is the Munchkin Brica Travel Pod. This portable sleep-and-play option is simple to put together and folds up in a few minutes. It can be used inside or out on a patio or deck. It is suitable for infants weighing up to 15 pounds. It is not designed to be a permanent solution to sleeping because your child will outgrow the product within six months.
You can also find budget-friendly cradles and bassinets that you can use during the first few weeks to keep your baby safe and close. They are more expensive but they are smaller and easier to move. They're only a temporary sleep solution for your baby and they will outgrow it by the time they reach 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 size. It must be low enough to allow you to reach into and out easily, particularly in the case of children under 5'5. Some cribs feature posts that are higher than 1 8 inch above the mattress's opening This can cause your child to become trapped as they play or attempt to climb.
Some cribs have attached changing rooms, which makes diaper changing simpler and quicker. These are convenient, but they take up more space than traditional cribs. They might not be a suitable choice for smaller nurseries.
Think about the materials your crib is made from. A lot of cribs are made from particleboard that contains formaldehyde. Look for a crib made from solid wood or comes with an aluminum base instead.