Choosing a Baby Crib
It's exciting to design a nursery, but choosing the crib is one of the most crucial choices. The style of slats, the mattress height or the capability to convert the crib your baby sleeps in will impact their health and development.
Make sure to check the crib's hardware regularly. Bolts and nails could become loose over time. Avoid placing your crib in close proximity to drapes or blinds that hang because they could pose an injury risk to your baby.
Size
When you are looking for a crib the size is a key factor. The crib should be large enough to accommodate a sleeping baby, but compact enough for you to reach them in a safe manner to take care of them. It should be sturdy enough to withstand the everyday wear and tear.
Most cribs are made of metal or wood, and are fitted with slatted side panels. These features let caregivers see the baby from various angles and encourage airflow. Cribs can be used from birth until your child is approximately two years older, at which point they will need to be moved into a toddler bed.
The majority of cribs have a mattress height that can be adjusted to meet the baby's growing needs. The lowest setting is best for infants, whereas the highest setting is suitable for babies who can sit up or crawl. Make sure you measure the inside of your crib to be sure that the mattress is suitable as the slatted structure of most cribs can leave tiny gaps that could be dangerous for your baby.
Some manufacturers offer cribs with non-standard sizes and mattresses that have the same safety standards as full-size cribs. These include portable infant beds, bassinets and play yards. These cribs typically have rigid or mesh sides, and tend to be smaller than full-size cribs.
If you decide to purchase a non-standard crib, review the manufacturer's guidelines for mattress size recommendations. There could be best crib 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 minimum safe distance.
A waterproof mattress cover can help keep it clean and protected from spills or accidents. Choose a cover with an antimicrobial layer that reduces the growth of bacteria as well as a hypoallergenic barrier that blocks 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. Even if you plan to purchase a crib with a drop-side or get one from a friend, be sure to eliminate it when your baby is 35 inches tall or has the ability to climb out.
Safety
A crib for babies is among the most secure places to let your child sleep. It's a place to relax, but also a place where you can keep them close and observe them often. There are numerous crib models and brands available on the market. However, they all must meet certain safety standards. The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets these standards to ensure that cribs are safe for babies.
Before you place your child in the crib make sure that it is clean and free of dust and dander. Remove any toys or stuffed animals that may fall out of the crib. Also, don't put any pillows or blankets inside the crib as they could cause death by suffocation. Instead, you should use mattress pads and a fitted sheet.
Some commenters suggested that cribs ought to be required to be in compliance with formaldehyde emission standards set out in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act (Pub. L. 111-199) and that cribs made of composite wood should be inspected to determine if they are in conformity. The CPSC has concluded that, although these rules do not directly apply to cribs or other furniture made of composite wood, it is appropriate to enforce compliance with this important law.
Others suggested that the new crib standard should contain a requirement to retighten fasteners after dynamic tests. We strongly disagree with this idea. The shake test and the vertical mattress support impact tests are dynamic tests that simulate and increase the crib abuse. Screws that are loose are the second most common cause of fatal accidents in cribs.
Other comments were based upon the EWS incident information. These data indicate that the two most common crib dangers are unsafe mattresses and drop-sides. We decided to pay particular focus on these issues and include the performance standards already included in the current mandatory standard. By incorporating them by reference, we can ensure that the safety of cribs is maintained consistently and effectively.
Style
Designing your baby's nursery is an exciting and rewarding process. The crib is the main focal element of any nursery, so it is important to pick one that matches your style and compliments the decor. There are numerous elegant cribs to choose from, whether you want something modern and minimalist or more traditional. There are options for everyone's budget, from the most affordable to high-end. Make sure that the crib you pick has all the safety requirements.
A crib is a small special bed designed specifically for infants and children. affordable cots is made of sturdy materials like wood and is fitted with slatted wall panels to allow for a safe airflow. Cribs can be larger and more expensive than bassinets but offer greater functionality during the initial three years of your child's existence.
There are many types of cribs that are available on the market, but they all have to meet strict safety standards. For instance, the crib slats should not be more than 6 centimeters apart (that's roughly the width of a soda can), and you should avoid using ornamental cutouts or designs in the headboard or footboard.
The mattress must also fit snugly in the crib's opening. This is essential because gaps between the crib and mattress can allow babies' arms or legs to get entangled. A lot of cribs have bars for stability to help keep the mattress in place. But if you have a crib that doesn't, make sure you purchase a mattress pad for extra support.
A great crib also has a low-sitting mattress that prevents children from climbing over the crib's edge. It's a great feature for smaller parents or rooms that are small Be sure to check the mattress's height prior to you make your purchase. The majority of mattresses will have a label at the corner which indicates the crib's minimum and maximum mattress heights.
If you want a crib that can grow with your child, consider buying a convertible crib. These cribs can be converted into an infant's bed, a daybed or even a bed that is full size. Some of the cribs on our list, such as the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 4-in-1, have conversion kits that are included. The rest require an additional purchase.
Budget
While the majority of cribs are priced in the hundreds of dollars, there are a few cribs available on the market that are budget-friendly. The Graco Classic 4-in-1 crib, for example, costs less than $200 and has been highly rated 5 stars by BabyCenter, Baby Bargains, and National Parent Publications. It also has a medium height profile that makes it simple for you to take your baby into and out.
Another affordable crib is the Munchkin Brica Travel Pod. This portable crib for sleep and play is easy to install and folds away in a matter of minutes. It can be used indoors or outdoors on a patio or deck and is suitable for infants up to 15 pounds. It is not a permanent sleeping solution, however, as your baby will grow out of it after about six months.
You can also find budget-friendly 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 more compact and easy to move around. They are not a permanent crib for sleeping and your baby will outgrow them before their first birthday.
A good crib will include a mattress support that is strong and secure, and it can be adjusted to four different positions based on the baby's height. It should be low enough for you to reach into and out of it easily, particularly when you're less than 5'5. Some cribs have posts that are over 1 8 inches above the mattress opening, which could cause your child to get trapped when they play or climb.
Some cribs have separate changing rooms which can make diapering a little easier and faster. They are handy however they require more space than traditional cribs. They may not be a good option for smaller nurseries.
Take a look at the materials that the crib is constructed of. Many traditional cribs are made of particleboard. These materials can contain formaldehyde, which is a well-known carcinogen. Instead, opt for a crib made from solid wood or with a steel base.