Choosing Cribs For Your Baby's Nursery
Cribs offer infants a dedicated sleep space to reduce the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and promotes a consistent sleeping routine. Cribs are also more flexible than other options, such as bassinets.
If you decide to go with a modern design or a traditional style, be certain to confirm that it's GREENGUARD certified Gold to ensure it meets the highest standards of safety and reduces exposure to toxic chemicals. Consider other features when choosing the crib that is right for your family.
1. Safety
As a parent you are responsible for the safety of your baby is your top concern. You want your baby to rest peacefully in a safe environment and free of dangers like sharp edges or splinters. Select a crib that is in compliance with Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards.
There are many things to look for such as slat spacing that isn't more than 2 3/8 inch so your baby's legs and arms don't get trapped. Also a mattress that is an incredibly firm and comfortable fit; no drop sides; stable cribs with no wobbling parts and detailed instructions on assembly. You should also avoid bells and whistles, like bumper streamers or pads, which can present a strangulation risk for your baby.
Look for cribs painted with low-VOC varnish, which is a safer option in comparison to conventional glues or varnishes that release harmful chemicals. In addition, you should search for a mattress that is made with non-toxic materials, like organic cotton and foam.
Lastly, choose a crib that is free of decorative ornaments and cutouts, which can pose injury risks when your child grasps them or gets his or her fingers stuck in them. You should also check that the mattress cover is secure and tightly attached to the frame of your crib and that there are no gaps between the mattress and the frame. Also, you should avoid putting pillows, quilts, comforters and sheepskins, as well as pillow-like stuffed toys in the crib since they could increase the risk of your baby's SIDS. Mobiles can also pose dangerous, as they could fall over the baby, causing them to collapse. Ideally, you should avoid a mobile completely and choose a breathable mesh crib mobile instead. This will be better for your baby's health as well as allow you to monitor your child while they sleep.
2. Convenience
One of the most essential things your baby needs is a safe place to sleep. Cribs are a wonderful place for your baby to sleep, especially when you are working on other household chores.
You'll likely find cribs at your local home goods store or nursery. These establishments must adhere to strict regulations set out by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. They are the best location to start your search for a top-quality crib. You'll need to consider a variety of aspects before purchasing the crib.
Cribs provide a comfy sleeping area for toddlers, infants and newborns that will last beyond their first few months of life. A lot of cribs are convertible, allowing you to convert the crib into the size of a toddler bed or full-size bed. This will help you save money and extend its life.
Another advantage of cribs is their small footprint, which makes them suitable for smaller spaces like lofts or apartments. Some models come with a changing table, which can be beneficial if your nursery is restricted in space.
Travel cribs offer the same level of convenience, as they're designed to be lightweight and foldable to make it easy to transport. They are a great choice for taking your baby on a trip or visiting relatives and friends since they can be easily packed and taken away. However, the lightweight design of travel cribs can also lead to less sturdy construction than standard models which could be an issue for some parents.
3. Style
If you're looking for a crib that will make a statement in a room Look for a crib with unique styling. There are cribs with a minimalist, sleek design or constructed from something like glass or bamboo. It could also have clear sides that allow for easy access to. They tend to be more expensive than their solid wood counterparts however they can be an appealing centerpiece to any nursery.
Some cribs have traditional designs with beautiful curves and molding, reminiscent of furniture from the past. They can be very extravagant, and are generally handmade with beautiful details. They are an excellent choice if you're looking for the perfect crib that will be a family heirloom over time. They also work well with any style.
A Scandinavian crib is another popular style. It is characterized by smooth, straight lines with a light, bare-wood finish. This allows the natural beauty of the wood to be seen. They're great for any modern or contemporary nursery, and you can paint them or leave them unpainted to match your decor.
best cot bed can also serve as a changing table, making it easier to change your baby. This is particularly true for babies who are still young and have trouble sitting up. These models typically have drawers beneath to store diapers, wipes and other necessities.
Some cribs are bent or have designs on the sides which can be used to create a canopy effect. They can add a touch of elegant to any nursery and will keep your baby comfortable and cool during their sleep. But, make sure that the fabric you choose isn't too long or that it's firmly connected to the crib. This will ensure your child doesn't reach out to grab the fabric and pull it down.
4. Convertibility
A crib that converts into a toddler's crib, an adult daybed or a large bed can be incredibly useful for any family. This feature will save you money from purchasing four separate beds during your child's development and also save space in the nursery. Many convertible cribs come with simple-to-store conversion kits, making it easy to make use of them whenever required.
Another thing to keep in mind when you're looking for a crib is that many models have additional features, such as adjustable mattress heights or drawers. This lets you customize the look and functionality of your crib. It is especially useful in the case of a nursery with limited storage space. Some cribs come with wheels that are extremely useful when you need to move the bed around for cleaning or other reasons.
Convertible cribs are generally made from sturdy, non-toxic material that is safe for your baby. They also meet the strict safety standards set by CPSC and ASTM. Many models have an elegant or contemporary design that can be adapted to the various styles of nursery decor. Some cribs are made of wood and others are made out of steel or painted. Some brands are committed to sustainable development, offering eco-friendly cribs that are made from GREENGUARD certified wood. This ensures that harmful toxins are not released into the environment.
Choosing the best convertible crib for your baby will require some thought and research, but it is an important choice that could last for years to come. Consider your options carefully and make sure you evaluate prices, delivery and setup times and other factors to make the best decision for your family.
5. Value
The crib is the biggest piece of furniture in the nursery of your baby, and it has a big impact on the overall design and feel of the room. This is why choosing one that is in line with your preferred style or that will work well with the rest of your room's decor can make a huge difference in how you feel about the nursery when you spend time there.
As your child ages cribs that can be converted into daybeds or toddler beds will continue to be useful providing you with a long-term benefit. They are also less expensive than full-size bed and can be given or sold to a friend once your child is no longer in need.
Convertible cribs can be easily maintained since the majority of components can be removed and cleaned, and a lot have a conversion kit which makes it simple to transform them into the perfect size bed for your baby. Wood cribs can stand up to a lot of use and are durable. Some even last several children.
Foam crib mattresses are lighter than innerspring alternatives and can be easier to maneuver when changing sheets or altering the mattress's height. However, they can get worn out faster and require a replacement sooner than innerspring mattresses.
Hybrid crib mattresses (also known as dual firm) are designed to be used from beginning to toddlerhood, having the soft side for infants, and a firmer side for toddlers. They are typically safer than foam mattresses, and can be more comfortable to older children who don't want the sagging feeling of foam. They are also typically cheaper than innerspring alternatives.
