Choosing a Baby Crib
It's exciting to design a nursery however, choosing the crib is one of the most important decisions. The design of the slats, mattress height or conversion capabilities, the crib your baby sleeps in will affect their health and development.
Check your crib hardware periodically. Bolts and nails may become loose with time. Be sure to avoid placing your crib near curtains or window blinds that hang down, which could present a risk of strangulation for your baby.
Size
When shopping for a crib the size is a key aspect. The crib should be big enough to fit a sleeping baby, yet small enough to allow you to reach them safely to care for them. It should also be sturdy enough to stand up to the wear and tear of everyday use.
The majority of cribs are constructed out of metal or wood, and a majority include sliding sides. These features allow caregivers to observe the baby from different angles and encourage airflow. Cribs can be used up until your child is of two.
The majority of cribs have an adjustable mattress that can be adjusted to meet your baby's development. The lowest setting is ideal for newborns, whereas the highest setting is suitable for babies who sit up or crawl. Be sure to check the inside of your crib to make sure the mattress will fit as the slatted structure of most cribs can leave tiny gaps that could pose a danger for your baby.
Manufacturers offer mattresses and cribs that aren't standard sizes, yet comply with the same safety standards. These include play yards, portable infant beds, and bassinets. These cribs are smaller than the standard cribs and have solid or mesh sides.
Check the manufacturer's guidelines to determine the recommended mattress size if you select a crib that is not standard. There could be specifications that differ from the standard crib size of 52 inches long and 28 inches wide. You should also check the gap between the crib and mattress to make sure it's not larger than 1 inch which is the maximum safe space.
A waterproof cover can protect your baby's bed from spills and accidents. Choose a cover with an antimicrobial layer to cut down on bacteria, and a hypoallergenic layer that eliminates allergens.
If you're thinking of buying a crib with drop-sides, you should know that they've been linked to the deaths of 32 infants between 2000 and 2010, and are banned in the US in 2011. If you do decide to purchase a crib with a drop-side or receive one from a friend ensure that you get rid of it once your baby is 35 inches tall or can get out.
Safety
A crib for babies is among the most secure places to let your child sleep. It is a place for them to rest, but also a place where you can keep them close and observe them often. There are a variety of crib models and brands on the market. However, they all have to meet certain safety requirements. 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, make sure the crib is clean and free of dust and dander. Remove any toys or stuffed animal that might fall out of the crib. Do not place any pillows or blankets in the crib. They can lead to suffocation. Instead, use a mattress pad and a fitted sheet.
Some commenters suggested that cribs should be required to comply with the formaldehyde emission standards set out in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act (Pub. L. 111-199) and that cribs constructed of composite wood should be inspected to determine if they are in compliance. The CPSC has concluded that even though these regulations do not directly apply to cribs or other furniture made from composite wood, it is still appropriate to enforce compliance with this important law.
Others suggested that the requirement that fasteners are retightened between dynamic tests should be added to the new crib standard. This suggestion is not a good idea for us. The shake test and vertical mattress support impact tests are dynamic tests that simulate and increase the abuse of cribs. Loose screws are the second most common cause of fatal accidents in cribs.
Other comments were based on EWS incident information. The data shows that the most common hazards that are associated with cribs include drop-sides and mattresses that are unsafe. We decided to pay particular attention on these issues and incorporate the standards of performance already in the existing mandatory standard. By incorporating the performance standards by reference we can ensure that the safety of cribs is maintained consistently and efficiently.
Style
The process of designing your baby's nursery can be an exciting and rewarding endeavor. The crib is the focal point of any nursery, so it is important to select one that fits your style and complements its decor. If you're looking for a contemporary and minimalist design or more traditional, there's a wide selection of stylish cribs to choose from. You can find options in every price range, from affordable to high-end. Just be sure that the crib you select conforms to all safety standards.
A crib is a tiny, specially designed bed for infants and babies. It has slatted walls that allow for adequate ventilation and is usually built from sturdy materials like wood. Cribs can be bigger and more expensive than bassinets but offer greater functionality for the initial three years of your child's life.
There are many crib styles that are available, however all must be in compliance with safety standards. The crib slats, as an instance, should not be more than 6 centimeters (about the width of a can of soda) apart. You should also beware of cutouts or ornaments in the footboard and headboard.
In addition, the mattress must fit snugly within the crib's opening. This is essential because gaps between the mattress and crib could allow infants legs or arms to get entangled. A lot of cribs have bars for stabilization that help keep the mattress in position. If your crib does not come with stabilizer bars, then you will need to purchase a mattress pad as extra support.
Baby Cot Bed that is low-level is another feature of a good crib that can help keep toddlers from climbing the crib's edge. This is a fantastic feature for parents with small children or rooms that are small in size. But, be sure to verify the mattress height before making your purchase. The corner of most mattresses will indicate the crib's maximum and minimum mattress heights.
If you're looking for a crib that grows with your child, think about buying a convertible crib. These types of cribs can be converted into an infant bed as well as a daybed or a bed that is full size. Some cribs, like the Babyletto Hudson 4-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 3-in-1, come with conversion kits. The rest will require an extra purchase.
Budget
While the majority of cribs are priced at hundreds of dollars However, there are some cribs that are affordable. The Graco Classic 4-in-1 Crib is one of them. It costs less than $200 and has been rated 5-stars by BabyCenter, Baby Bargains, and National Parent Publications. It also has a medium height profile which makes it easier to take your baby into and out.
Another affordable crib is the Munchkin Brica Travel Pod. The portable sleep and play option is easy to assemble and folds in just a few minutes. It can be used indoors or outside on a patio or deck and is suitable for infants up to 15 pounds. It is not intended to be a permanent solution to sleeping as your child will outgrow the product after six months.
There are also bassinets that are budget-friendly and cribs that can be used for the initial few months, allowing you to keep your baby snug and close. They are more expensive, but they are also smaller and easier to move. However, they're only a temporary sleeping solution and your baby will outgrow them before the first birthday.
A crib that is of good quality will include a mattress support that is solid and secure, and it can be adjusted to four different positions depending on the baby's height. It must be low enough for you to reach into and out of it easily, especially if you're under 5'5. Some cribs have posts that stand more than 1 8 inches above the mattress's opening, which can cause your baby to become entrapped as they play or climb.
Some cribs have attached changing rooms, which makes diaper changing easier and faster. While these are convenient but they can take up more floor space than traditional cribs and might not be the best option for smaller nurseries.
You should also think about the materials that the crib is constructed of. A lot of cribs are made from particleboard that contains formaldehyde. Look for a crib made from solid wood or has a metal base instead.