Choosing a Baby Crib
It's exciting to design a nursery but choosing the crib will be one of your most crucial decisions. It doesn't matter what design of the slats, mattress height or conversion capabilities, the crib that your baby sleeps on will affect their health and development.
Make sure to check the crib's hardware regularly. Bolts and nails can become loose over time. Do not place your crib near drapes or blinds hanging because they could pose an injury risk to your baby.
Size
Size is an important factor to consider when purchasing a crib. A crib should be large enough to accommodate a sleepy infant but small enough that you are able to reach your baby in order to talk to them. It should also be durable enough to stand up to the wear and tear of regular use.
The majority of cribs are made from metal or wood and most have sliding sides. These features let caregivers observe the baby from different angles and encourage airflow. Cribs are available until your child is of two.
Most standard cribs have a mattress support height that can be adjusted or raised as your baby grows. The lowest setting is best for newborns, while the highest setting is good 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 design of most cribs may create small gaps that could be dangerous for your baby.
Manufacturers offer cribs and mattresses that aren't standard sizes, but still meet the same safety standards. These include portable infant beds, bassinets and play yards. These cribs are smaller than the standard cribs and have rigid or mesh sides.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions to determine the recommended mattress size in case you choose a crib that is not standard. There could be specific requirements that are different from the standard crib size of 52 inches long and 28 inches wide. It is also important to be sure to check the distance between the crib mattress and the crib to make sure that it is not greater than one inch. This is the most safe distance.
A waterproof cover for your baby's mattress can keep it clean and secure from spit-up or accidents. Select one that has an antimicrobial barrier that reduces bacteria and a hypoallergenic layer that blocks allergens.
If best cots for newborns are considering a crib that has drop-sides, know that they were linked to 32 infant deaths between 2000 and 2010, and have been banned in the US as of 2011. Even if you intend to purchase or get a crib with drop sides, make sure to dispose of it when your child is 35 inches or has the ability to get out.
Safety
A crib for babies is the most secure spot for your child. It is not only an area to rest, but also where you can see and hold them frequently. There are a variety of models and brands of cribs on the market each one must comply with certain safety standards. These standards are laid out by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and they ensure that cribs you purchase are safe for your baby.
Before putting your child in the crib ensure that the crib is clean and free of dust and dander. Also, take out any toys or stuffed animals that may fall out of the crib. Do not place any pillows or blankets in the crib. They could cause death by suffocation. Use a fitted sheet and a mattress cover instead.
Some commenters suggested that cribs must comply with the formaldehyde emissions standards as outlined in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act. L. 111-199) and cribs constructed from composite wood should be tested to determine if they are in compliance. The CPSC has determined that, although these requirements do NOT directly apply to cribs or other furniture made of composite wood, it is a good idea to require conformity with this important law.
Others suggested that a requirement that fasteners be retightened between dynamic tests should be included in the new crib standard. We strongly disagree with this idea. The shake test and the vertical mattress support impact tests are dynamic tests that simulate and speed up crib abuse. Loose screws are the second most common cause of fatal accidents in cribs.
Other comments were based on the EWS incident records. These data indicate that the two most common crib dangers are unsafe mattresses and drop-sides. Therefore, we decided to concentrate on these issues in the rulemaking process and to incorporate the performance standards that are currently included in the current mandatory standard, with reference. By reference incorporation is the best method to ensure that the safety of cribs is maintained in a consistent and effective manner.
Style
Designing your baby's nursery is an exciting and rewarding experience. The crib is the focal element of any nursery, so you should choose one that suits your style and compliments the decor. There are many stylish cribs available regardless of whether you're looking for something contemporary and minimalist or traditional. There are cribs for every budget, from the most affordable to upscale. Be sure that the crib you choose is safe and meets all safety standards.
A crib is a small crib designed especially for babies and infants. It is constructed with slatted walls to allow for adequate ventilation and is usually constructed of sturdy materials like wood. Cribs are usually larger than bassinets and can be more expensive, but they offer more functionality for your child's first three years of life.
There are many different types of cribs that are available on the market, but they all have to meet strict safety standards. For instance the crib slats must be no more than 6 centimeters apart (that's roughly the width of a soda can), and you should avoid using ornamental cutouts or designs on the footboard or headboard.
The mattress should be able to fit snugly into the crib's opening. This is because any gaps between the crib and the mattress can cause babies' arms and legs to get caught in the crib. Many cribs have stabilizer bars to aid in keeping the mattress in its place. But if you have a crib that doesn't, ensure you buy an extra mattress pad to provide support.
A mattress that is low-level is another advantage of a crib that helps to prevent toddlers from climbing the crib's edge. It's a great feature for smaller families or rooms that are small Be sure to verify the mattress height before you make your purchase. Most mattresses will have a label at the corner which indicates the crib's minimum and maximum heights.
You should consider buying a convertible crib if you would like your crib to expand with your child. These cribs can be transformed into the toddler's bed, a daybed or even a full size bed. Certain cribs, such as the Babyletto Hudson 4-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 3-in-1, come with conversion kits. The rest require an additional 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 is 5 stars rated by BabyCenter, Baby Bargains, and National Parent Publications. It also has a profile that is medium high, making it easy to get your child inside and out.
The Munchkin Brica travel pod is another budget-friendly crib. It is easy to assemble and folds up in an hour. It can be used indoors or out on decks or patios. It is suitable for babies weighing up to 15 pounds. It is not intended to be a long-term solution for sleeping, as your child will grow out of the product within six months.
There are also affordable bassinets and cradles that can be used for the beginning of the first few months, which allows you to keep your baby in a safe and secure environment. They're more expensive but they are smaller and easier to move. However, they are only a short-term sleeping solution, and your baby will outgrow them before their first birthday.
A crib that is of good quality will have a mattress support that is sturdy and secure, and it can be adjusted to four different positions depending on the baby's height. It must be low enough to let you reach into and out easily, particularly when you are less than 5'5 inches. Some cribs have posts that extend higher than 1 8 inches above the mattress opening which could cause your child to be trapped as they play or climb.
Some cribs have separate changing rooms which can help diapering a bit more convenient and quicker. Although they are convenient however, they take up more space than traditional cribs and may not be the best choice for smaller nurseries.
You should also think about the materials that the crib is made from. A lot of cribs made from particleboard, which can contain formaldehyde, which is a well-known carcinogen. Instead, opt for a crib that is made of solid wood or with a steel base.