Choosing a Baby Crib
The process of designing a nursery can be an exciting time, but choosing a crib is one of the most crucial choices you'll make. The crib that your baby sleeps in will have a major impact on their health and development whether it's the style of the slats or the mattress's height.
Be aware that nails and bolts can become loose over time, so be sure to check your crib's hardware frequently. Do not place your crib near drapes or blinds that hang because they could pose a strangulation risk for your baby.
Size
When you are looking for the perfect crib size is a crucial factor. A crib should be big enough to accommodate a sleepy infant, but small enough so that you are able to reach your child to listen to them. It should also be strong enough to stand up to the wear and tear of everyday use.
The majority of cribs are made from metal or wood and most include slatted sides. These features allow caregivers to view the baby from various angles and promote airflow. Cribs are available until your child is of two.
Most cribs are equipped with a mattress support height that can be adjusted or raised as your baby grows. The lowest setting works best for infants. The most advanced setting is for infants who can sit up or crawl. Check the crib's dimensions to ensure that the mattress is suitable. The slatted design could leave small gaps which could pose a risk to your baby.
Certain manufacturers offer cribs that are not standard and mattresses that comply with the same safety standards of full-size cribs. These include play yards, portable infant beds, and bassinets. These cribs often have mesh or rigid sides, and tend to be smaller than full-size cribs.
If you opt for a non-standard crib, review the manufacturer's guidelines for mattress size guidelines. There could be most recommended cribs that differ from the standard crib size of 52 inches long and 28 inches wide. Also, you should test the gap between the crib and mattress to be sure that it is not more than 1 inch, which is the maximum safe space.
A waterproof cover for your baby's mattress can help keep it clean and protected from accidents or spit-up. Choose a cover with an antimicrobial barrier that helps reduce bacteria and an anti-allergenic layer that blocks allergens.
If you're considering a crib with drop sides, you should be aware that they were associated with 32 infant deaths between 2000 and 2010, and have been banned in the US from 2011. If you do decide to buy a drop-side crib or receive one as a gift, be sure to remove it when your baby is 35 inches tall or is able to get out.
Safety
A crib for babies is one of the safest places for your child to sleep. It is not only an area for rest but also where you can be able to see them and hold them frequently. There are a variety of models and brands of cribs on the market each one must meet certain safety standards. The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets these standards to ensure that cribs are safe for infants.
Before you place 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. Also, don't put any pillows or blankets inside the crib as they could cause death by suffocation. Instead, you should use a mattress pad and a fitted sheet.
Some commenters suggested cribs should comply with the formaldehyde emission standards outlined in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act. L. 112-199) and that cribs constructed of composite wood should be tested for compliance. The CPSC has concluded that although these requirements do NOT directly apply to cribs or other furniture made from composite wood, it is a good idea to insist on compliance with this important law.
Others suggested that the new crib standard should contain the requirement of tightening fasteners in between dynamic tests. We strongly oppose this suggestion. The shake test and vertical mattress support impact tests are dynamic tests that simulate and speed up crib abuse. Screws that are loose are the second leading cause of crib deaths.
Other comments were based upon EWS incident information. These data show that the two most frequently reported crib dangers are mattresses that are not safe and drop-sides. Therefore, we decided to concentrate on these issues in the new rulemaking and to incorporate the performance standards that are currently included in the existing mandatory standard through reference. The incorporation of reference standards is the best method to ensure that the cribs' safety is maintained in a consistent and effective way.
Style
It's a satisfying and exciting process designing your baby's nursery. The focal point of any nursery is the crib, therefore it's important to choose one that fits your style and compliments your room's décor. If you're looking for a modern and minimalist look or something more traditional, there are lots of chic cribs to pick from. There are cribs for every budget, from affordable to high-end. Make sure the crib you choose meets all safety requirements.
A crib is a small crib designed especially for infants and children. It is constructed with slatted walls to ensure adequate ventilation and is usually constructed from durable materials such as wood. Cribs are generally larger than bassinets and can be more expensive, but they offer more functionality for your baby's early years.
There are many styles of cribs available on the market, however they all must be in compliance with strict safety standards. The crib's slats for instance, shouldn't exceed 6 centimeters (about the width of a can of soda) apart. Also, you should avoid decorative shapes or cutouts in the footboard and headboard.
The mattress should be able to fit comfortably into the crib's opening. This is because gaps between the crib and mattress can cause infants' arms and legs to become entangled. Many cribs come with stabilizer bars that aid in keeping the mattress in place. If your crib does not have stabilizer bars, you will need to purchase a mattress pad as extra support.
A low-level mattress is another characteristic of a good crib that helps to prevent toddlers from climbing over the crib's edge. It's an excellent feature for smaller families or rooms with a limited space However, be sure to check the mattress height before you make your purchase. The corners of many mattresses will list the crib's maximum and minimum mattress heights.
If you're looking for an infant crib that grows with your child, consider purchasing a convertible crib. These cribs can be transformed into the toddler's bed, a daybed or even a full size bed. Some of the cribs in our list, like the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 4-in-1, come with conversion kits included. The rest will require an additional purchase.
Budget
While the majority of cribs are priced in the hundreds of dollars however, there are a few cribs on the market that are affordable. The Graco Classic 4 in 1 Crib costs less than 200 dollars and is rated 5 stars by BabyCenter and Baby Bargains. It also has a medium-height profile that makes it simple to get your baby in and out.
Another affordable crib is the Munchkin Brica Travel Pod. This portable sleep-and-play option is easy to set up and folds up in a few minutes. It can be used indoors or outside on a deck or patio and is suitable for babies up to 15 pounds. It is not designed to be a permanent solution to sleeping, as your child will outgrow it within six months.
There are also affordable bassinets and cradles that can be used for the first few months, allowing you to keep your baby in a safe and secure environment. Although they're more expensive than a standard crib they are also more compact and easy to move around. However, they're only a short-term sleeping solution and your baby is likely to outgrow them before their first birthday.
A crib that is of good quality will have a mattress support that is strong and secure, and it can be adjusted to four different positions depending on the baby's weight. 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 extend higher than 1 8 inches above the mattress opening which could cause your child to get trapped when they play or climb.
Some cribs are equipped with changing areas that can make diapering easier and faster. They are handy however they take up more space than traditional cribs. They may not be the best option for smaller nurseries.
It is also important to consider the materials the crib is made from. A lot of cribs made of particleboard. These materials can contain formaldehyde which is a known carcinogen. Look for a crib that is constructed out of solid wood or has a metal base instead.