Choosing a Baby Crib
It's thrilling to design a nursery but picking the crib will be one of your most crucial decisions. It doesn't matter what style of slats, the mattress height or the capability to convert the crib that your baby sleeps on will affect their health and development.
Keep in mind that nails and bolts may be loose in time, so check your crib hardware regularly. Also, don't place your crib near window blinds or drapes that hang down, which could pose a strangulation hazard for your baby.
Size
Size is one of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a crib. The crib should be large enough to accommodate a sleepy baby, yet small enough that you can reach them in a safe manner to care for them. It should be strong enough to withstand the daily wear and tear.
Most cribs are made of wood or metal and have sides that are slatted. These features are designed to allow caregivers to view the baby from different angles and ensure the proper flow of air. 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 develops. The lowest setting is best baby cots for newborns, whereas the highest setting is good for babies who are able to sit up or crawl. Measure the crib's interior to ensure the mattress is suitable. The slatted structure can create small gaps that could be dangerous for your baby.
Some manufacturers offer cribs with non-standard sizes and mattresses that meet the same safety standards of full-size cribs. These include bassinets for infants, portable cribs, and play yards. These cribs are smaller than the standard cribs and have mesh or rigid sides.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions to determine the recommended mattress size in case you choose a crib that isn't standard. There could be requirements that are different from the standard crib size of 52 inches long and 28 inches wide. It is also recommended to test the gap between the crib and mattress to be sure it's not larger than 1 inch which is the maximum safe space.
A waterproof mattress cover for your baby can help keep it clean and safe from spit-up or accidents. Choose a cover with an antimicrobial layer that eliminates bacteria, and a hypoallergenic layer that blocks allergens.
If you're considering a crib with drop sides, be aware that they were linked to 32 infant deaths between 2000 and 2010. They have been banned in the US since. Even if you intend to buy or receive a crib with drop sides for your baby ensure that you remove it when your child is 35 inches or is able to climb out.
Safety
A crib for your baby is the most secure spot for your child. It's not just a place to rest but also a place where you can be able to see them and hold them frequently. There are many crib models and brands on the market. However, they all have to meet certain safety requirements. The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets these standards to ensure that cribs are safe for infants.
Before putting your child in the crib ensure that the crib is clean, free of dander and dust. Take away any toys or stuffed animal that could fall off the crib. Also, don't put any blankets or pillows in the crib as they could cause the suffocation of children. Use a fitted sheet and a mattress cover.
Some commenters suggested cribs should conform to formaldehyde emission standards outlined in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act. L. 112-199) and that cribs made of composite wood should be inspected for compliance. While these rules are not directly applicable to cribs however, the CPSC has determined that it is appropriate to require that cribs and other furniture made from composite wood comply with this important new law.
Some commenters suggested that the requirement that fasteners be tightened after dynamic tests should be included in the crib standard being revised. This suggestion is not something we would consider. The dynamic tests - such as the shake test and the vertical mattress support test - are designed to simulate and accelerate the use and abuse of cribs by children. Screws that are loose are the second leading cause of crib fatalities.
Other comments were based on the EWS incident data. These data show that the two most frequently reported crib dangers are unsafe mattresses and drop-sides. Therefore, we have decided to focus on these issues in the new rulemaking process and to incorporate the performance standards already included in the existing mandatory standard by reference. Incorporation by reference is the most effective method to ensure the safety of cribs is ensured in a consistent and efficient way.
Style
It's an enjoyable and exciting experience to design your baby's nursery. The centerpiece of any nursery is the crib, therefore it's important to choose one that matches your style and complements the room's décor. If you're looking for a contemporary and minimalist look or something more traditional, there are lots of stylish cribs to choose from. There are options for everyone's budget, from the most affordable to luxurious. Just be certain that the crib you pick is in compliance with all the necessary safety guidelines.
A crib is a tiny, specially designed bed for babies and infants. It is made of sturdy materials like wood, and features slatted wall paneling to allow for a safe airflow. Cribs are typically larger than bassinets and may be more expensive, but they provide more functions for your child's the first three years of life.
There are a variety of crib styles available, but all of them must be in compliance with safety standards. For example the crib slats need to be no more than 6 centimeters apart (that's about the width of a soda bottle) and you should not use decorative cutouts or shapes in the headboard or footboard.
In addition the mattress should be able to fit comfortably into the crib's opening. This is important because gaps between the crib and mattress can cause infants' arms or legs to get entangled. A lot of cribs have bars for stabilization that aid in keeping the mattress in position. However, if you own a crib that doesn't have them, make sure you purchase an extra mattress pad to provide support.
A great crib also has a low sitting mattress level, which helps prevent toddlers from climbing over the crib's edge. This is an excellent feature for parents with smaller children or rooms that are limited in space. But, be sure to measure the mattress's height prior your purchase. Most mattresses will have a label at the corner which shows the crib's minimum and maximum heights.
If you want a crib that can grow with your child, you should consider buying a convertible crib. These cribs can be transformed into a toddler bed or a daybed, or even a full-size bed. A few of the cribs in 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 will require an extra purchase.
Budget
While the majority of cribs are priced at hundreds of dollars Some cribs are more affordable. The Graco Classic 4 in 1 Crib is priced at less than 200 dollars and has been 5-star top rated cots by BabyCenter and Baby Bargains. It also has a medium height profile, which makes it easy to take your baby in and out.
The Munchkin Brica travel pod is another crib that is budget-friendly. This portable sleep and play option is easy to put together and folds in just a few minutes. It can be used indoors as well as outdoors on a patio or deck and is suitable for infants up to 15 pounds. It is not designed to be a permanent solution for sleeping because your child will outgrow the product after six months.
There are also budget-friendly bassinets and cradles that are suitable cot beds for sale the first few months, allowing you to keep your baby snug and close. While they're more expensive than a standard crib they are also smaller and easier to move around. They are only a temporary sleeping solution and your baby will outgrow them before their first birthday.
A crib that is of good quality should include a sturdy, secure mattress support that can be adjusted into four different positions based on your baby's growth. It must be low enough to let you reach in and out easily, especially when you are less than 5'5. Some cribs have posts that are higher than 1 8 inches above the mattress opening which can cause your child to become entrapped as they play or climb.
Some cribs have attached changing areas, which makes diaper changing easier and quicker. While they are useful, they tend to take up more space than traditional cribs and may not be the best cot beds option for smaller nurseries.
Think about the materials that the crib is constructed of. Many cribs are made of particleboard, which is made up of formaldehyde. Find a crib made from solid wood or comes with an aluminum base instead.