Choosing a Baby Crib
The process of designing a nursery is an exciting time, but selecting a crib is one of the most crucial choices you will make. The crib where your baby sleeps will have a major impact on their health and development, whether it is the style of the slats, or the mattress's height.
Examine the crib's hardware frequently. Bolts and nails can become loose over time. Be sure to avoid placing your crib close to curtains or window blinds that dangle, which create a strangulation risk for your baby.
Size
Size is an important factor to take into consideration when buying the perfect crib. A crib should be big enough to accommodate a sleepy infant but small enough that you are able to safely reach your baby in order to talk to them. It should also be durable enough to stand up to the wear and tear of everyday use.
The majority of cribs beds are constructed from wood or metal, and a majority come with the slatted sides. These features allow caregivers to observe the baby from different angles and encourage airflow. Cribs are available until your child reaches the age of two.
The majority of cribs have a mattress height that can be adjusted to suit the baby's growing needs. The lowest setting is best for newborns. The most advanced setting is for infants who can sit up or crawl. Be sure to check the inside of your crib to make sure the mattress will fit, as the slatted design of most cribs may leave small gaps that could pose a danger for your baby.
Manufacturers offer mattresses and cribs that are not standard sizes, but meet the same safety standards. These include bassinets, portable infant beds, and play yards. These cribs are smaller than standard ones and have mesh or rigid sides.
If you choose an alternative crib, be sure to check the manufacturer's guidelines for mattress size guidelines. They may have specific specifications that differ from the standard crib mattress dimensions of 28 inches wide and 52 inches long. Also, you should check the space between the crib mattress and the crib to ensure it's not more than 1 inch. This is the maximum safe distance.
A waterproof cover can protect your baby's bedding from accidents and spills. Find one that has an antimicrobial layer that helps to reduce bacteria and a hypoallergenic barrier that eliminates allergens.
If you're considering a crib that has drop-sides, you should know that they were linked to 32 infant deaths between 2000 and 2010, and are banned in the US as of 2011. If you do decide to purchase or get a crib with drop sides be sure to get rid of it once your child is 35 inches or can get out.
Safety
A baby crib is the safest place for your child. It is not only an area to rest, but also where you can observe and hold them often. While there are many different models and brands of cribs available each one must meet certain safety standards. The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets these standards to ensure that cribs are safe for babies.
Before you put 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, do not use any blankets or pillows in the crib, as they can cause the suffocation of children. Instead, you should use a mattress pad and fitted sheet.
Some commenters suggested that cribs should be in compliance with formaldehyde emissions standards set forth in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act. L. 111-199) and that cribs constructed of composite wood should be tested to ensure conformity. While these rules don't directly apply to cribs, the CPSC has determined that it is appropriate to demand that cribs and other furniture constructed of composite wood meet the requirements of this important new law.
Some commenters suggested that the new crib standard should contain a requirement to retighten fasteners after dynamic tests. This suggestion is not acceptable to us. The shake test and the vertical mattress support impact tests are dynamic tests that simulate and accelerate crib abuse. Screws that are loose are the second leading cause of crib deaths.
Other comments were based on the EWS incident data. These data show that the most frequently cited dangers associated with cribs are drop-sides and mattresses that are unsafe. Therefore, we decided to concentrate on these issues in the rulemaking process and to include the performance standards that are already contained in the existing mandatory standard, with reference. By incorporating the performance standards by reference we can ensure that the safety of cribs is maintained consistently and efficiently.
Style
The design of your baby's nursery is an exciting and rewarding experience. The crib is the main focal feature of any nursery, so you should select one that fits your style and complements the decor. Whether you prefer a modern and minimalist design or more traditional, there are plenty of stylish cribs to choose from. There are options for everyone's budget, from affordable to upscale. Make sure that the crib you select meets all of the required safety standards.
A crib is a tiny, specially designed bed for infants and babies. It features slatted walls to provide adequate ventilation and is usually built from sturdy materials like wood. Cribs are typically larger than bassinets and may be more expensive, however they are more functional for your baby's first three years of life.
There are a variety of types of cribs on the market, however they all must meet strict safety standards. For instance the crib slats need to not exceed 6 centimeters apart (that's approximately the size of a soda bottle) and you should avoid using ornamental cutouts or designs in the footboard or headboard.
Additionally, the mattress must be able to fit comfortably within the crib's opening. This is important because gaps between the crib and mattress can allow babies' arms or legs to become entangled. Some cribs come with bars for stability to help keep the mattress in place. If your crib doesn't include stabilizer bars, you will need to purchase a mattress pad as extra support.
A low-level mattress is another characteristic of a quality crib that can help keep children from climbing up the crib's edge. It's an excellent feature for parents with smaller children or rooms that are small However, be sure to verify the mattress height before you purchase. Most mattresses will have a label on the corner that lists the crib's minimum and maximum heights.
If you are looking for a crib that grows with your child, you should consider purchasing 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. A few of the cribs on our list, like the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 4-in-1, have conversion kits included. The rest require an additional purchase.
Budget
While most cribs are priced in the hundreds of dollars however, there are a few cribs on the market that are budget-friendly. The Graco Classic 4 in 1 Crib is priced at less than 200 dollars and is rated 5 stars by BabyCenter and Baby Bargains. It also has an overall profile that is medium high, making it easy to get your child in and out.
Another affordable crib is the Munchkin Brica Travel Pod. This portable sleep and play option is simple to install and folds away in a matter of minutes. It can be used indoors as well as outdoors on a deck or patio and is suitable for babies up to 15 pounds. It is not designed to be a permanent solution for sleeping because your child will grow out of the product after six months.
There are also affordable bassinets and cradles that are suitable for the initial few months, which allows you to keep your baby snug and close. They're more expensive, but they are also smaller and easier to move. However, they are only a short-term sleeping solution and your baby will outgrow them before the first birthday.
A crib that is of good quality should include a sturdy, solid mattress support that can be adjusted in four different positions, depending on your cheap cot bed baby cots and tots for sale [visit website]'s growth. 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 are higher than 1 8 inch above the opening of the mattress, which can cause your child to be stuck while they play or attempt to climb.
Some cribs have attached changing areas that make diapering a little more convenient and quicker. These are convenient however they require more space than traditional cribs. They might not be the best option for smaller nurseries.
You should also think about the materials that the crib is made from. The majority of cribs are constructed from particleboard, which can contain formaldehyde which is a known carcinogen. Instead, opt for a crib made of solid wood or with a steel base.