Choosing Cribs For Your Baby's Nursery
good cribs provide a dedicated baby's sleeping space to lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. It also helps to establish a regular sleep routine. Cribs are also more flexible than other options, including bassinets.
If you choose a modern design or a traditional style, be sure to verify that it's certified by GreenGuard Gold to ensure that it meets the highest standards of safety and reduces exposure to toxic chemicals. Then consider other features to determine the ideal crib for your family.
1. Safety
As a parent you are responsible for the safety of your child is your top concern. You want your child to rest comfortably in a safe environment free of hazards such as sharp edges or splinters. It's important to choose a crib that meets Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) rigorous standards.
This includes slat spacing that is no wider than 2 3/8 inches, to avoid your baby's legs, arms or head from getting caught and an appropriate mattress that is well-made and comfortable with no drop sides; a sturdy crib that is not prone to wobbling; and detailed assembly instructions. You should also avoid bells and whistles, for example bumper streamers or pads, which could pose a strangulation risk for your baby.
Look for a crib coated with low-VOC paints, a safer alternative to glues and varnishes that release harmful chemicals into the air. Look for mattresses made from non-toxic materials such as organic foam and cotton.
Choose a crib without any decorative embellishments or cutouts. They can cause injury if your child grabs them, or gets their fingers stuck in them. Make sure the mattress cover fits tightly to the frame of the crib, and that there aren't any gaps between the mattress frame and the mattress. Avoid putting blankets, pillows, sheepskins, or similar stuffed animals to pillows in the crib. They can increase the risk of your baby's SIDS. Mobiles can also pose a danger, as they could be pulled over the baby, causing them to choke. In the ideal scenario, you should stay clear of the use of mobiles completely and opt for a more breathable mesh crib mobile instead. This is healthier for the health of your baby and allows you to supervise them as they sleep.
2. Convenience
A safe place for your baby to rest is among the most important things you will need. Cribs are an excellent place for your baby to sleep particularly when you are busy with other household chores.
You'll probably find cribs at your local nursery or home goods store. These types of establishments must adhere to strict guidelines that are set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and are generally the best baby cots place to start your search for a quality crib. If you're planning to purchase a crib for your home, there are many things to consider before purchasing.
Cribs offer a comfortable sleeping space for infants, toddlers and newborns that last well beyond the initial months of life. A lot of cribs are convertible which allow you to transform the crib into a toddler bed or a full-size bed. This will save you money on your purchase and prolong its lifespan.
The small size of cribs makes them ideal for smaller spaces like apartments or lofts. Some cribs come with an adjustable table, which can be useful if your nursery space is limited in space.
Travel cribs are also lightweight and foldable, making them easy to carry around. They are a great choice for traveling with your baby or visiting friends and family because they are easy to pack up before you leave. The crib's lightweight construction could result in a less sturdy crib than the standard ones. This might be a problem for some parents.
3. Style
Find a crib that has an original design if you want it to stand out. You can find one that features sleek, minimalist designs or one made of a material such as bamboo or glass and has clear sides for easy accessibility. These are usually more expensive than solid wood alternatives, however they can be a stunning accent piece for any nursery.
Other cribs feature traditional designs with graceful curves and moldings, reminiscent of furniture from the past. They can also be extravagant and are usually hand-crafted with beautiful details. These are great options for a crib that can become a favorite piece of family furniture over time and can be paired with any theme.
Another style that is popular is a Scandinavian-style crib that has straight lines that are smooth and a light, bare wood finish that lets its natural beauty to shine through. These cribs are great for modern or contemporary nursery. You can paint them or leave the wood unfinished to fit in with your decor.
These cribs can be used as a changing table making it easier to change your baby. This is especially true for babies who are still young and have trouble sitting up. They usually have drawers underneath to store wipes, diapers and other essentials.
Some cribs have curves or designs that can be used as an umbrella. They can add a touch of elegance to any nursery, and will keep your baby comfortable and cool during their sleep. Be sure, however, that the fabric you choose is not too long or that it is securely attached to the crib. This will stop your child from reaching out to grab the fabric, or pulling it down.
4. Convertibility
A crib that converts into a toddler bed, daybed or full-size cot beds is a great investment for any family. This feature lets you save money as you do not have to buy four separate beds as your child grows and it also helps to save space in the nursery. Many convertible cribs come with easy-to-store conversion kits, making it simple to use them when required.
When you are looking for a new crib, keep in mind that many models include additional features like adjustable heights for the mattress or drawers. This allows you to modify the appearance and function of your crib, and could be particularly beneficial in the case of only a tiny or small amount of storage space in your nursery. Some cribs are equipped with wheels, which can be incredibly useful when you need to move the bed around to clean or for other reasons.
Convertible cribs are generally constructed using durable, non-toxic materials that are safe for your baby. They also meet the stringent safety standards established by the CPSC and ASTM. Many models have modern or classic designs that will suit different styles of nursery décor. Some cribs are crafted from wood as well as others made from metal or painted steel. Some brands are committed sustainable development, offering eco-friendly cribs made of GREENGUARD certified wood. This assures that harmful toxins are not absorbed into the environment.
It will take some time and effort to choose the best convertible crib for you nursery. However, it's one that will last for many years to come. Look at your options and compare the prices and delivery times as well as other aspects before making a decision.
5. Value
The crib is the most important piece of furniture in the nursery of your baby, and it has a big impact on the overall look and feel of the room. This is why choosing one that matches your preferred style or one that works well with the rest of your room's decor will make a big difference in how you feel about the nursery when you spend time there.
As your child gets older cribs that are designed to convert into toddler cot beds or Affordable Cots daybeds can be used for a long time and provide you with an advantage over time. They are also less expensive than full-size beds and can be donated or sold to a relative once your child no longer has need of.
Convertible cribs are also simple to maintain, as the majority of the parts are easily removed and cleaned and many have a conversion kit that makes it easy to convert them into the right size bed for your child. Wood cribs can withstand a lot of use and are sturdy. Some can even last for several children.
Foam crib mattresses can be lighter than innerspring alternatives which makes them easier to move around when changing sheets or altering mattress height. However, they can get worn out faster and require a replacement sooner than innerspring mattresses.
Hybrid crib mattresses, also known as dual-firm or two-stage mattresses, are designed to be used for babies and toddlers. One side is softer for infants, while the other is more firm for toddlers. They're typically safer than foam mattresses, and can be more comfortable for older children who dislike the sagging sensation of foam. They're typically more affordable than innerspring alternatives.