Choosing a Baby Crib
Designing a nursery is an exciting time, however selecting the 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 development and health regardless of the design of the slats, or the mattress height.
Examine the crib's hardware frequently. Bolts and nails may become loose with time. Also, don't place your crib close to window blinds or drapes that dangle, which present a risk of strangulation for your baby.
Size
Size is an important factor to consider when purchasing the right crib. The crib should be large enough to accommodate a sleepy baby, but compact enough that you can reach them safely to take care of them. It should also be sturdy enough to stand up to the wear and tear of everyday use.
The majority of cribs are constructed from wood or metal, and the majority of them come with sliding sides. These features are designed to let caregivers observe the baby from various angles and to ensure adequate air flow. Cribs are utilized from birth until your child is around two years old. older, at which point they will require moving into the toddler bed.
Most standard cribs have a mattress support height that can be lowered or raised as your baby develops. The lowest setting is best baby cots for infants. The most advanced setting is for infants who are able to sit up or crawl. Make sure you measure the interior of your crib to make sure the mattress will fit as the slatted structure of most cribs can leave small gaps that could be dangerous for your baby cot online.
Some manufacturers offer non-standard cribs and mattresses that comply with the same safety standards of full-size cribs. These include bassinets for infants, portable cribs and play yards. These cribs usually come with mesh or rigid sides, and tend to be smaller than full-size cribs.
If you choose an alternative crib, be sure to check the manufacturer's guidelines for mattress sizes. There may be specific requirements that are different from the standard crib size of 52 inches long and 28 inches wide. Also, you should check 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 mattress cover can keep it clean and protected from spit-up or accidents. Select one that has an antimicrobial barrier that helps reduce bacteria, and a hypoallergenic layer that blocks allergens.
If you're considering a crib with drop sides, you should be aware that they've been linked to 32 baby deaths between 2000 and 2010 and have been outlawed in the US since. Even if you plan to buy a drop-side crib or receive one as a gift make sure you eliminate it when your baby is 35 inches tall or is able to be able to climb out.
Safety
A crib for your baby is among the most secure places to let your child sleep. It is not only an area for rest but also a place where you can be able to see them and hold them frequently. There are a variety of brands and models of cribs available all of them must be able to meet certain safety standards. These standards are established by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and they ensure that the cribs you buy are safe for your baby.
Before putting your baby in the crib, ensure that the crib is clean and free of dust and dander. Also, take away any toys or stuffed animals that could fall out of the crib. Use no blankets or pillows within the crib. They could cause the suffocation of children. Use a fitted sheet and a mattress cover instead.
Some commenters suggested that cribs need to be in compliance with formaldehyde emission standards laid out in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act (Pub. L. 111-199) and that cribs made of composite wood should be tested for conformity. Although these regulations do not directly apply to cribs but the CPSC has determined that it is appropriate to demand that cribs and other furniture made of composite wood comply with this important new law.
Other commenters suggested that a requirement that fasteners be tightened again between dynamic tests should be added to the crib standard that is being developed. This suggestion is not something we would consider. The dynamic tests - the shake test and the vertical mattress support impact test are designed to replicate and increase the use and abuse of cribs by children. Screws that are loose are the second leading cause of fatalities in cribs.
Other comments were based upon EWS incident records. These data reveal that the most common hazards associated with cribs are dangerous mattresses and drop-sides. We have decided to concentrate our attention on these issues and incorporate the standards of performance already in the current mandatory standard. By reference incorporation is the most effective way to ensure that the safety of cribs is maintained in a uniform and effective manner.
Style
It's a satisfying and exciting experience to design the nursery of your baby's. The crib is the main focal element of any nursery, so you should select one that fits your style and complements the decor. If you're looking for a contemporary and baby Cots on sale (Highly recommended Resource site) minimalist design or more traditional, there are lots of stylish cribs to choose from. There are cribs for every budget, from the most affordable to high-end. Make sure the crib you choose meets all safety requirements.
A crib is a tiny bed that is specifically designed for infants and children. It features slatted walls to allow for safe ventilation and is often constructed of sturdy materials like wood. Cribs are generally larger than bassinets, and can be more expensive, however they are more functional for your child's the first three years of life.
There are a variety of styles of cribs available on the market, but they all have to meet strict safety standards. The crib slats, for instance, should not exceed 6 centimeters (about the width of a can of soda) apart. Also, you should avoid decorative shapes or cutouts in the headboard and footboard.
In addition the mattress should fit comfortably into the crib's opening. This is crucial because gaps between the mattress and crib can allow babies' arms or legs to get caught in. Many cribs include stabilizer bars to help keep the mattress in place. However, if you own a crib that doesn't, make sure you purchase a mattress pad for extra support.
A quality crib also comes with a low-sitting mattress that helps keep toddlers from stepping over the edge of the crib. It's a great option for smaller families or rooms with limited space, but be sure to measure the mattress's height prior to you purchase. The majority of mattresses will have a label on the corner, which lists the crib's minimum and maximum mattress heights.
Consider purchasing an adjustable crib if you would like your crib to expand with your child. These cribs can be transformed into a toddler bed or a daybed, or even a full-size bed. A few of the cribs on our list, like the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 4-in-1, come with conversion kits that are included. The rest require an additional purchase.
Budget
While most cribs are priced in the hundreds of dollars, there are a few cribs on the market that are budget-friendly. The Graco Classic 4 in 1 Crib costs less than 200 dollars and is 5 stars rated by BabyCenter and Baby Bargains. It also has a profile that is moderate in height, making it easy to get your child in and out.
The Munchkin Brica travel pod is another budget-friendly crib. This portable crib for sleep and play is easy to put together and folds in a matter of minutes. It can be used inside or out on decks or patios. It is suitable for infants weighing up to 15 pounds. It is not intended to be a permanent solution for sleeping because your child will outgrow it after six months.
There are also budget-friendly bassinets and cribs that can be used for the initial few months, allowing you to keep your baby snug and close. Although they're more expensive than a standard crib, they are also more compact and easy to move around. They're only a temporary sleeping solution and your baby will outgrow it before their first birthday.
A quality crib will have a mattress support that is sturdy and secure, and it can be adjusted to four different positions depending on the baby's size. It should be low enough to allow you to reach in and out of it easily, particularly in the case of children under 5'5 inches. Some cribs have posts that stand higher than 1 8 inches above the opening of the mattress This can cause your child to become trapped as they play or try to climb.
Some cribs come with an attached changing area which can help diapering a bit more convenient and quicker. While they are useful, they tend to take up more floor space than traditional cribs, and might not be the ideal choice for smaller nurseries.
Take a look at the materials your crib is made of. Many traditional cribs are made of particleboard. These materials can contain formaldehyde which is a known carcinogen. Instead, opt for a crib that is made of solid wood or with a steel base.