Choosing a Baby Crib
Designing a nursery is an exciting time, but selecting the right crib is among the most crucial choices you'll make. Whether it's the style of slats, the mattress height or conversion capabilities, the crib your baby sleeps in will impact their development and health.
Keep in mind that nails and bolts may become loose over time, so be sure to check the crib's hardware regularly. Avoid placing your crib near blinds or drapes that hang because they could pose a strangulation risk for your baby.
Size
Size is an important factor to consider when shopping for the right crib. The crib should be big enough to accommodate a sleepy baby, but compact enough for you to reach them safely to take care of them. It should be strong enough to withstand daily wear and tear.
The majority of cribs are constructed of wood or metal and have sides that are slatted. These features are designed to let caregivers view the baby from different angles and ensure the proper flow of air. Cribs are utilized from birth until your child is approximately two years of age, at which point they have to be moved to a toddler bed.
Most cribs are equipped with an adjustable mattress that can be adjusted to accommodate your baby's development. The lowest setting is ideal for newborns. The highest setting is for babies who can sit up or crawl. Take measurements of the crib's interior to ensure that the mattress is suitable. The slatted design could leave tiny gaps that could pose a risk for your baby.
Manufacturers offer cribs and mattresses that aren't standard sizes, yet have the same safety standards. These include portable infant beds, bassinets and play yards. These cribs are smaller than full-size cribs and have solid or mesh sides.
If you decide to purchase a non-standard crib, review the manufacturer's guidelines for mattress sizes. There may be specific requirements that differ from the standard crib mattress size of 28 inches wide and 52 inches long. Also, you should check 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 can keep it clean and safe from spit-up or accidents. Find one that has an antimicrobial layer that reduces bacteria, and a hypoallergenic layer that blocks allergens.
If you're thinking of buying a crib that has drop-sides, be aware that they have been linked to the deaths of 32 infants between 2000 and 2010 and were banned in the US in 2011. Even if you intend to purchase or get a drop-side baby crib ensure that you dispose of it when your child is 35 inches or has the ability to get out.
Safety
A crib Best cot for newborn babies is the most secure place for your child. It is a place for them to rest, but also a place where you can keep them close and check on them often. There are numerous crib models and brands on the market. But, they all must meet certain safety standards. These standards are laid out by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and they make sure cribs you purchase are safe for your baby.
Before putting your baby in the crib, make sure it is clean and free of dander and dust. Take away any toys or stuffed animals that may fall out of the crib. Use no blankets or pillows in the crib. They can lead to the suffocation of children. Instead, use mattress pads and a fitted sheet.
Some commenters suggested that cribs should conform to formaldehyde emissions standards as outlined in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act. L. 112-199) and cribs constructed of composite wood must be tested to determine if they are in compliance. The CPSC has concluded that, although these rules do not directly apply to cribs or other furniture made of composite wood, it is still appropriate to enforce compliance with this important law.
Other commenters suggested that the requirement that fasteners be tightened after dynamic tests should be added to the crib standard being revised. We strongly disagree with this suggestion. The dynamic tests - such as 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 2nd most common cause of fatal accidents in cribs.
Other comments were based on the EWS incident data. These data reveal that the most frequent hazards associated with cribs beds are drop-sides and unsafe mattresses. We decided to focus our attention on these concerns and incorporate the performance standards already included in the existing mandatory standard. Incorporation by reference is the most effective way to ensure that the cribs' safety is maintained in a consistent and effective way.
Style
Designing your baby's nursery is an exciting and rewarding experience. The crib is the main focal feature of any nursery, so pick one that matches your style and complements its decor. There are many elegant cribs to choose from that you can choose from modern and minimalist or more traditional. There are options for every price range, from affordable to upscale. Make sure the crib you choose has all the safety requirements.
A crib is a compact crib designed especially for infants and children. It is constructed with slatted walls to allow for adequate ventilation and is usually constructed of sturdy materials like wood. Cribs are usually larger than bassinets and can be more expensive, but they are more functional for your child's early years.
There are a variety of crib designs available, but all must be safe to use. The crib slats, for instance, shouldn't be more than 6 centimeters (about the width of a bottle of soda) apart. Also, you should avoid decorative shapes or cutouts on the footboard and headboard.
In addition the mattress should fit comfortably inside the crib's opening. This is because any gaps between the crib and mattress can cause babies' arms and legs to get caught in the crib. Many cribs include stabilizer bars to help keep the mattress in place. If your crib doesn't have stabilizer bars, you'll need to purchase a mattress pad to provide additional support.
A great crib also has a mattress that is low that helps keep children from climbing over the crib's edge. This is an excellent feature for parents with smaller children or rooms that are limited in size. However, it is important to check out the mattress's height prior your purchase. The corner of the majority of mattresses will indicate the crib's maximum and minimum mattress heights.
Consider buying a convertible crib if you would like your crib to expand with your child. These cribs can be transformed into the toddler's bed, a daybed or even a full-size best cot bed. Certain cribs, such as the Babyletto Hudson 4-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 3-in-1 are equipped with conversion kits. The rest require an additional purchase.
Budget
While the majority of cribs are priced in the hundreds of dollars There are a few cribs on the market that are affordable. The Graco Classic 4-in-1 crib for instance, is priced less than $200 and is rated 5-stars by BabyCenter, Baby Bargains, and National Parent Publications. It also has a medium-height profile that makes it simple for you to take your baby in and out.
Another crib that is budget-friendly is the Munchkin Brica Travel Pod. This portable sleep and play option is easy to install and folds away in a matter of minutes. It can be used indoors as well as outdoors on a patio or deck and is suitable for babies up to 15 pounds. It is not designed to be a permanent solution to sleeping because your child will outgrow it after six months.
There are also bassinets that are budget-friendly and cradles that can be used for the first few months, which allows you to keep your baby close and comfortable. While they are a bit more expensive than a standard crib they are also smaller and easy to move around. They are not a permanent sleeping solution and your baby will outgrow it by the time they reach their first birthday.
A crib that is of good quality should have a sturdy, solid mattress support that is able to be adjusted in four different positions, based on the growth of your baby. It must be low enough to allow you to reach in and out easily, especially in the case of children under 5'5. Some cribs have posts that are over 1 8 inches above the mattress opening which can cause your child to be trapped as they play or climb.
Some cribs come with attached changing areas, which can make diapering easier and quicker. Although they are convenient however, they take up more floor space than traditional cribs and may not be the ideal choice for smaller nurseries.
You should also think about the materials that the crib is made of. Many cribs are made of particleboard that contains formaldehyde. Look for a crib that is constructed from solid wood or has a metal base instead.