Choosing a Baby Crib
Designing a nursery is an exciting time, however selecting the crib is one of the most important decisions you'll make. The crib in which your baby sleeps in will have a significant impact on their development and health whether it's the style of the slats or the mattress height.
Remember that nails and bolts may wiggle loose over time, so be sure to check your crib hardware regularly. Be sure to avoid placing your crib close to drapes or window blinds that hang down, which could pose a strangulation hazard for your baby.
Size
Size is a key factor to take into consideration when buying the right crib. The crib should be big enough to accommodate a sleepy baby, but compact enough that you can reach them in a safe manner to take care of them. It should also be durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of everyday use.
The majority of cribs are made from metal or wood and a majority include slatted sides. These features let caregivers see the baby from various angles and also encourage airflow. Cribs can be used up until your child is of two.
Most cribs are equipped with a mattress height that can be adjusted to accommodate the baby's growing needs. The lowest setting works best for newborns. The highest setting is ideal for babies who are able to sit up or crawl. Be sure to check the interior of your crib to be sure that the mattress is suitable, as the slatted design of most cribs may create small gaps that could be dangerous for your baby.
Manufacturers offer mattresses and cribs that are not standard sizes, yet have the same safety standards. These include play yards, portable infant cot beds for sale, and bassinets. These cribs often have rigid or mesh sides, and are generally smaller in size than full-size cribs.
Check the manufacturer's guidelines to determine the recommended mattress size in case you choose a crib that isn't standard. They may have specific specifications that differ from the standard crib mattress dimension of 28 inches wide and 52 inches long. Also, you should examine the distance between the crib and mattress to be sure it's not larger than 1 inch which is the maximum safe space.
A waterproof cover can shield your baby's mattress from accidents and spills. Choose a cover with an antimicrobial layer that eliminates bacteria and a hypoallergenic layer to block allergens.
If you're thinking about buying a crib with drop sides, be aware that they were associated with 32 deaths of babies between 2000 and 2010 and have been outlawed in the US since 2011. Even if you plan to purchase a crib with drop sides or receive one from a friend ensure that you get rid of it once your baby is 35 inches tall or has the ability to climb out.
Safety
A crib for your baby is the safest place for your child. It's a space to relax but also a space where you can keep them close and see them often. There are numerous crib models and brands available on the market. However, they all 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 and free of dust and dander. Remove any toys or stuffed animals that could fall off the crib. Also, don't put any pillows or blankets in the crib, as they can cause death by suffocation. Make use of a fitted sheet and a mattress cover.
Some commenters suggested that cribs ought to be required to meet formaldehyde emission standards laid out in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act (Pub. L. 111-199) and cribs made from composite wood should be tested to ensure that they meet the standards. While these rules do not directly apply to cribs however, the CPSC has decided that it is appropriate to require that cribs and other furniture made from composite wood comply with this important new law.
Other commenters suggested that the new crib standard should include a requirement to retighten fasteners in between dynamic tests. This suggestion is not a good idea for us. The shake test and the vertical mattress support tests are dynamic tests that simulate and speed up abuse of cribs. Loose screws are the second leading cause of fatal incidents in cribs.
Other comments were based on EWS incident data. These data show that the two most frequent crib dangers are mattresses that are not safe and drop-sides. We decided to pay particular focus on these issues and include the performance standards already incorporated into the existing mandatory standard. By incorporating 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 process. The crib is the main focal element of any nursery, so pick one that matches your style and complements its decor. If you're looking for a modern and minimalist style or more traditional, there's a wide selection of stylish cribs to choose from. There are cribs for every budget, from the most affordable to luxurious. Be sure that the crib you select meets all safety requirements.
A crib is a compact crib designed especially for infants and children. It is constructed of durable materials like wood, and has slatted wall panels to allow for a safe airflow. Cribs are generally larger than bassinets and may be more expensive, however they are more functional for your child's the first three years of life.
There are many different types of cribs on the market, but they all must be in compliance with strict safety standards. For instance the crib slats must not exceed 6 centimeters apart (that's about the width of a soda can) and you should avoid using ornamental cutouts or patterns on the footboard or headboard.
Additionally the mattress should be able to fit comfortably into the crib's opening. This is crucial because gaps between the crib and the mattress could allow infants' arms or legs to get entangled. A lot of cribs have bars for stabilization to keep the mattress in place. If your crib does not include stabilizer bars, you'll need to buy a mattress pad as extra support.
A Great crib (Mozillabd.science) also has a low-sitting mattress that prevents toddlers from stepping over the crib's edge. It's a great feature for Cot Bed sales parents with smaller children or rooms that are small, but be sure to verify the mattress's height prior cots to tots you make your purchase. Most mattresses will have a label at the corner which shows the crib's minimum and maximum mattress heights.
Consider buying a convertible crib if want your crib to grow with your child. These cribs can be converted into an infant's bed, a daybed, or even a full-size bed. Some of the cribs on our list, including the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 4-in-1, have conversion kits that are included. The rest require an additional purchase.
Budget
While the majority of cribs cost in the hundreds of dollars, there are a few cribs available on the market that are affordable. The Graco Classic 4 in 1 Crib costs less than 200 dollars and has been 5 stars rated by BabyCenter and Baby Bargains. It also has a medium-height profile which makes it easier to take your baby cots online into and out.
The Munchkin Brica travel pod is another crib that is budget-friendly. It is easy to set up and folds up in an hour. 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 a permanent sleeping solution, however, because your baby will outgrow it in approximately six months.
There are also budget-friendly bassinets and cradles that are suitable for the beginning of the first few months, which allows you to keep your baby close and comfortable. Although they're more expensive than a standard crib, they are also more compact and easier to move around. But, they're only a short-term sleeping solution, and your baby will outgrow them before their first birthday.
A quality crib should have a sturdy, solid mattress support that can be adjusted to four different positions, based on your baby's growth. It must be low enough to let you get in and out easily, particularly in the case of children under 5'5 inches. Some cribs have posts that are higher than 1 8 inch above the mattress opening, which can cause your baby to become entrapped as they play or climb.
Some cribs have an attached changing area which can make diapering a little more convenient and quicker. They are handy however they require more space than traditional cribs. They may not be a suitable option for smaller nurseries.
Take a look at the materials the crib is made of. A lot of cribs made of particleboard. These materials can contain formaldehyde which is a known carcinogen. Instead, look for a crib that is made of solid wood or with a steel base.