Choosing a Baby Crib
It's exciting to design a nursery, however, choosing the crib is one of your most important decisions. The crib in which your baby sleeps in will have a significant impact on their development and health, whether it is the design of the slats or the mattress height.
Make sure to check the crib's hardware regularly. Bolts and nails can become loose with time. Also, don't place your crib close to window blinds or drapes that hang, which can present a risk of strangulation for your baby.
Size
When choosing a crib the size is a key aspect. The crib should be big enough to fit a sleeping baby, but small enough for you to reach them safely to care for them. It should also be strong enough to withstand the wear and tear of daily use.
The majority of cribs are constructed from wood or metal, and most come with slatted sides. These features are designed to let caregivers observe the baby from various angles and to ensure adequate air flow. Cribs can be used from birth until the child is approximately two years older, at which point they will require moving into the toddler bed.
Most standard cribs come with the mattress height which can be adjusted to meet your baby's growth. The lowest setting is best for babies. The highest setting is ideal for babies who are able to sit up or crawl. Take measurements of the crib's interior to ensure that the mattress is suitable. The slatted design can create small gaps that could be dangerous for your baby.
Some manufacturers offer non-standard cribs and mattresses that comply with the same safety standards as standard cribs. These include play yards and portable infant cot bed beds and bassinets. These cribs are smaller than the standard ones and come with solid or mesh sides.
If you choose an alternative crib, be sure to check the manufacturer's guidelines for mattress sizes. There could be specific requirements that are different from the standard crib size of 52 inches long and 28 inches wide. Also, you should be sure to check the distance between the crib mattress and the crib to make sure that it is not greater than 1 inch. This is the maximum safe distance.
A waterproof cover for your baby's mattress can keep it clean and safe from spit-up or accidents. Choose a cover with an antimicrobial layer to cut down on bacteria, and a hypoallergenic layer that stops allergens.
If you are considering a crib with drop-sides, know that they were linked to the deaths of 32 infants between 2000 and 2010 and are banned in the US as of 2011. Even if you plan to purchase or receive a drop-side baby crib ensure that you get rid of it once your child reaches 35 inches or is able to get out.
Safety
A crib for your baby is among the most secure places to let your child sleep. It's a place for them to rest, but also a place where you can keep them close and see them frequently. There are numerous crib models and brands available on the market. However, all must meet certain safety requirements. These standards are established by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and they make sure that the cribs you purchase are safe for your baby.
Before you place your child in the crib make sure that it is clean, free of dander and dust. Remove any toys or stuffed animals that might fall out of the Cot Bed. Do not place any pillows or blankets inside the crib. They can lead to suffocation. Instead, use mattress pads and a fitted sheet.
Some commenters suggested that cribs need to be in compliance with formaldehyde emission standards outlined in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act (Pub. L. 112-199) and that cribs made of composite wood should be tested for compliance. The CPSC has determined that, although these requirements do NOT directly apply to cribs or other furniture made of composite wood, it is appropriate to require the compliance of this law.
Others suggested that the new crib standard should include the requirement to tighten fasteners in between 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 increase the crib abuse. Loose screw is the second leading cause of crib deaths.
Other comments were based on the EWS incident information. These data indicate that the two most frequently reported crib dangers are unsafe mattresses and drop-sides. We have decided to concentrate our attention on these issues and to incorporate the performance standards already included in the existing mandatory standard. By incorporating them by reference, we can ensure that crib safety is maintained consistently and efficiently.
Style
It is a rewarding and exciting process to design the nursery of your baby's. The crib is the focal point of any nursery, so it is important to pick one that matches your style and complements the decor. There are a variety of elegant cribs to choose from, whether you want something modern and minimalist or more traditional. You can find options in every price range, from affordable to luxurious. Make sure the crib you choose meets all safety requirements.
A crib is a small, specially designed bed for babies and infants. It has slatted walls that allow for adequate ventilation and is usually built from sturdy materials like wood. Cribs are generally larger than bassinets, and can be more expensive, but they offer more functionality for your child's first three years of life.
There are many different types of cribs on the market, however they all have to meet strict safety standards. The crib's slats for instance, should not exceed 6 centimeters (about the width of a bottle of soda) apart. Also, you should avoid cutting outs or decorative shapes in the footboard and headboard.
The mattress should be able to fit comfortably into the crib's opening. This is because any gaps between the crib and the mattress can cause babies' arms and legs to get caught in the crib. Many cribs have bars for stabilization that assist in keeping the mattress in its place. However, if you own a crib that doesn't, ensure you buy a mattress pad for extra support.
A great crib also has a low-sitting mattress that prevents children from climbing over the crib's edge. It's a great option for smaller parents or rooms with limited space Be sure to measure the mattress's height prior purchase. The majority of mattresses will have a label on the corner that lists the crib's minimum and maximum mattress heights.
Consider purchasing an adjustable crib if you want your crib to change with your child. These cribs can be transformed into a toddler Cot Bed, a daybed and even a full-size bed. Some of the cribs in our list, including the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 4-in-1, have conversion kits included. The rest will require an additional purchase.
Budget
While the majority of cribs cost hundreds of dollars However, there are some cribs that are affordable. The Graco Classic 4-in-1 crib, for example, costs less than $200 and has been rated 5-stars by BabyCenter, Baby Bargains, and National Parent Publications. It also has a medium height profile that makes it simple to take your baby in and out.
The Munchkin Brica travel pod is another affordable crib. This portable play and sleep option is easy to put together and folds in a matter of minutes. It can be used indoors as well as outdoors on a patio or deck and is suitable for infants up to 15 pounds. It is not designed to be a long-term solution for sleeping as your child will outgrow it after six months.
There are also bassinets that are budget-friendly and cribs that can be used for the initial few months, which allows you to keep your baby close and comfortable. While they're more expensive than a standard crib they are also smaller and easier to move around. However, they're only a short-term sleeping solution, and your baby will outgrow them before their first birthday.
A good crib should have a sturdy, solid mattress support that is able to be adjusted to four different positions, based on the development of your baby. It should be low enough to allow you to reach into and out of it easily, especially when you're less than 5'5 inches. Some cribs have posts that are higher than 1 8 inches above the mattress's opening, which can cause your baby to become entrapped as they play or climb.
Some cribs come with attached changing areas that can help diapering a bit more convenient and quicker. They are handy, but they take up more space than traditional cribs. They may not be the best choice for smaller nurseries.
Take a look at the materials the crib is made of. The majority of cribs are constructed from particleboard, which can contain formaldehyde, which is a well-known carcinogen. Instead, look for a crib that is made of solid wood or with a steel base.