Choosing a Baby Crib
The process of designing a nursery can be an exciting experience, but picking a crib is one of the most crucial choices you'll ever make. The style of slats, mattress height or the ability to convert, the crib that your baby sleeps on will impact their development and health.
Make sure to check the crib's hardware regularly. Bolts and nails could become loose with time. Do not place your crib near drapes or blinds that hang, as they can pose the risk of strangulation to your baby.
Size
When shopping for the perfect crib the size is a key aspect. A crib should be big enough to accommodate a sleeping infant, yet small enough that you can safely reach your baby to attend to them. It should also be sturdy enough to stand up to the wear and tear of everyday use.
The majority of cribs are made out of metal or wood, and the majority of them have sliding sides. These features are designed to allow caregivers to observe the baby from various angles and to ensure adequate air flow. Cribs can be used from birth until the child is around two years old. of age, at which point they require moving into the toddler bed.
Most cribs are equipped with a mattress height that can be adjusted to accommodate the best baby cots's growing needs. The lowest setting is ideal for newborns, whereas the highest setting is good for babies who can sit up or crawl. Check the crib's dimensions to ensure that the mattress will fit. The slatted design could leave small gaps which could be hazardous to 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 mesh or rigid sides.
Review the manufacturer's guidelines to determine the recommended mattress size in case you decide to purchase a crib that is not standard. There may be specific requirements that differ 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 one inch. This is the minimum safe distance.
A waterproof cover can shield your baby's bedding from accidents and spills. Choose a cover with an antimicrobial layer that eliminates bacteria, and an anti-allergenic layer that blocks allergens.
If you're considering a crib that has drop-sides, be aware that they've been associated with 32 infant deaths between 2000 and 2010 and were banned in the US in 2011. If you do decide to purchase or receive a crib with drop sides ensure that you dispose of it when your child is 35 inches or has the ability to be able to climb out.
Safety
A crib for your baby is the safest place for your child. It's not just an area to rest, but also where you can see and hold them frequently. There are a variety of 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 ensure that the cribs you buy are safe for your baby.
Before putting your child in the crib, make sure that it is clean and free of dust and dander. Remove any toys or stuffed animal that could fall off the bed. Don't put any blankets or pillows inside the crib. They could cause the suffocation of children. Use a fitted sheet and a mattress cover instead.
Some commenters suggested that cribs must conform to formaldehyde emissions standards as outlined in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act. 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 ruled that it is appropriate to mandate that cribs and other furniture made of composite wood meet the requirements of this important new law.
Others suggested that the new crib standard should contain a requirement to retighten fasteners in between dynamic tests. This suggestion is not a good idea for us. The dynamic tests - the shake test and the vertical mattress support test - are designed to simulate and accelerate 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 the EWS incident data. The data shows that the two most common crib dangers are mattresses that are not safe and drop-sides. We decided to focus our attention on these concerns and to incorporate the standards of performance already in the current mandatory standard. Incorporation by reference is the most effective method to ensure the cribs' safety is maintained in a uniform 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 it is important to pick one that matches your style and compliments the 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 affordable to upscale. Make sure that the crib you pick meets all safety requirements.
A crib is a tiny special bed designed specifically for infants and babies. It is made of sturdy materials like wood, and has slatted wall panels to allow for a safe airflow. Cribs can be larger and more expensive than bassinets, but offer greater functionality during the initial three years of your child's life.
There are many styles of cribs available on the market, however they all must be in compliance with strict safety standards. For example the crib slats must not be more than 6 centimeters apart (that's approximately the size of a soda bottle) and you should not use decorative cutouts or shapes on the footboard or headboard.
Additionally, the mattress must fit comfortably within the crib's opening. This is because gaps between the crib and mattress can cause babies' arms and legs to get caught in the crib. A lot of cribs have stabilizer bars that aid in keeping the mattress in position. 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 low sitting mattress level that prevents children from climbing over the edge of the crib. It's a great feature for parents with smaller children or rooms with a limited space, but be sure to measure the mattress height before you purchase. The corner of most mattresses will indicate the crib's maximum and minimum mattress heights.
You should consider buying a convertible crib if want your crib to change with your child. These cribs can be transformed into a toddler's bed, a daybed, or even a full size 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 will require an additional purchase.
Budget
While the majority of cribs cost 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 has been 5 stars rated 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. The portable sleep and play option is easy to set up and folds down in an hour. It can be used indoors or outdoors on a patio or deck and is suitable for infants up to 15 pounds. It is not a permanent sleeping solution, however, because your baby will grow out of it after approximately six months.
There are also budget-friendly bassinets and cradles that are suitable for the initial few months, allowing you to keep your Baby beds in a safe and secure environment. They cost more but they are smaller and easier to move. However, they are only a short-term sleeping solution and your baby is likely to outgrow them before the first birthday.
A good crib should include a sturdy, solid mattress support that is able to be adjusted into four different positions based on your baby's growth. It should be low enough for you to reach into and out of it easily, especially if you're under 5'5 inches. Some cribs feature posts that are higher than 1 8 inches above the mattress's opening, which can cause your child to get trapped as they play or attempt to climb.
Some cribs have an attached changing area which can make diapering a bit more convenient and quicker. While these are convenient but they can take up more space than traditional cribs, and might not be the ideal choice for smaller nurseries.
Consider the materials that the crib is made of. Many cribs are constructed of particleboard, which is made up of formaldehyde. Find a crib that is constructed from solid wood or comes with an aluminum base instead.