Choosing a Baby Crib
Designing a nursery is an exciting experience, but selecting the right crib is among the most important decisions you will make. The crib in which your baby sleeps in will have a major impact on their development and health whether it's the style of the slats, or the mattress's height.
Be aware that bolts and nails can become loose over time, so make sure you check your crib's hardware frequently. Do not place your crib near blinds or drapes hanging on the ceiling, as they could create a strangulation risk for your baby.
Size
When you are looking for the perfect crib the size is a key aspect. The crib should be large enough to accommodate a sleepy baby, yet small enough that you can be able to reach them easily and take care of them. It should also be strong enough to withstand the wear and tear of daily use.
The majority of cribs are made from metal or wood, and are fitted with slatted side panels. These features are designed to let caregivers observe the baby from various angles and ensure proper air flow. Cribs are used from birth until the child is approximately two years older, at which point they will need to be moved into the toddler bed.
The majority of cribs have an adjustable mattress that can be adjusted to accommodate the baby's growing needs. The lowest setting works best for infants. The highest setting is for babies who are able to sit up or crawl. Make sure you measure the inside of your crib to be sure the mattress will fit because the slatted style of most cribs can leave tiny gaps that could pose a danger for your baby.
Manufacturers have cribs and mattresses that aren't standard sizes, but still have the same safety standards. These include bassinets, portable infant beds, and play yards. These cribs often come with mesh or rigid sides, and are generally smaller in size than full-size cribs.
If you choose a crib that is not standard, make sure you review the manufacturer's guidelines for mattress sizes. There may be specific specifications that differ from the standard crib mattress dimension of 28 inches wide and 52 inches long. Also, you should check the space between the crib mattress and the crib to make sure it is not more than one inch. This is the maximum safe distance.
A waterproof mattress cover can help keep it clean and protected from accidents or spit-up. Find one that has an antimicrobial layer that helps to reduce bacteria, and a hypoallergenic layer that eliminates allergens.
If you're thinking about buying a crib with drop sides, you should be aware that they were linked to 32 baby deaths between 2000 and 2010 and have been outlawed in the US from 2011. If you do decide to purchase a crib with a drop-side or receive one as a gift, be sure to remove it when your baby is 35 inches tall or can climb out.
best cot bed for babies is the most secure place for your child. It's not just an area for rest but also a place to see and hold them frequently. While there are many different models and brands of cribs available all of them must be able to meet certain safety standards. These standards are set forth by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and they make sure the cribs you purchase are safe for your baby.
Before you put your child in the crib, ensure that the crib is clean and free of dander and dust. Also, remove any toys or stuffed animals that could fall out of the crib. Also, don't use any pillows or blankets in the crib; these can cause suffocation. Instead, use mattress pads and a fitted sheet.
Some commenters suggested that cribs should be in compliance with formaldehyde emission standards outlined in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act. L. 112-199) and that cribs made of composite wood should be tested to ensure conformity. The CPSC has concluded that although these requirements do NOT directly apply to cribs or other furniture made of composite wood, it is a good idea to insist on conformity with this important law.
Some commenters suggested that a requirement that fasteners be tightened after dynamic tests should be added to the new crib standard. This suggestion is not acceptable to us. The dynamic tests - such as the shake test and the vertical mattress support impact test - are designed to mimic and accelerate the use and abuse of cribs by children. Screws that are loose are the second most common cause of fatalities in cribs.
Other comments were based on the EWS incident information. These data reveal that the most common hazards associated with cribs are drop-sides and mattresses that are unsafe. We have decided to concentrate our attention on these issues and to incorporate the performance standards already included in the existing mandatory standard. Incorporation by reference is the best method to ensure that the safety of cribs is maintained in a consistent and efficient way.
Style
Designing your baby's nursery is an exciting and rewarding experience. The crib is the main focal element of any nursery, so it is important to choose one that suits your style and compliments the decor. There are a variety of chic cribs available that you can choose from contemporary and minimalist or traditional. There are options for every price range, from budget to high-end. Make sure that the crib you pick meets all safety requirements.
A crib is a compact crib designed especially for infants and children. It has slatted walls that ensure an airy environment and is typically constructed of sturdy materials like wood. Cribs can be larger and more expensive than bassinets, but offer greater functionality during the initial three years of your child's existence.
There are a variety of crib designs available, but all of them 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. You should also beware of cutouts or ornaments in the headboard and footboard.
The mattress must also fit snugly in the crib's opening. This is because any gaps between the crib and the mattress can cause infants legs and arms to become entangled. Many cribs have bars for stabilization that assist in keeping the mattress in its place. If your crib doesn't include stabilizer bars, you'll need to purchase a mattress pad to provide additional support.
A quality crib also comes with a low sitting mattress level that prevents toddlers from climbing over the crib's edge. This is a great feature for parents with children who are smaller or rooms that are limited in size. However, it is important to check out the mattress height before making your purchase. Most mattresses will include a sticker on the corner that indicates the crib's minimum and maximum mattress heights.
If you want an infant crib that grows with your child, think about purchasing a convertible crib. These cribs can be converted into an infant's bed, a daybed, or even a full size bed. A few of the cribs on our list, such as 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 however, there are a few cribs available on the market that are budget friendly. The Graco Classic 4 in 1 Crib is priced at less than 200 dollars and has been rated 5 stars by BabyCenter and Baby Bargains. affordable cots has a profile that is moderate in height, making it easy to take your child in and out.
The Munchkin Brica travel pod is another budget-friendly crib. This portable sleep-and-play option is easy to set up and folds in just a few 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 because your child will grow out of the product within six months.
You can also find affordable bassinets and cradles that can be used for the first few weeks to keep your baby safe and close. They cost more but they are smaller and easier to move. But, they're only a short-term sleeping solution and your baby will outgrow them before their first birthday.
A good crib should be sturdy and secure mattress support that can be adjusted in four different positions based on the growth of your baby. affordable cots should also be low enough to let you reach into and out easily, especially in the case of children under 5'5. Some cribs have posts that are more than 1 8 inch above the opening of the mattress that could cause your child to become trapped as they play or attempt to climb.
Some cribs come with an attached changing area that can help diapering a bit more convenient and quicker. They are useful however they take up more space than traditional cribs. They might not be a good option for smaller nurseries.
You should also consider the materials that the crib is made from. A lot of cribs are made from particleboard which contains formaldehyde. Find a crib made out of solid wood or has a metal base instead.