Choosing Cribs For Your Baby's Nursery
Cribs provide infants with an exclusive sleeping space to lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and helps to establish a consistent sleep routine. Cribs are also more flexible than other options, like bassinets.
Whether you choose a contemporary design or a more traditional design, make sure it's GREENGUARD Gold certified to ensure that it meets the highest safety standards and minimizes exposure to toxic chemicals. Take into consideration other aspects when choosing the crib that is suitable for your family.
1. Safety
As a parent, the safety of your baby is a top priority. You want your child to rest peacefully in an environment free of dangers like sharp edges or splinters. Pick a crib that meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards.
There are numerous things to consider, including slat spacing that is no wider than 2 3/8 inches to ensure your baby's legs or arms don't get trapped. Also you should look for a mattress that has a firm and snug fit and no drop sides stable cribs without wobbling parts and a clear instruction on assembly. Avoid bells and whistles, for example bumper streamers or pads, which could pose a strangulation risk for your baby.
Look for cribs painted with low-VOC, which is a safer alternative than traditional glues or varnishes which emit harmful chemicals. Similarly, consider a mattress constructed with non-toxic materials, like organic cotton and foam.
Choose a crib without any decorative ornaments or cutouts. They can cause injury if your child grabs them, or gets their fingers stuck in them. Make sure that the mattress cover is securely attached to the crib frame and that there aren't gaps between the mattress frame. You should also avoid putting pillows comforters, quilts pillows, sheepskins or similar stuffed toys in the crib, as these can increase the risk of your baby's SIDS. Mobiles are also a danger, as they could be pulled over the baby, causing them to choke. You should opt for an infant crib with a mesh structure that is breathable instead of mobiles. This is better for the health of your baby and lets you monitor them as they sleep.
2. Convenience
A safe place for your baby's sleep is among the most essential things you will need. Cribs provide a convenient spot for your baby to rest, which can be particularly helpful when you're busy with other household chores or activities.
You can find cribs in your local nursery or home goods store. These types of establishments have to follow strict guidelines that are set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and are usually the best place to start your search for a top quality crib. If you're planning to purchase a crib for your home, there are a few considerations you'll need to make before making your purchase.
Cribs are a fantastic option for newborns, infants and toddlers, providing an incredibly comfortable bed that will last for their initial years of life. Many cribs have convertible features which allow you to transform the crib into an infant bed or a full-sized bed. This can save you money on your purchase and prolong its lifespan.
The compact size of cribs makes them perfect for smaller spaces like apartments or lofts. Some cribs also have changing stations that could be useful when you have a small space in your nursery.
Travel cribs provide a similar level of comfort, since they're designed to be light and foldable to make it easy to transport. This makes them an ideal option when you're traveling with your child or visiting friends and family because you can easily take the crib down in just a few minutes prior to leaving. The light construction may result in a less durable crib than traditional models. This could be a cause of concern for some parents.
3. Style
Find a crib that has an original design if you want it to stand out. It could be one with an elegant, minimalist design or one that is made of a material such as bamboo or glass and has clear sides for a better accessibility. These are usually more expensive than solid wood alternatives however, they can be a beautiful focal piece in any nursery.
Some cribs feature a more traditional design with elegant curves, moldings and an appearance that reminds of antique pieces. cheap cot beds can be very extravagant, and are typically handmade with beautiful details. They are a great option when you are looking for a crib that can become an integral piece of family furniture over time and work with any style.
Another popular style is a Scandinavian crib with smooth straight lines and a light, naked wood finish that allows its natural beauty to shine through. They're a good fit to any modern or contemporary nursery, and you can paint them or leave them unpainted to match your decor.
Cribs that combine the function of a changing table can make it easier to change your baby, particularly when they're young and have trouble sitting up on their own. These cribs come with drawers for storing wipes, diapers and other essentials.
Some cribs have curves or designs that can be used as an umbrella. They can add a touch of elegance to any nursery and are a great option to keep your baby cool and comfortable while they sleep. Be sure, however, that the fabric you choose isn't too long, or is securely attached to the crib. This will prevent your child from reaching out to grab the fabric, or pulling it down.
4. Convertibility
A crib that transforms into a toddler bed, daybed or full-size bed is a fantastic investment for any family. This feature will save you money from purchasing four separate beds during the development of your child and will also free up space in the nursery. Many convertible cribs come with conversion kits that can be stored easily, making them easy to put together and use at any time.
When looking for a brand crib for your child, bear in mind that many models include additional features like adjustable heights for the mattress or drawers. This lets you customize the look and function of your crib, and could be particularly useful in the case of the smallest or most small amount of storage space in your nursery. Some cribs have wheels that can be very helpful in case you need to move the bed for cleaning or any other reason.
Convertible cribs are generally made from sturdy non-toxic materials that are safe for your baby. They also meet the strict safety standards established by CPSC and ASTM. Many cribs have a classic or contemporary design that can fit into a variety of nursery decor. Some cribs are made of wood, while others could be made from stainless steel or painted metal. Some brands are committed sustainable development, offering eco-friendly cribs that are made from GREENGUARD certified wood. This ensures that harmful chemicals do not leach into the environment.
Selecting the ideal convertible crib for your baby will take some time and effort, but it is an important choice that could last for a long time. Take your time when evaluating your options, and be sure to look at prices, delivery costs, the time of setup, as well as other factors to make the best choice for your family.
5. Value
The crib is the most important piece of furniture in the nursery of your baby and can have a significant impact on the overall design and feel of the room. It is crucial to select a crib that fits your style or goes well with the decor of your room. This will make a huge difference in the way you feel about your nursery.
Similar to cribs that are designed to transform into daybeds or toddler beds increase their value as your child grows, providing you value over the long term. They are also less expensive than full-size bed and can be given or sold to a friend when your child no longer has need of.
Convertible cribs can be easily maintained since the majority of components can be removed and cleaned, and many have a conversion set that makes it easy to convert them into the right size bed for your baby. Wood cribs can stand up to a lot of use and are robust. Some even last through multiple children.
Foam crib mattresses are less heavy than innerspring mattresses and are therefore easier to maneuver when changing sheets or altering the mattress's height. They can wear out faster and need replacement earlier than innerspring mattresses.
Hybrid crib mattresses, also known as dual firm or two-stage mattresses, are designed to be used by infants and toddlers. One side is soft for the infants while the other is more rigid for toddlers. They're generally safer than foam mattresses, and are more comfortable for older babies who don't like the sagging feel of foam. These mattresses are often more affordable than innerspring alternatives.