Choosing a Baby Crib
Designing a nursery is an exciting experience, but selecting the right crib is among the most crucial choices you'll ever make. It doesn't matter what style of slats, mattress height or conversion capabilities, the crib that your baby sleeps on will impact their health and development.
Examine the crib's hardware frequently. Bolts and nails may become loose over time. Avoid placing cot beds for sale near blinds or drapes that hang because they could pose an injury risk to your baby.
Size
When you are looking for a crib the size is a key factor. The crib should be large enough to fit a sleeping baby, but compact enough to allow you to reach them in a safe manner to take care of them. It should also be durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of regular use.
The majority of cribs are made from metal or wood and the majority of them have the slatted sides. These features allow caregivers to see the baby from various angles and promote airflow. Cribs are available until your child reaches the age of two.
Most standard cribs have a mattress support height that can be adjusted or raised as your baby develops. The lowest setting is ideal for newborns. The highest setting is ideal for babies who are able to sit up or crawl. Measure the crib's interior to ensure the mattress will fit. The slatted design could create small gaps that could pose a risk for your baby.
Some manufacturers offer cribs with non-standard sizes and mattresses that meet the same safety standards as full-size cribs. These include portable infant beds, bassinets and play yards. These cribs are smaller than the standard ones and come with rigid or mesh sides.
If you decide to purchase a crib that is not standard, make sure you check the manufacturer's guidelines for mattress size guidelines. There may be specific specifications that differ from the standard crib mattress dimensions of 28 inches wide and 52 inches long. It is also recommended to test the gap between the crib and mattress to be sure it's not larger than 1 inch which is the most safe space.
A waterproof mattress cover for your baby can help keep it clean and secure from spills or accidents. Select one that has an antimicrobial barrier that helps reduce bacteria, and a hypoallergenic layer to block allergens.
If you're thinking of buying a crib with drop sides, be aware that they were linked to 32 deaths of babies between 2000 and 2010 and have been banned in the US from 2011. Even if you plan to purchase a crib with drop sides or receive one as a gift make sure you eliminate it when your baby is 35 inches tall or can get out.
Safety
A baby crib is the most secure spot for your child. It's a space to relax and also a place where you can keep them close and check on them frequently. While there are many different brands and models of cribs available each one must meet certain safety standards. The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets these standards to ensure that cribs are safe for babies.
Before you place your baby in the crib, make sure the crib is clean and free of dander and dust. Also, remove any toys or stuffed animals that might fall out of the crib. Also, don't put any pillows or blankets inside the crib as they could cause suffocation. Instead, you should use a mattress pad and a fitted sheet.
Some commenters suggested that cribs should be required to be in compliance with formaldehyde emission standards outlined in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act (Pub. L. 111-199) and that cribs constructed of composite wood should be inspected for conformity. The CPSC has concluded that even though these regulations do not directly apply to cribs or other furniture made from composite wood, it is still appropriate to require compliance with this important law.
Other commenters suggested that the requirement that fasteners be tightened after dynamic tests should be added to the crib standard that is being developed. This suggestion is not acceptable to us. The shake test as well as the vertical mattress support tests are dynamic tests that simulate and accelerate abuse of cribs. The loose screw is the second most common cause of crib deaths.
Other comments were based on the EWS incident information. These data indicate that the two most frequently reported crib hazards are unsafe mattresses and drop-sides. We have decided to concentrate our focus on these issues and incorporate the standards of performance already in the standard that is currently mandatory. By reference incorporation is the best way to ensure that the cribs' safety is maintained in a consistent and effective way.
Style
It's a satisfying and exciting process designing your baby's nursery. The crib is the main focal point of any nursery, so it is important to select one that fits your style and complements the decor. There are a variety of elegant cribs to choose from that you can choose from modern and minimalist or traditional. You can find options in every price range, from budget to luxurious. Make sure that the crib you choose meets all of the required safety guidelines.
A crib is a compact crib designed especially for babies and infants. It is constructed of durable materials like wood and has slatted wall panels to allow for safe ventilation. Cribs can be larger and more expensive than bassinets however they offer more functionality during the initial three years of your child's existence.
There are many types of cribs that are available on the market, however they all must be in compliance with strict safety standards. The crib slats, as an instance, shouldn't exceed 6 centimeters (about the width of a bottle of soda) apart. You should also beware of cutouts or ornaments on the footboard and headboard.
Additionally the mattress should fit snugly into the crib's opening. This is because gaps between the crib and the mattress can cause babies legs and arms to become entangled. Many cribs come with stabilizer bars to aid in keeping the mattress in position. If your crib doesn't include stabilizer bars, you will need to purchase a mattress pad as extra support.
A quality crib also comes with a mattress that is low that prevents children from stepping over the edge of the crib. This is a great feature for parents with smaller children or rooms that are limited in space. However, it is important to verify the mattress height before making your purchase. The corner of most mattresses will show the crib's maximum and minimum mattress heights.
If you're looking for a crib that can grow with your child, you should consider purchasing a convertible crib. These cribs can be turned into a toddler bed, a daybed and even a full-size bed. Some cribs, like the Babyletto Hudson 4-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 3-in-1, come with conversion kits. The rest require an additional purchase.
Budget
While the majority of cribs cost hundreds of dollars, some cribs are affordable. The Graco Classic 4 in 1 Crib is priced at less than 200 dollars and is rated 5 stars by BabyCenter and Baby Bargains. It also has a medium height profile which makes it easier to take your baby in and out.
Another budget-friendly crib is the Munchkin Brica Travel Pod. This portable sleep-and-play option is easy to set up and folds up in two minutes. It can be used indoors or outdoors on a deck or patio and is suitable for infants up to 15 pounds. It is not intended to be a permanent solution to sleeping as your child will outgrow the product within six months.
You can also find budget-friendly cradles and bassinets that you can use during the first few weeks to keep your baby safe and close. They're more expensive, but they are also smaller and easier to move. They are only a temporary crib for sleeping and your baby will outgrow it by the time they reach their first birthday.
A quality crib should have a sturdy, solid mattress support that can be adjusted into four different positions, depending on your baby's growth. It must be low enough to allow you to reach into and out easily, particularly if you are under 5'5. Some cribs feature posts that are higher than 1 8 inches above the mattress's opening, which can cause your child to get trapped when they play or climb.
Some cribs feature an attached changing area which can help diapering a bit easier and faster. They are useful however they take up more space than traditional cribs. They may not be a suitable option for smaller nurseries.
Think about the materials the crib is constructed of. A lot of cribs made from particleboard, which can contain formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. Instead, choose a crib made from solid wood or with a steel base.