Choosing a Baby Crib
It's exciting to design a nursery, however, choosing the crib will be one of your most crucial decisions. Whether it's the style of slats, the mattress height or the capability to convert the crib the baby sleeps in will impact their health and development.
Examine the crib's hardware frequently. Bolts and nails may become loose over time. Do not place your crib near blinds or drapes hanging on the ceiling, as they could create the risk of strangulation to your baby.
Size
When choosing the perfect crib size is a crucial aspect. The crib should be large enough to accommodate a sleepy baby, but
small cot beds enough to allow you to be able to reach them easily and care for them. It should be strong enough to withstand the daily wear and tear.
The majority of cribs are made out of metal or wood, and a majority come with slatted sides. These features allow caregivers to observe the baby from different angles and encourage airflow. Cribs can be used up until your child is of two.
Most standard cribs have a mattress support height that can be lowered or raised as your baby develops. The lowest setting is ideal for infants. The highest setting is for babies who are able to sit up or crawl. Check the crib's dimensions to ensure the mattress is suitable. The slatted design could leave small gaps which could be hazardous to your baby.
Manufacturers offer cribs and mattresses that are not standard sizes, yet comply with the same safety standards. These include play yards and portable infant
mini cot beds and bassinets. These cribs typically have mesh or rigid sides, and they are usually smaller than cribs that are full-size.
If you opt for a non-standard crib, look up the manufacturer's guidelines to determine mattress size guidelines. There may be specific requirements that differ from the standard crib mattress dimensions of 28 inches wide and 52 inches long. Also, you should examine the distance between the crib and mattress to make sure it is no more than 1 inch which is the maximum safe space.
A waterproof mattress cover can keep it clean and secure from spit-up or accidents. Find one that has an antimicrobial layer to cut down on bacteria and a hypoallergenic barrier that stops allergens.
If you're thinking of buying a crib with drop sides, you should be aware that they've been linked to 32 infant deaths between 2000 and 2010 and have been outlawed in the US since 2011. Even if you plan to purchase a crib with drop sides or get one as a gift make sure you eliminate it when your baby is 35 inches tall or has the ability to be able to climb out.
Safety
A baby crib is the safest place for your child. It is not only an area to rest, but also where you can see and hold them frequently. There are a variety of models and brands of cribs available each one must be able to meet certain safety standards. These standards are laid out by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and they ensure that the cribs you purchase are safe for your baby.
Before putting your baby in the crib, make sure it is clean and free of dander and dust. Also, take away any toys or stuffed animals that might fall out of the crib. Don't put any blankets or pillows in the crib. They can lead to the suffocation of children. Instead, use a mattress pad and fitted sheet.
Some commenters suggested cribs should conform to formaldehyde emissions standards set forth in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act. L. 112-199) and cribs constructed from composite wood should be tested to ensure that they meet the standards. While these rules are not directly applicable to cribs however, the CPSC has ruled that it is appropriate to mandate that cribs and other furniture constructed of composite wood comply with this important new law.
Some commenters suggested that the requirement that fasteners be tightened after dynamic tests should be included in the crib standard being revised. This suggestion is not acceptable to us. The shake test and vertical mattress support tests are dynamic tests that simulate and increase the crib abuse. Screws that are loose are the 2nd leading cause of fatal incidents in cribs.
Other comments were based on the EWS incident information. These data reveal that the
most recommended cribs frequently cited dangers associated with cribs are drop-sides and mattresses that are unsafe. We decided to focus 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 safety in cribs is maintained consistently and efficiently.
Style
It's an enjoyable and thrilling experience to design the nursery of your baby's. The focal point of any nursery is the crib, so it is essential to pick one that is in keeping with your style and compliments your room's décor. If you're looking for a modern and minimalist look or something more traditional, there's a wide selection of chic cribs to pick from. You can find options in every price range, from affordable to high-end. Be certain that the crib you pick conforms to all safety guidelines.
A crib is a compact bed that is specifically designed for babies and infants. It is made of sturdy materials like wood, and is fitted with slatted wall panels to allow for a safe airflow. Cribs can be larger and more expensive than bassinets, however they offer more functionality for the initial three years of your child's existence.
There are many different types of cribs on the market, but they all have to meet strict safety standards. The crib's slats for instance, shouldn't be more than 6 centimeters (about the width of a can of soda) apart. Also, you should beware of cutouts or ornaments in the footboard and headboard.
In addition, the mattress must fit snugly within the crib's opening. This is because any gaps between the crib and the mattress can cause babies legs and arms to get caught in the crib. Many cribs come with stabilizer bars that aid in keeping the mattress in place. 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 mattress that is low, which helps prevent children from climbing over the edge of the crib. This is an excellent feature for parents with smaller children or rooms that are small in size. But, be sure to verify the mattress's height prior to making your purchase. Most mattresses will include a sticker on the corner, which indicates the crib's minimum and maximum heights.
If you're looking for a crib that grows with your child, you should consider purchasing a convertible crib. These cribs can be converted into the toddler's bed, a daybed or even a full size bed. Some cribs, like the Babyletto Hudson 4-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 3-in-1 are equipped with conversion kits. The rest 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 instance, is priced less than $200 and is 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 into and out.
Another crib that is budget-friendly is the Munchkin Brica Travel Pod. This portable play and sleep option is simple to set up and folds down in just a few minutes. It can be used indoors or outside on a patio or deck and is suitable for babies up to 15 pounds. It is not intended to be a permanent solution for sleeping, as your child will outgrow it after six months.
There are also budget-friendly bassinets and cradles can be used for the first few weeks to keep your baby comfortable and close. They're more expensive, but they are also smaller and easier to move.