Choosing a Baby Crib
It's thrilling to design a nursery however, choosing the crib is one of the most crucial decisions. It doesn't matter what style of slats, mattress height or the capability to convert the crib that your baby sleeps on will impact their development and health.
Check your crib hardware periodically. Bolts and nails could become loose over time. Do not place your crib near drapes or blinds hanging on the ceiling, as they could create a strangulation risk for your baby.
Size
When you are looking for a crib the size is a key aspect. The crib should be big enough to accommodate a sleeping baby, but small enough for you to reach them safely to take care of them. It should also be durable enough to stand up to the wear and tear of regular use.
The majority of cribs are made from wood or metal and have slatted side panels. These features are designed to let caregivers observe the baby from different angles and ensure adequate air flow. Cribs can be used up until your child reaches the age of two.
Most cribs are equipped with a mattress support height that can be adjusted or raised as your baby grows. The lowest setting is ideal for infants. The most advanced setting is for infants who are able to sit up or crawl. Be sure to check the interior of your crib to be sure the mattress will fit because the slatted style of a lot of cribs leave small gaps that could pose a danger for your baby.
Some manufacturers offer cribs with non-standard sizes and mattresses that comply with the same safety standards as standard cribs. These include bassinets, portable infant beds, and play yards. These cribs usually have rigid or mesh sides, and tend to be smaller than cribs that are full-size.
If you choose an alternative crib, be sure to check the manufacturer's guidelines for mattress sizes. There may be specific requirements that differ from the standard crib mattress dimensions of 28 inches wide and 52 inches long. It is also important to be sure to check the distance between the crib mattress and the crib to ensure it's not more than one inch. This is the minimum safe distance.
A waterproof mattress cover can keep it clean and secure from accidents or spit-up. Find one that has an antimicrobial layer that helps to reduce bacteria and a hypoallergenic barrier that stops allergens.
If you're considering a crib with drop sides, you should be aware that they've been linked to 32 deaths of babies between 2000 and 2010 and have been outlawed in the US since 2011. Even if you decide to purchase a crib with drop sides or get one as a hand-me-down make sure you get rid of it once your baby is 35 inches tall or is able to be able to climb out.
Safety
A crib for your baby is among the most secure places to let your child sleep. It is not only an area for rest but also a place to be able to see them and hold them frequently. There are many crib models and brands on the market. However, they all must meet certain safety requirements. The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets these standards to ensure that cribs are safe for babies.
Before putting your child in the crib, ensure that the crib is clean and free of dander and dust. Also, take away any toys or stuffed animals that might fall out of the crib. Do not place any pillows or blankets in the crib. They can cause the suffocation of children. Instead, you should use mattress pads and a fitted sheet.
Some commenters suggested that cribs ought to be required to meet formaldehyde emission standards set out in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act (Pub. L. 111-199) and that cribs made of composite wood should be tested for conformity. The CPSC has determined that, even though these regulations do not directly apply to cribs or other furniture made of composite wood, it is a good idea to enforce conformity with this important law.
Some commenters suggested that the new crib standard should contain a requirement to retighten fasteners after dynamic tests. We strongly disagree with this idea. The shake test as well as the vertical mattress support impact tests are dynamic tests that simulate and increase the abuse of cribs. Screws that are loose are the 2nd leading cause of fatalities in cribs.
Other comments were based on the EWS incident information. The data shows that the two most frequent crib dangers are mattresses that are not safe and drop-sides. We decided to focus our focus on these issues and incorporate the standards of performance already in the standard that is currently mandatory. By incorporating them by reference, we can ensure that safety in cribs is maintained consistently and effectively.
Style
It is a rewarding and thrilling experience to design the nursery of your baby's. The main focal point of any nursery is the crib, therefore it is essential to pick one that is in keeping with your style and matches the room's décor. There are many elegant cribs to choose from, whether you want something contemporary and minimalist or traditional. There are options for every price range, from budget to upscale. Make certain that the crib you pick conforms to all safety standards.
A crib is a compact crib designed especially for infants and children. It is constructed of durable materials like wood, and has slatted wall panels to allow for safe ventilation. Cribs are generally larger than bassinets and may be more expensive, but they are more functional for your child's first three years of life.
There are a variety of types of cribs on the market, however they all must be in compliance with strict safety standards. The crib slats, for instance, should not be more than 6 centimeters (about the size of a can of soda) apart. You should also avoid decorative shapes or cutouts in the footboard and headboard.
Additionally the mattress should be able to fit comfortably within the crib's opening. This is crucial because gaps between the crib and the mattress could allow infants' arms or legs to get entangled. A lot of cribs have stabilizer bars to help keep the mattress in place. However, if you own an unstabilized crib, make sure you purchase mattress pads for additional support.
A great crib also has a low sitting mattress level, which helps prevent children from climbing over the crib's edge. It's an excellent feature for parents with smaller children or rooms with a limited space Be sure to check the mattress's height prior to you purchase. The corners of many mattresses will indicate the crib's maximum and minimum mattress heights.
If you're looking for an infant crib that grows with your child, consider purchasing a convertible crib. These cribs can be turned into a toddler bed as well as a daybed or a bed that is full size. A few of the cribs on our list, like the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 4-in-1, come with conversion kits included. 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 budget-friendly. The Graco Classic 4 in 1 Crib is less than 200 dollars and has been 5 stars rated by BabyCenter and Baby Bargains. It also has a medium-height profile which makes it easier to take your baby into and out.
The Munchkin Brica travel pod is another crib that is budget-friendly. This portable sleep and play option is easy to install and folds away in just a few minutes. It can be used indoors as well as outdoors on a patio or deck and is suitable for babies up to 15 pounds. It is not intended to be a long-term solution for sleeping because your child will outgrow it after six months.
There are also budget-friendly bassinets and cribs that can be used for the initial few months, allowing you to keep your baby snug and close. While they are a bit more expensive than a standard crib, they are also smaller and easy to move around. They're only a temporary sleep solution for your baby and they will outgrow it by the time they reach their first birthday.
A crib that is of good quality will have a mattress support that is solid and secure, and is able to be adjusted to four different positions based on the baby's height. It should be low enough to allow you to reach into and out of it easily, especially in the case of children under 5'5 inches. Some cribs have posts that are higher than 1 8 inches above the mattress opening which can cause your baby to become entrapped as they play or climb.
Some cribs come with attached changing areas which can make diapering a little more convenient and quicker. Although they are convenient however, they take up more floor space than traditional cribs and may not be the best choice for smaller nurseries.
Take a look at the materials the crib is constructed of. Many cribs are constructed of particleboard which contains formaldehyde. Look for a crib that is constructed from solid wood or comes with a metal base instead.