Choosing a Baby Crib
It's thrilling to design a nursery however, choosing the crib is one of the most crucial decisions. The crib where your baby sleeps in will have a significant impact on their development and health, whether it is the design of the slats, or the mattress height.
Keep in cots and tots that nails and bolts may become loose over time, so check your crib's hardware frequently. Avoid placing your crib in close proximity to blinds or drapes hanging, as they can pose the risk of strangulation to your baby.
Size
When choosing a crib, size is an important factor. A crib should be large enough to accommodate a sleepy infant, but small enough so that you are able to safely reach your child to listen to them. It should also be strong enough to stand up to the wear and tear of everyday use.
Most cribs are made of metal or wood and come with slatted side panels. These features allow caregivers to see the baby from various angles and encourage airflow. Cribs can be used from birth until your child is around two years old. old, when they will require moving into the toddler bed.
Most standard cribs have a mattress support height that can be adjusted or raised as your baby grows. The lowest setting is best for newborns. The most advanced setting is for infants who are able to sit up or crawl. Be sure to check the inside of your crib to make sure that the mattress fits because the slatted style of most cribs can create small gaps that could pose a danger for your baby.
Some manufacturers offer cribs with non-standard sizes and mattresses that meet the same safety standards as standard cribs. These include bassinets for infants, portable cribs and play yards. These cribs are smaller than the standard ones and come with solid or mesh sides.
Check the manufacturer's guidelines to determine the recommended mattress size in case you select a crib that is not standard. They may have specific requirements that differ from the standard crib mattress dimensions of 28 inches wide and 52 inches long. You should also check the space between the crib mattress and the crib to make sure it's not more than 1 inch. This is the most safe distance.
A waterproof cover will protect your baby's bedding from accidents and spills. Choose one with an antimicrobial barrier that helps reduce bacteria, and an anti-allergenic layer that blocks allergens.
If you're thinking about buying a crib with drop sides, be aware that they were linked to 32 baby deaths between 2000 and 2010 and have been outlawed in the US since. Even if you plan to buy a drop-side crib or get one as a hand-me-down make sure you remove it when your baby is 35 inches tall or is able to be able to climb out.
Safety
A baby crib is the most secure place for your child. It's a place for them to rest but also a space where you can keep them close and see them frequently. There are numerous crib models and brands available on the market. However, they all must meet certain safety standards. These standards are established by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and they ensure that cribs you purchase are safe for your baby.
Before you place your child in the crib make sure the crib is clean and free of dust and dander. Also, remove any toys or stuffed animals that may fall out of the crib. Also, do not use any blankets or pillows in the crib, as they can cause death by suffocation. Instead, use mattress pads and a fitted sheet.
Some commenters suggested cribs should conform to formaldehyde emissions standards set forth in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act. L. 111-199) and that cribs constructed of composite wood should be tested to determine if they are in compliance. Although these requirements are not directly applicable to cribs but the CPSC has decided that it is appropriate to demand that cribs and other furniture constructed of composite wood comply with this important new law.
Some commenters suggested that the requirement that fasteners are retightened between dynamic tests should be added to the crib standard being revised. We strongly disagree with this idea. The shake test and vertical mattress support impact tests are dynamic tests that simulate and accelerate abuse of cribs. Screws that are loose are the second leading cause of fatalities in cribs.
Other comments were based upon the EWS incident information. These data indicate that the two most common crib dangers are unsafe mattresses and drop-sides. We decided to focus our attention on these concerns and include the performance standards already incorporated into the existing mandatory standard. Incorporation by reference is the most effective way to ensure that the cribs' safety is maintained in a consistent and effective way.
Style
It's an enjoyable and exciting process to design your baby's nursery. The crib is the main focal point of any nursery, so choose one that suits your style and complements the decor. There are many chic cribs available that you can choose from contemporary and minimalist or traditional. There are options for every budget, from affordable to high-end. Make certain that the crib you pick conforms to all safety standards.
A crib is a tiny, specially designed bed for infants and children. It is made of sturdy materials such as wood and has slatted wall panels to allow safe ventilation. Cribs are typically larger than bassinets and can be more expensive, however they are more functional for your child's the first three years of life.
There are a variety of types of cribs on the market, but they all must be in compliance with strict safety standards. The crib's slats for example, should not be more than 6 centimeters (about the size of a can of soda) apart. You should also avoid cutting outs or decorative shapes in the headboard and footboard.
The mattress must also fit snugly in the crib's opening. This is important because gaps between the crib and mattress can allow babies legs or arms to get entangled. Some cribs come with bars for stabilization to keep the mattress in place. However, if you own a crib that doesn't have them, make sure you purchase a mattress pad for extra support.
A mattress that is low-level is another characteristic of a crib that helps to prevent toddlers from climbing the crib's edge. It's a great option for smaller families or rooms that are small, but be sure to check the mattress's height prior purchase. The corner of most mattresses will show the crib's maximum and minimum mattress heights.
Consider purchasing a convertible crib if want your crib to grow with your child. These cribs can be converted into a 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, 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 one of them. It costs less than $200 and is highly rated 5 stars by BabyCenter, Baby Bargains, and National Parent Publications. It also has a medium-height profile which makes it easier for you to take your baby in and out.
The Munchkin Brica travel pod is another crib that is budget-friendly. This portable play and sleep option is simple to set up and folds down in a matter of minutes. It can be used indoors or out on a deck or patio. It is suitable for infants weighing up to 15 pounds. It's not a long-term sleep solution, however, since your baby will grow out of it after approximately six months.
There are also affordable bassinets and cradles that can be used for the beginning of the first few months, which allows you to keep your baby in a safe and secure environment. Although they're more expensive than a standard crib, they are also more compact and easier to move around. But, they're only a temporary sleeping solution and your baby is likely to outgrow them before their first birthday.
A crib that is of good quality should have a sturdy, secure mattress support that can be adjusted into four different positions, based on your baby's growth. It must also be low enough to let you get in and out easily, especially if you are under 5'5 inches. Some cribs have posts that stand higher than 1 8 inches above the opening of the mattress that could cause your child to be stuck while they play or try to climb.
Some cribs are equipped with changing areas, which makes diaper changing easier and quicker. While they are useful, they tend to take up more space than traditional cribs and may not be the best choice for smaller nurseries.
Consider the materials your crib is constructed of. Many cribs are made of particleboard which contains formaldehyde. Instead, choose a crib that is made of solid wood or with a metal base.