Choosing a Baby Crib
The process of designing a nursery is an exciting experience, but picking the right crib is among the most important decisions you will make. The style of slats, the mattress height or conversion capabilities, the crib your baby sleeps in will affect their health and development.
Keep in mind that nails and bolts can be loose in time, so make sure you check your crib's hardware frequently. Be sure to avoid placing your crib near drapes or window blinds that dangle, which pose a strangulation hazard for your baby.
Size
Size is an important factor to take into consideration when buying the right crib. The crib should be large enough to fit a sleeping baby, yet small enough to allow you to be able to reach them easily and care for them. It should be strong enough to withstand the everyday wear and tear.
The majority of cribs are constructed of metal or wood and come with sides that are slatted. These features let caregivers see the baby from various angles and encourage airflow. Cribs are available until your child is of two.
The majority of cribs come with a mattress support height that can be adjusted or raised as your baby grows. The lowest setting is best for newborns, whereas the highest setting is ideal for babies who sit up or crawl. Be sure to check the interior of your crib to make sure the mattress will fit as the slatted structure of a lot of cribs leave tiny gaps that could be dangerous for your baby.
Certain manufacturers offer cribs that are not standard and mattresses that comply with the same safety standards as standard cribs. cots to tots include play yards, portable infant beds, and bassinets. These cribs are smaller than full-size ones and come with solid or mesh sides.
If you choose an alternative crib, be sure to check the manufacturer's guidelines for mattress sizes. They may have specific requirements that differ from the standard crib mattress size 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 maximum safe distance.
A waterproof cover for your baby's mattress can help keep it clean and safe from accidents or spit-up. Look for one with an antimicrobial layer that helps to reduce bacteria, and a hypoallergenic layer that eliminates allergens.
If you're considering a crib with drop sides, be aware that they've been linked to 32 infant deaths between 2000 and 2010 and have been banned in the US from 2011. Even if you plan to purchase or get a drop-side baby crib ensure that you get rid of it once your child is 35 inches or has the ability to get out.
Safety
A crib for babies is among the most secure places for your child to sleep. It's a place for them to rest, but also a place where you can keep them close and observe them frequently. There are a variety of cribs and brands available each one must be able to meet certain safety standards. The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets these standards to ensure that cribs are safe for infants.
Before you put your child in the crib make sure that it is clean, free of dust and dander. Take away any toys or stuffed animals that may fall out of the crib. Also, do not use any pillows or blankets in the crib, as they can cause death by suffocation. Make use of a fitted sheet and a mattress cover instead.
Some commenters suggested cribs should conform to formaldehyde emissions standards as outlined in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act. L. 111-199) and that cribs constructed of composite wood should be tested for conformity. The CPSC has determined that, although these requirements do NOT directly apply to cribs or other furniture made of composite wood, it is a good idea to insist on the compliance of this law.
Some commenters suggested that the new crib standard should contain the requirement to tighten fasteners after dynamic tests. We strongly oppose this suggestion. The dynamic tests - such as the shake test and the vertical mattress support impact test are designed to mimic and accelerate the use and abuse of cribs by children. The loose screw is the second leading cause of fatalities in cribs.
Other comments were based upon EWS incident records. These data show that the two most common crib hazards are unsafe mattresses and drop-sides. Therefore, we have decided to focus on these concerns in the rulemaking process and to incorporate the performance standards that are currently contained in the existing mandatory standard, with reference. Incorporation by reference is the best method to ensure the cribs' safety is maintained in a consistent and efficient way.
Style
It's an enjoyable and exciting experience to design the nursery of your baby's. The crib is the focal element of any nursery, so you should choose one that suits your style and compliments the decor. Whether you prefer a modern and minimalist design or more traditional, there's a wide selection of chic cribs to pick from. You can find options in every price range, from affordable to upscale. Just be certain that the crib you select conforms to all safety standards.
A crib is a tiny crib designed especially for babies and infants. It is constructed with slatted walls to allow for safe ventilation and is often built from sturdy materials like wood. Cribs are typically larger than bassinets and can be more expensive, however they are more functional for your baby's first three years of life.
There are a variety of styles of cribs available on the market, however they all must meet strict safety standards. For example the crib slats must be no more than 6 centimeters apart (that's approximately the size of a soda bottle), and you should avoid using decorative cutouts or shapes on the footboard or headboard.
In addition the mattress should be able to fit comfortably inside the crib's opening. This is important because gaps between the crib and the mattress could allow infants' arms or legs to become entangled. Many cribs come with stabilizer bars that help keep the mattress in its place. If your crib doesn't have stabilizer bars, you'll need to purchase a mattress pad to provide additional support.
A good crib also has a low-sitting mattress that helps keep children from climbing over the edge of the crib. This is a fantastic feature for parents with small children or rooms that are limited in size. However, make sure to check out the mattress's height prior your purchase. The corner of most mattresses will show the crib's maximum and minimum mattress heights.
If you are looking for a crib that grows with your child, consider buying a convertible crib. These cribs can be converted into an infant'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 will require an additional purchase.
Budget
While the majority of cribs are priced 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 priced at less than 200 dollars and has been 5-star rated by BabyCenter and Baby Bargains. It also has a medium-height profile which makes it easier to take your baby in and out.
Another crib that is budget-friendly is the Munchkin Brica Travel Pod. This portable crib for sleep and play is simple to install and folds away in a matter of minutes. It can be used indoors or outside on a deck or patio and is suitable for babies up to 15 pounds. It is not intended to be a permanent solution to sleeping because your child will grow out of the product after six months.
There are also bassinets that are budget-friendly and cradles that are suitable for the beginning of the first few months, allowing you to keep your baby close and comfortable. They're more expensive however they are smaller and easier to move. However, they're only a short-term sleeping solution and your baby is likely to outgrow them prior to their first birthday.
A good crib should be sturdy and solid mattress support that is able to be adjusted into four different positions, based on the growth of your baby. It must be low enough to let you reach into and out easily, especially if you are under 5'5. Some cribs feature posts that are higher than 1 8 inches above the opening of the mattress that could cause your child to get trapped while they play or attempt to climb.
Some cribs feature an attached changing area which can help diapering a bit more convenient and quicker. Although they are convenient however, they take up more space than traditional cribs and might not be the ideal choice for smaller nurseries.
Think about the materials the crib is constructed of. A lot of cribs are made from particleboard that contains formaldehyde. Instead, opt for a crib that is made of solid wood or with a metal base.