Choosing Cribs For Your Baby's Nursery
Cribs offer infants a dedicated sleep space to decrease the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and encourages a regular sleeping routine. Cribs also offer more flexibility than other options such as bassinets.
Whether you choose a contemporary design or a more traditional style Make sure it's GREENGUARD Gold certified to ensure that it adheres to the highest standards of safety and reduces exposure to harmful chemicals. Consider other features to determine the ideal crib for your family.
1. Safety
As a parent, your child's security is of the utmost importance. You want your child to sleep peacefully in an environment free of hazards like sharp edges or splinters. It's important to choose a crib that is in compliance with the Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) strict standards.
This includes slat spacing that is no wider than 2 3/8 inches to avoid your baby's head, arms or legs from being stuck in the mattress; a mattress that is firm and snug-fitting; no drop sides; a solid crib with no wobbling parts and clear instructions for assembly. Avoid bells and whistles, like bumper streams or pads, as they could pose a strangulation risk for your baby.
Look for a crib painted with low-VOC paints that is a safer choice to traditional glues and varnishes which release harmful chemicals into the air. Choose mattresses made of non-toxic materials like organic foam and cotton.
Choose a crib without any ornaments or cutouts. These can cause injury should your child pick them up or gets their fingers stuck in them. It is also important to ensure that the mattress cover is secure and tightly fit to the frame of the crib, and that there are no gaps between the frame and the mattress. Avoid putting blankets, pillows, sheepskins, or pillows that resemble stuffed animals in the crib. These could increase the risk for your baby to develop SIDS. Mobiles are also dangerous, as they could be pulled down on the baby, causing them to suffocate. You should opt for an infant crib with a mesh structure that is breathable rather than a mobile. This is more beneficial for your baby's health and will let you monitor your child while they sleep.
2. Convenience
A secure place for your baby to rest is among the most important things you'll need. Cribs offer a comfortable place for your baby to relax, which can be particularly helpful when you're busy tending to other household chores or activities.
You'll likely find cribs at your local home goods store or nursery. They must follow strict regulations set out by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. cots to tots are the best place to start your search for a top-quality crib. You'll have be aware of a number of factors before you buy a crib.
Cribs provide a comfortable sleeping space for infants, toddlers and babies that last well beyond the initial months of life. A lot of cribs are convertible, allowing you to convert the crib into a toddler bed or a full-size bed. This can save you money and prolong its lifespan.
Another advantage of cribs is their small footprint, which makes them suitable for smaller spaces like lofts or apartments. Some models include a changing table, which can be useful if your nursery is restricted in space.
Travel cribs are also light and foldable, making them simple to move. They are a great choice to travel with your baby or visiting friends and family, as they are easy to pack into a suitcase before you leave. The light construction may make for a less sturdy crib than standard models. This might be a concern to some parents.
3. Style
Look for a crib with an original design if you want it to stand out. You can find a crib with sleek, minimalist design or made from materials like bamboo or glass. It may also feature clear sides to allow for easy access to. These are usually more expensive than solid wood alternatives but can be a beautiful centerpiece in any nursery.
Other cribs feature traditional designs with elegant curves and molding, which is reminiscent of antique furniture. They can also be extravagant and are usually hand-crafted with gorgeous details. These are excellent options when you are looking for a crib that will become a favorite piece of furniture for your family over time and work with any style.
Another style that is popular is a Scandinavian-style crib that has smooth straight lines and a light, bare wood finish that allows its natural beauty to shine through. These cribs are great for a modern or contemporary nursery. You can paint them or leave the wood bare to match your decor.
These cribs can be used as a changing table making it easier to change your baby. This is particularly true for infants who are young and have trouble sitting up. These types of cribs typically come with drawers underneath to store diapers, wipes and other necessities.
Some cribs are curving or have designs on the sides that can be used to create a canopy effect. These can bring a touch of class to any nursery and are a fantastic way to keep your baby cool and comfortable as they sleep. However, be sure that any fabric you use isn't too long or is securely attached to the crib. This will prevent your child from reaching out to grab the fabric or pulling it down.
4. Convertibility
A crib that can be converted into a toddler's crib, an adult daybed or a large bed is a great option for any family. This feature will save you money from buying four separate beds throughout your child's growth and also save space in the nursery. Many convertible cribs come with easy-to-store conversion kits, making it simple to make use of them whenever required.
Another important thing to consider while shopping for cribs is that a lot of cribs come with additional features, such as adjustable mattress heights and drawers. This lets you customize the look and functionality of your crib. This is particularly useful if your nursery has limited storage space. Some cribs have wheels that can be very helpful if you want to move the bed for cleaning or for any other reason.
Convertible cribs are generally constructed with sturdy, non-toxic materials that are safe for your baby and meet stringent safety standards set by the CPSC and ASTM. A lot of cribs feature a classic or contemporary design that will suit different styles of nursery décor. Some cribs are crafted from wood, while others are fabricated from steel or painted. Certain brands are committed to sustainability, offering eco-friendly cribs that are made from GREENGUARD certified wood. This ensures that harmful chemicals are not absorbed into the environment.
It takes some time and effort to choose the best convertible crib for your nursery. However, it's an investment that will last for many years to come. Take your time when evaluating your options and make sure you compare prices, delivery and setup times and other factors to make the right choice for your family.
5. Value
The crib is the most important piece of furniture in your baby's nursery and has a major impact on the overall design and feel of the space. It is essential to choose the crib that is in line with your style or will go well with the decor of your room. This can make a big difference in how you feel about your nursery.
Similarly, cribs that are designed to convert into toddler beds or daybeds extend their utility as your child grows, giving you long-term value. They're also generally less expensive than larger beds and are able to be sold or given to a family member when your child no longer needs them.
Convertible cribs are also easy to maintain, as the majority of the components can be cleaned and removed and many have a conversion kit that makes it easy to transform them into the appropriate size bed for your child. Wood cribs can withstand frequent use and are durable. Some even last through several children.
Foam crib mattresses are lighter than innerspring alternatives which makes them more convenient to move around when changing sheets or adjusting the mattress height. They may wear out faster and need replacement sooner than innerspring mattresses.
Hybrid crib mattresses (also called two-stage or dual firm) are designed to be used from beginning through toddlerhood, with one side that is softer for infants and a firmer side for toddlers. They are usually more secure than foam mattresses, and may be more comfortable for older children who don't like the sagging feel of foam. They are also typically cheaper than innerspring alternatives.