Choosing a Baby Crib
It's exciting to design a nursery, but choosing the crib will be one of the most important 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 health and development.
Be aware that nails and bolts may become loose over time, so check your crib hardware regularly. Avoid placing your crib near blinds or drapes that hang on the ceiling, as they could create the risk of strangulation to your baby.
Size
When shopping for the perfect crib size is a crucial aspect. A crib should be big enough to accommodate a sleeping infant, yet small enough that you can safely reach your baby in order to talk to them. It should also be strong enough to withstand the wear and tear of regular use.
The majority of cribs are made from wood or metal, and most come with slatted sides. These features allow caregivers to see the baby from various angles and also encourage airflow. Cribs are used from birth until your child is around two years old. old, when they will have to be moved to a toddler bed.
The majority of cribs come with a mattress support height that can be lowered or raised as your baby develops. The lowest setting is best for infants. The highest setting is ideal for babies who can sit up or crawl. Take measurements of the crib's interior to ensure the mattress is suitable. The slatted structure can leave tiny gaps that could be dangerous to your baby.
Manufacturers offer cribs and mattresses that are not standard sizes, but comply with the same safety standards. These include play yards and portable infant beds and bassinets. These cribs are smaller than the standard ones and have rigid or mesh sides.
Review the manufacturer's guidelines to determine the recommended mattress size if you decide to purchase a crib that is not standard. There could be specific requirements that are different from the standard crib size of 52 inches long and 28 inches wide. It is also recommended to check the gap between the crib and mattress to be sure it's not larger than 1 inch, which is the maximum safe space.
A waterproof mattress cover for your baby can help keep it clean and safe from accidents or spit-up. Select one that has an antimicrobial barrier that reduces 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 infant deaths between 2000 and 2010, and have been banned in the US since. Even if you plan to buy or receive a crib with drop sides be sure to get rid of it once your child reaches 35 inches or can get out.
Safety
A crib for your baby is one of the safest places to let your child sleep. It's not just a place to rest but also a place to be able to see them and hold them frequently. While there are many different cribs and brands on the market each one must comply with certain safety standards. These standards are laid out by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and they make sure that cribs you purchase are safe for your baby.
Before you put your child in the crib, ensure that the crib is clean, free of dust and dander. Remove any toys or stuffed animal that could fall off the crib. Also, do not use any blankets or pillows in the crib; these can cause death by suffocation. Use a fitted sheet and mattress covers instead.
Some commenters suggested that cribs must be in compliance with formaldehyde emissions standards as outlined in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act. L. 111-199) and cribs constructed of composite wood must be tested to ensure that they meet the standards. Although these requirements are not directly applicable to cribs but the CPSC has determined that it is appropriate to demand that cribs and other furniture constructed of composite wood meet the requirements of this important new law.
Other commenters suggested that the requirement that fasteners are tightened again between dynamic tests should be included in the new crib standard. We strongly disagree with this suggestion. The dynamic tests - the shake test and the vertical mattress support impact test - are designed to mimic and speed up the use and abuse of cribs by children. The loose screw is the second leading cause of fatalities in cribs.
Other comments were based on the EWS incident data. These data show that the most frequent hazards that are associated with cribs include drop-sides and unsafe mattresses. We have decided to concentrate our focus on these issues and incorporate the performance standards already included in the standard that is currently mandatory. By incorporating by reference, we can ensure that crib safety is maintained consistently and effectively.
Style
The design of your baby's nursery is an exciting and rewarding process. The crib is the main focal feature of any nursery, so select one that fits your style and complements the decor. Whether you prefer a modern and minimalist design or more traditional, there's a wide selection of chic cribs to pick from. There are cribs for every budget, from the most affordable to high-end. Make sure that the crib you pick has all the safety requirements.
A crib is a tiny bed designed specifically for infants and babies. It features slatted walls to ensure adequate ventilation and is usually 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 crib styles that are available, however all must be safe to use. The crib's slats for instance, shouldn't exceed 6 centimeters (about the width of a can of soda) apart. You should also avoid decorative shapes or cutouts in the headboard and footboard.
The mattress must be able to fit snugly into the crib's opening. This is because gaps between the crib and the mattress can cause infants legs and arms to get caught in the crib. Many cribs include stabilizer bars to help keep the mattress in place. But if you have an unstabilized crib, ensure you buy a mattress pad for extra support.
A quality crib also comes with a low-sitting mattress that helps keep children from stepping over the crib's edge. This is a great feature for parents with smaller children or rooms that are small in space. But, be sure to check out the mattress height before making your purchase. The corner of the majority of mattresses will indicate the crib's maximum and minimum mattress heights.
You should consider buying an adjustable crib if you want your crib to grow with your child. These cribs can be transformed into the toddler's bed, a daybed or even a full size bed. A few of the cribs in our list, like the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 4-in-1, come with conversion kits that are included. The rest require an additional purchase.
Budget
While most cribs cost hundreds of dollars Some cribs are more 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 that makes it simple for you to take your baby in and out.
The Munchkin Brica travel pod is another crib that is budget-friendly. cheap cot bed and play option is easy to install and folds away in a matter of minutes. It can be used inside or outside, on a patio or deck. It is suitable for babies weighing up to 15 pounds. It is not a permanent sleeping solution, however, because your baby will outgrow it in approximately six months.
There are also budget-friendly cradles and bassinets that you can use during the first few weeks to keep your baby snug and close. Although they're more expensive than a standard crib, they are also smaller and easy to move around. However, they are only a temporary sleeping solution and your baby is likely to outgrow them before their first birthday.
A quality crib will include a mattress support that is sturdy and secure, and is able to be adjusted to four different positions based on the baby's size. It should also be low enough to allow you to reach in and out easily, especially when you are less than 5'5. Some cribs have posts that extend higher than 1 8 inches above the opening of the mattress that could cause your child to get trapped as they play or try to climb.
Some cribs come with attached changing areas that makes diaper changing simpler and faster. Although they are convenient but they can take up more floor space than traditional cribs and might not be the best option for smaller nurseries.
You should also think about the materials that the crib is made from. Many cribs are made of particleboard which contains formaldehyde. Look for a crib that is made out of solid wood or has an aluminum base instead.