Choosing a Baby Crib
Designing a nursery is an exciting time, but selecting the right crib is among the most important decisions you'll ever make. Whether it's the style of slats, the mattress height or the ability to convert the crib that your baby sleeps on will impact their health and development.
Check your crib hardware periodically. Bolts and nails can become loose with time. Avoid placing your crib in close proximity to drapes or blinds hanging because they could pose a strangulation risk for your baby.
Size
Size is one of the most important factors to take into consideration when buying the perfect crib. A crib should be large enough to accommodate a sleeping infant, yet small enough that you are able to safely reach your child to listen to them. It should be sturdy enough to withstand the daily wear and tear.
The majority of cribs are constructed from wood or metal, and a majority include sliding sides. These features are designed to let caregivers observe the baby from various angles and to ensure proper air flow. Cribs can be used from birth until your child is about two years old. older, at which point they will require moving into a toddler bed.
Most cribs are equipped with the mattress height which can be adjusted to accommodate your baby's growth. The lowest setting is ideal for newborns. The highest setting is for babies who can sit up or crawl. Be sure to check the interior of your crib to make sure the mattress will fit because the slatted style of most cribs can create small gaps that could be dangerous for your baby.
Certain manufacturers offer cribs that are not standard and mattresses that meet the same safety standards as full-size cribs. These include bassinets for infants, portable cribs, and play yards. These cribs are smaller than the standard cribs and have solid or mesh sides.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions to determine the recommended mattress size in case you select a crib that is not standard. They might have requirements that differ from the standard crib mattress dimension of 28 inches wide and 52 inches long. It is also recommended to examine the distance between the crib and mattress to make sure it's not larger than 1 inch which is the maximum safe space.
A waterproof cover can shield your baby's bed from spills and accidents. Choose a cover with an antimicrobial barrier that helps reduce bacteria, and a hypoallergenic layer to block allergens.
If you're thinking of buying a crib with drop sides, be aware that they were associated with 32 infant deaths between 2000 and 2010. They have been outlawed in the US from 2011. Even if you plan to purchase or get a drop-side baby crib, make sure to get rid of it once your child reaches 35 inches or is able to get out.
Safety
A crib for babies is one of the safest places to let your child sleep. It is a place for them to rest but also a space where you can keep them close and check on them often. There are a variety of models and brands of cribs on the market each one must meet certain safety standards. These standards are established 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 and free of dander and dust. Take away any toys or stuffed animals that might fall out of the crib. Do not place any pillows or blankets inside the crib. They can lead to death by suffocation. Use a fitted sheet and mattress covers instead.
Some commenters suggested that cribs need to comply with the formaldehyde emission standards set out in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act (Pub. L. 112-199) and that cribs made of composite wood should be tested to determine if they are in compliance. While these rules do not directly apply to cribs, the CPSC has determined that it is appropriate to mandate that cribs and other furniture made from composite wood comply with this important new law.
Some commenters suggested that a requirement that fasteners be retightened between dynamic tests should be added to the crib standard being revised. This suggestion is not something we would consider. The shake test as well as the vertical mattress support impact tests are dynamic tests that simulate and accelerate crib abuse. Loose screws are the second leading cause of fatalities in cribs.
Other comments were based on EWS incident records. The data shows that the most frequently cited dangers associated with cribs are drop-sides and mattresses that are unsafe. Therefore, we have decided to focus on these issues in the new rulemaking and to incorporate the performance standards that are already included in the existing mandatory standard, with reference. By incorporating them by reference, we can ensure that crib safety is maintained consistently and efficiently.
Style
It's an enjoyable and exciting process to design the nursery of your baby's. The main focal point of any nursery is the crib, therefore it's important to choose one that fits your style and complements the room's décor. Whether you prefer a modern and minimalist design or more traditional, there's a wide selection of stylish cribs to choose from. There are options for every budget, from the cheapest to high-end. Make sure the crib you select is safe and meets all safety standards.
A crib is a compact, specially designed bed for infants and babies. It is constructed of durable materials like wood and is fitted with slatted wall panels to allow for safe ventilation. Cribs are generally larger than bassinets and can be more expensive, however they are more functional for your child's first three years of life.
There are many different types of cribs that are available on the market, but they all must be in compliance with strict safety standards. best infant cribs , for instance, shouldn't exceed 6 centimeters (about the width of a can of soda) apart. You should also avoid decorative shapes or cutouts on the footboard and headboard.
The mattress must also fit snugly in the crib's opening. This is important because gaps between the crib and the mattress can allow babies legs or arms to get entangled. Many cribs come with stabilizer bars to assist in keeping the mattress in place. But if you have a crib that doesn't have them, be sure to buy a mattress pad for extra support.
A good crib also has a low sitting mattress level, which helps prevent toddlers from stepping over the crib's edge. This is a great feature for parents with smaller children or rooms that are small in size. However, it is important to verify the mattress's height prior to making your purchase. Most mattresses have a sticker on the corner, which shows the crib's minimum and maximum heights.
If you want a crib that can grow with your child, you should consider purchasing a convertible crib. These cribs can be transformed into an infant's bed, a daybed or even a full size bed. Some of the cribs on our list, including the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 4-in-1, have conversion kits included. Link Website will require an additional purchase.
Budget
While the majority of cribs are priced at hundreds of dollars Some cribs are more affordable. 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 get your baby in and out.
The Munchkin Brica travel pod is another budget-friendly crib. This portable sleep and play option is easy to install and folds away in a matter of minutes. It can be used inside or out on decks or patios. It is suitable for infants weighing up to 15 pounds. It is not a permanent sleep solution, however, because your baby will outgrow it in about six months.
There are also affordable bassinets and cradles that can be used for the first few months, which allows you to keep your baby in a safe and secure environment. 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 before their first birthday.
A quality crib will include a mattress support that is solid and secure, and is able to be adjusted to four different positions based on the baby's weight. 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. Some cribs have posts that extend over 1 8 inches above the mattress opening which can cause your child to become entrapped as they play or climb.
Some cribs feature an attached changing area which can help diapering a bit easier and faster. Although they are convenient, they tend to take up more space than traditional cribs and may not be the ideal choice for smaller nurseries.
best cot beds is also important to consider the materials that the crib is made of. A lot of cribs are made from particleboard, which is made up of formaldehyde. Look for a crib that is constructed from solid wood or comes with an aluminum base instead.