Choosing a Baby Crib
It's thrilling to design a nursery but choosing the crib is one of your most crucial choices. The crib that your baby sleeps will have a major impact on their development and health whether it's the style of the slats or the mattress height.
Check your crib hardware periodically. Bolts and nails can become loose over time. Also, avoid placing your crib near drapes or window blinds that hang down, which could create a strangulation risk for your baby.
Size
Size is an important factor to consider when shopping for the right crib. A crib should be large enough to accommodate a sleepy infant, but small enough so that you can safely reach your baby to attend to them. It should also be strong enough to stand up to the wear and tear of regular use.
The majority of cribs are constructed of wood or metal and have side panels that are slatted. These features are designed to allow caregivers to observe the baby from various angles and ensure the proper flow of air. Cribs are available until your child is of two.
Most standard cribs come with a mattress height that can be adjusted to suit your baby's growth. 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 measure the inside of your crib to make sure the mattress will fit, as the slatted design of a lot of cribs leave small gaps that could pose a danger for your baby.
Manufacturers offer cribs and mattresses that aren't standard sizes, but still comply with the same safety standards. These include portable infant beds, bassinets, and play yards. These cribs usually come with mesh or rigid sides, and are usually smaller than the full-size cribs.
Review the manufacturer's guidelines to determine the recommended mattress size in case you select a crib that is not standard. There may be specific requirements that differ from the standard crib size of 52 inches long and 28 inches wide. Also, you should examine the space between the crib mattress and the crib to make sure it is not more than 1 inch. This is the maximum safe distance.
best rated cribs can help keep it clean and safe from spills or accidents. Choose a cover with an antimicrobial barrier that helps reduce bacteria, and a hypoallergenic layer that blocks allergens.
If you're thinking of buying a crib with drop-sides, know that they've been linked to the deaths of 32 infants between 2000 and 2010, and were banned in the US as of. Even if you decide to purchase a crib with drop sides or receive one as a gift ensure that you get rid of it once your baby is 35 inches tall or is able to climb out.
Safety
A crib for babies is among the most secure places for your child to sleep. It is a place to relax, but also a place where you can keep them close and see them frequently. There are many crib models and brands on the market. However, all must meet certain safety requirements. The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets these standards to ensure that cribs are safe for babies.
Before you place your child in the crib, ensure that the crib is clean, free of dander and dust. Also, take away any toys or stuffed animals that may fall out of the crib. Do not place any pillows or blankets within the crib. They can lead to the suffocation of children. Use a fitted sheet and a mattress cover instead.
Some commenters suggested that cribs should be in compliance with formaldehyde emissions standards set forth in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act. L. 112-199) and cribs made of composite wood must be tested to ensure compliance. The CPSC has concluded that, although these rules do not directly apply to cribs or other furniture made from composite wood, it is appropriate to insist on the compliance of this law.
Other commenters suggested that the new crib standard should include the requirement to tighten fasteners after dynamic tests. We strongly disagree with this idea. The shake test as well as the vertical mattress support impact tests are dynamic tests that simulate and increase the crib abuse. Screws that are loose are the second leading cause of fatalities in cribs.
Other comments were based on the EWS incident information. These data indicate that the two most frequent crib hazards are unsafe mattresses and drop-sides. Therefore, we decided to concentrate on these concerns in the new rulemaking process and to incorporate the performance standards that are already contained in the existing mandatory standard by reference. By incorporating them by reference, we can ensure that safety in cribs is maintained consistently and effectively.
Style
It's a satisfying and exciting experience designing your baby's nursery. The crib is the main focal point of any nursery, so choose one that suits your style and complements its 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 cheapest to high-end. Be sure that the crib you select is safe and meets all safety standards.
A crib is a tiny bed that is specially designed for babies and infants. It is constructed from sturdy materials like wood and has slatted wall panels to allow safe ventilation. Cribs can be larger and more expensive than bassinets however they offer more functionality during the initial three years of your child's existence.
There are many styles of cribs available on the market, but they all must meet strict safety standards. The crib slats, for instance, shouldn't be more than 6 centimeters (about the width of a can of soda) apart. Also, you should avoid decorative shapes or cutouts in the headboard and footboard.
Additionally the mattress should fit snugly into the crib's opening. This is crucial because gaps between the crib and the mattress can cause infants' arms or legs to get entangled. Many cribs have stabilizer bars to help keep the mattress in place. But if you have a crib that doesn't have them, make sure you purchase a mattress pad for extra support.
A good crib also has a low sitting mattress level that helps keep toddlers from climbing over the crib's edge. This is a great feature for parents with small children or rooms that are limited in space. However, make sure to measure the mattress's height prior your purchase. Most mattresses will include a sticker on the corner that indicates the crib's minimum and maximum mattress heights.
If you want a crib that can grow with your child, consider purchasing a convertible crib. These cribs can be converted into a toddler bed or a daybed, or even a full-size bed. A few of the cribs on our list, including 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 the majority of cribs cost hundreds of dollars Some cribs are more affordable. The Graco Classic 4 in 1 Crib is 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 easy to take your baby into and out.
Another affordable crib is the Munchkin Brica Travel Pod. This portable play and sleep option is easy to put together and folds in a matter of minutes. It can be used indoors or outdoors on a patio or deck and is suitable for babies up to 15 pounds. It is not a permanent sleep solution, however, since your baby will grow out of it after approximately six months.
There are also budget-friendly bassinets and cradles can be used for the first few weeks to keep your baby snug and close. They are more expensive but they are smaller and easier to move. They're only a temporary sleep solution for your baby and they will outgrow them before their first birthday.
A crib that is of good quality should be sturdy and secure mattress support that can be adjusted to four different positions based on the development of your baby. It should also be low enough to allow you to reach in and out easily, particularly when you are less than 5'5 inches. Some cribs have posts that are over 1 8 inches above the mattress opening which can cause your child to become entrapped as they play or climb.
Some cribs have an attached changing area that make diapering a little more convenient and quicker. Although they are convenient however, they take up more floor space than traditional cribs and may not be the ideal choice for smaller nurseries.
Take a look at the materials that the crib is made from. Many cribs are made of particleboard that contains formaldehyde. Instead, look for a crib made of solid wood or with a steel base.