Choosing Cribs For Your Baby's Nursery
A crib provides infants with an area for sleeping that is specifically designed to lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and encourages a regular sleeping routine. Cribs also have more flexibility than other options, including bassinets.
If you opt for a modern style or a more traditional design Make sure it's GREENGUARD Gold certified to ensure that it is in compliance with the highest safety standards and minimizes exposure to toxic chemicals. Then consider other options to choose the ideal crib for your family.
1. Safety
As a parent your baby's safety is of paramount importance. You want your child to sleep peacefully in an environment free of dangers, such as sharp edges or splinters. Choose a crib that meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards.
There are numerous things to consider such as slat spacing that isn't more than 2 3/8 inches to ensure your baby's legs or arms aren't entangled. Also you should look for a mattress that has a firm and snug fit; no drop sides; stable cribs with no wobbling parts and a clear instruction on assembly. Avoid any bells and whistles like bumper pads and streamers that can strangle your baby.
Find a crib that is painted with low-VOC paints that is a safer choice to traditional varnishes and glues which release harmful chemicals into the air. Similarly, look for a mattress made using non-toxic materials, such as cotton and organic foam.
Finally, pick a crib free of decorative embellishments and cutouts, which could cause injury in the event that your child is able to grab them or gets his or her fingers stuck in them. Make sure that the mattress cover fits tightly to the frame of the crib, and that there aren't any gaps between the mattress frame. Avoid placing blankets, pillows or sheepskins, as well as pillow-like stuffed animals in the crib. These could increase the risk for your baby to develop SIDS. Mobiles can also pose a hazard, as they can be pushed down on the baby and cause death. You should opt for a crib mattress made of mesh that is breathable instead of mobiles. This is better for your baby's health as well as let you monitor your child as they sleep.
2. Convenience
One of the most important things your baby will need is a secure place to sleep. Cribs provide a convenient spot for your baby to rest, which can be especially useful when you're busy with other household chores or activities.
You'll probably find cribs at your local home goods store or nursery. These types of establishments must comply with strict regulations set forth by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and are typically the best place to begin your search for a top quality crib. You'll have to take into consideration several factors before you buy the crib.
Cribs are a great option for newborns, infants and toddlers, providing an incredibly comfortable bed that will last well beyond their first few years of existence. Many cribs have convertible features, allowing you to convert the crib into a toddler bed or a full-size bed. This will save you money and extend the life of your crib.
Another convenience factor of cribs is their small footprint, which makes them suitable for smaller spaces like apartments or lofts. Some models also come with an area for changing which could be useful if you have limited room in your nursery.
Travel cribs are also light and foldable, making them simple to transport. This makes them an excellent option for traveling with your child or visiting family and friends since you can take the crib down within a matter of minutes prior to leaving. However, good cribs of cribs for travel can cause less durable construction than standard models and could pose a problem for some parents.
3. Style
Choose a crib with an original design if you want it to stand out. You can find a crib with an elegant, minimalist style or made of a material such as bamboo or glass. It may also feature transparent sides for easy access to. They are usually more expensive than solid wood alternatives however, they can make an appealing centerpiece to any nursery.
Some cribs feature traditional designs with graceful curves, moldings and a look that is reminiscent of antique pieces. They can be extremely elaborate, and are usually handmade with beautiful details. They are a great option when you are looking for a crib that can become an integral piece of furniture in the course of time and can be paired with any style.
Another popular style is a Scandinavian-style crib that has sleek straight lines and a light, naked wood finish that lets its natural beauty to shine through. They're a good fit for modern or contemporary nursery, and you can paint them or leave them as is to match your decor.
Cribs that have the functionality of a changing table can help you change your baby, especially when they're young and aren't able to sit on their own. These cribs have drawers that can be used to store diapers, wipes and other essentials.
Some cribs have curving sides or designs that can be used as an umbrella. They can add a touch of elegant to any nursery and help keep your baby comfy and cool while they sleep. Be sure, however, that any fabric you use is not too long or that it is securely connected to the crib. This will ensure that your child isn't able to reach out and grab the fabric and pull it back.
4. Convertibility
A crib that converts into a toddler bed, daybed or full-size bed is an excellent investment for any family. This feature lets you save money by not having to purchase four separate beds as your child grows, and also saves space in the nursery. Many convertible cribs come with simple-to-store conversion kits, making it simple to use them when required.
Another aspect to be aware of when you're looking for a crib is that many cribs come with additional features, like adjustable mattress heights or drawers. This allows you to alter your crib's look and functionality. It's especially beneficial if your nursery has limited storage space. Some cribs have wheels, which can be very helpful in case you need to move the bed for cleaning or any other reason.
Convertible cribs typically are made of durable, non-toxic material that is safe for your baby. They also meet the strict safety standards set by CPSC and ASTM. Many models also have an elegant or contemporary design that will fit into a broad selection of nursery décor. Some cribs are made of wood, whereas others can be constructed from stainless steel or painted metal. Certain brands are also committed to sustainability and provide eco-friendly cribs utilizing GREENGUARD GOLD-certified wood, which ensures that no harmful toxins are released into the environment.
Selecting the ideal convertible crib for your baby requires some thought and research, but it is an important choice that could be used for many years to come. Take your time when evaluating your options and make sure you evaluate prices, delivery and the time of setup, as well as other factors to make the best choice for your family.
5. Value
The crib is a huge piece of furniture that will have a significant impact on the design and feel of your baby's nursery. It is essential to choose a crib that matches your style and will work well with your room decor. This can make a big difference in the way you feel about your nursery.
Similar to cribs that are designed to be converted into daybeds for toddlers or toddlers can be used as your child grows, providing you long-term value. They are also less costly than a full-size beds and can be donated or sold to a family member once your child no longer has need of.
Convertible cribs are also easy to maintain since the majority of the components can be cleaned and removed, and most come with an conversion kit that makes it easier to convert them into the appropriate size bed for your child. Wood cribs can withstand a lot of use and are robust. Some even last through several children.
Foam crib mattresses are lighter than innerspring alternatives and are therefore more maneuverable when changing sheets or adjusting the mattress's height. However, they could wear out more quickly and require replacement sooner than innerspring mattresses.
Hybrid crib mattresses, also referred to as dual firm or two-stage mattresses are made to be used by babies and toddlers. One side is softer for infants while the other side is more firm for toddlers. They're typically safer than foam mattresses, and are more comfortable for older babies who don't like the sagging feel of foam. They are usually cheaper than innerspring alternatives.