Choosing a Baby Crib
The process of designing a nursery can be an exciting time, but picking a crib is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Whether it’s the style of slats, mattress height or the ability to convert, the crib your baby sleeps in will impact their health and development.
Check your crib hardware periodically. Bolts and nails could get loose over time. Be sure to avoid placing your crib near curtains or window blinds that hang, which can present a risk of strangulation for your baby.
Size
When shopping for a crib the size is a key factor. A crib should be big enough to accommodate a sleeping infant, yet small enough that you are able to safely reach your child to listen to them. It should also be strong enough to stand up to the wear and tear of everyday use.
The majority of cribs are constructed out of metal or wood, and most recommended cribs have sliding sides. These features let caregivers see the baby from various angles and promote airflow. Cribs can be used until your child is of two.
Most cribs are equipped with a mattress support height that can be lowered or Cribs Beds raised as your baby grows. The lowest setting is ideal for infants, whereas the highest setting is good for babies who are able to sit up or crawl. Take measurements of the crib’s interior Affordable Cots to ensure that the mattress will fit. The slatted structure can leave tiny gaps that could be hazardous to your baby.
Some manufacturers offer non-standard cribs and mattresses that have the same safety standards as full-size cribs. These include play yards as well as portable infant beds and bassinets. These cribs are smaller than full-size ones and have solid or mesh sides.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to determine the recommended mattress size if you decide to purchase one that isn’t standard. There may be specific requirements that differ from the standard crib size of 52 inches long and 28 inches wide. Also, you should check the gap between the crib and mattress to be sure that it is not more than 1 inch which is the maximum safe space.
A waterproof cover can shield your baby’s bedding from accidents and spills. Look for one with an antimicrobial layer that helps to reduce bacteria and a hypoallergenic barrier that blocks allergens.
If you’re considering a crib with drop-sides, know that they’ve been linked to 32 infant deaths between 2000 and 2010, and are banned in the US as of. Even if you plan to purchase or get a crib with drop sides, make sure to dispose of it when your child is 35 inches or is able to climb out.
Safety
A crib for your baby is the most recommended cribs secure place for your child. It’s not just a place to rest but also a place to observe and hold them often. There are a myriad of brands and models of cribs available all of them must be able to meet certain safety standards. These standards are laid out by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and they make sure cribs you purchase are safe for your baby.
Before you place your child in the crib make sure the crib is clean and free of dander and dust. Also, remove any toys or stuffed animals that might fall out of the crib. Also, don’t use any pillows or blankets in the crib, as they can cause death by suffocation. Make use of a fitted sheet and a mattress cover instead.
Some commenters suggested that cribs ought to be required to be in compliance with formaldehyde emission standards set out in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act (Pub. L. 111-199) and that cribs made of composite wood should be tested to determine if they are in compliance. The CPSC has determined that, although these rules do not directly apply to cribs or other furniture made of composite wood, it is appropriate to insist on the compliance of this law.
Others suggested that the requirement that fasteners be tightened again between dynamic tests should be included in the crib standard being revised. We strongly disagree with this idea. The dynamic tests – the shake test and the vertical mattress support impact test are designed to mimic and increase the use and abuse of cribs by children. Loose screws are the second most common cause of fatal accidents in cribs.
Other comments were based on the EWS incident data. The data shows that the two most common crib hazards are unsafe mattresses and drop-sides. We decided to focus our attention on these concerns and include the standards of performance already in the standard that is currently mandatory. By reference incorporation is the most effective way to ensure that the safety of cribs is ensured in a uniform and effective way.
Style
The design of your baby’s nursery is an exciting and rewarding experience. The crib is the focal point of any nursery, so you should select one that fits your style and complements its decor. There are many elegant cribs to choose from that you can choose from contemporary and minimalist or traditional. You can find options in every price range, from budget to luxurious. Make sure that the crib you choose has all the safety requirements.
A crib is a compact bed that is specially designed for babies and infants. It features slatted walls to ensure adequate ventilation and is usually constructed from durable materials such as wood. Cribs are usually larger than bassinets and can be more expensive, however they offer more functionality for your child’s early years.
There are a variety of types of cribs that are available on the market, however they all must meet strict safety standards. For instance, the crib slats should be no more than 6 centimeters apart (that’s about the width of a soda bottle) and you should stay clear of decorative cutouts or shapes on the footboard or headboard.
The mattress must also fit snugly in the crib’s opening. This is because any gaps between the crib and the mattress can cause infants’ arms and legs to get caught in the crib. Some cribs come with bars for stability to help keep the mattress in place. But if you have a crib that doesn’t have them, ensure you buy mattress pads for additional support.
A great crib also has a mattress that is low that helps keep children from stepping over the edge of the crib. This is a great feature for parents with children who are smaller or rooms that are limited in size. But, be sure to check out the mattress’s height prior your purchase. The corners of many mattresses will show the crib’s maximum and minimum mattress heights.
Consider purchasing a convertible crib if you want your crib to grow with your child. These cribs can be transformed into the toddler’s Cot Bed, a daybed or even a full-size bed. A few of the cribs in our list, such as the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 4-in-1, come with conversion kits that are included. The rest will require an extra purchase.
Budget
While the majority of cribs are priced in the hundreds of dollars, there are a few cribs available on the market that are affordable. The Graco Classic 4-in-1 crib is one of them. It costs less than $200 and has been 5 stars rated by BabyCenter, Baby Bargains, and National Parent Publications. It also has a medium-height profile that makes it simple to take your baby into and out.
Another budget-friendly crib is the Munchkin Brica Travel Pod. This portable sleep and play option is simple to install and folds away in a matter of minutes. It can be used indoors as well as outdoors on a patio or deck and is suitable for babies up to 15 pounds. It’s not a permanent sleep solution, however since your baby will grow out of it after about six months.
There are also affordable bassinets and cradles that can be used for the first few months, allowing you to keep your baby in a safe and secure environment. While they’re more expensive than a standard crib, they are also more compact and easier to move around. They are only a temporary sleep solution for your baby and they will outgrow it before their first birthday.
A quality crib will have a mattress support that is strong and secure, and can be adjusted to four different positions based on the baby’s height. It should also be low enough to let you get in and out easily, especially in the case of children under 5’5 inches. Some cribs have posts that stand higher than 1 8 inch above the opening of the mattress that could cause your child to get trapped as they play or try to climb.
Some cribs have attached changing areas which can make diapering a little easier and faster. They are handy however they take up more space than traditional cribs. They might not be a good choice for smaller nurseries.
Think about the materials your crib is made from. A lot of cribs are made from particleboard which contains formaldehyde. Find a crib that is constructed from solid wood or comes with an aluminum base instead.