Choosing Cribs For Your Baby's Nursery
A crib offers a dedicated sleeping space for infants to decrease the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. It also promotes a consistent sleep routine. Cribs also offer more flexibility than other options such as bassinets.
If you choose modern or traditional style, be sure to check if it's GREENGUARD certified Gold to ensure that it meets the highest standards of safety and minimizes exposures to toxic chemicals. Be aware of other aspects when selecting the crib that's right for your family.
1. Safety
As a parent your baby's security is of the utmost importance. You want your baby to sleep peacefully in a safe environment and free of dangers like sharp edges or splinters. It's important to choose a crib that meets Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) rigorous standards.
These include slat spacings no wider than 2 3/8 inches to prevent your baby's head, arms or legs from becoming stuck and a mattress that is well-made and comfortable with no drop sides; a solid crib that is not prone to wobbling and clear instructions for assembly. You should also avoid bells and whistles, like bumper streams or pads, as they could pose a strangulation risk for your baby.
Find cribs that are painted with low-VOC, which is a safer alternative in comparison to conventional glues or varnishes which release harmful chemicals. In cots offers , you should search for a mattress that is made using non-toxic materials, such as organic cotton and foam.
Pick a crib with no ornaments or cutouts. These can cause injury should your child pick them up, or gets their fingers stuck in them. You should also check that the mattress cover is securely fit to the frame of the crib and that there aren't any gaps between the mattress and the frame. Avoid placing blankets, pillows, sheepskins, or pillows that resemble stuffed animals in the crib. They can increase the risk for your baby to develop SIDS. Mobiles can also be a danger, as they could be pulled towards the baby, causing them to suffocate. It is recommended to avoid the use of mobiles completely and opt for a breathable mesh crib mobile instead. This is better for the health of your baby and lets you monitor them as they sleep.
2. Convenience
One of the most important things your baby will require is an area that is safe to sleep in. Cribs are a great place for your baby's sleep particularly when you are engaged in other household chores.
You can find cribs in your local nursery or at a home goods store. They must follow strict guidelines laid out by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. They are the best place to begin your search for a quality crib. You'll need be aware of a number of factors before you buy a crib.
Cribs are an excellent choice for newborns, infants and toddlers, offering a comfortable sleeping area that will last well beyond their first few years of life. Many cribs have convertible features that let you convert them into toddler beds or full size beds, which can reduce your costs and prolong the lifespan of the crib you purchase.
Another advantage of cribs is their small footprint that makes them suitable for smaller spaces like apartments or lofts. Some models come with a changing table, which is useful if your nursery space is small in size.
Travel cribs are also light and foldable, making them simple to transport. They're an excellent choice for traveling with your baby or visiting relatives and friends since they can be easily packed up before you leave. However, the light construction of cribs for travel can lead to less sturdy construction than standard cribs which could be a concern for some parents.
3. Style
Look for a crib with distinctive design if want it to stand out. You may find one with a sleek, minimalist design or one that is made of a material such as glass or bamboo and has clear sides for easy visibility. These are often more expensive than solid wood alternatives however, they can make an attractive focal point to any nursery.
Other cribs have a more traditional design with beautiful curves and moldings. They also have the look of heirloom pieces. They can also be quite intricate and are often handcrafted with gorgeous details. They are a great option if you want a crib that can become a beloved piece of furniture in the course of time and will work well with any style.
A Scandinavian crib is a different popular design. It has straight, smooth lines and the light, bare-wood finish. This lets the natural beauty the wood to shine through. They're a good fit to any modern or contemporary nursery, and you can easily paint them or leave them unpainted to complement your decor.
These cribs can also be used as a changing table, making it easier to change your child. This is especially true for babies who are still young and may have trouble sitting up. These cribs come with drawers to store diapers, wipes and other necessities.
Some cribs are curving or have designs on the side which can be used to create an illusion of a canopy. These can bring a touch of class to any nursery and are a great option to keep your baby cool and comfortable as they sleep. Make sure to choose a fabric that is not too long and is tightly anchored to your crib. This will ensure your child doesn't reach out to grab the fabric and pull it back.
4. Convertibility
A crib that converts into a toddler bed, daybed and full-size bed is an excellent investment for any family. This feature can save you money purchasing four separate beds during the development of your child and will also free up space in the nursery. Many convertible cribs come with simple-to-store conversion kits, making it easy to use them when needed.
Another thing to keep in mind while shopping for cribs is that a lot of models have additional features, such as adjustable mattress heights and drawers. This allows you to alter the look and functionality of your crib. It can be especially useful in the case of only a tiny or limited storage space in your nursery. tots and cots have wheels, which are extremely useful if you want to move the bed around for cleaning or other reasons.
Convertible cribs are typically made with sturdy non-toxic, non-toxic materials which are safe for your baby. They also meet the strict safety standards set by the CPSC and ASTM. Many cribs have modern or classic designs that will suit the various styles of nursery decor. Some cribs are made from wood, whereas others can be constructed from stainless steel or painted metal. Certain brands are also committed to sustainability and offer eco-friendly cribs utilizing GREENGUARD GOLD-certified wood, which ensures that no harmful toxins leach into the environment.
Choosing the best convertible crib for your baby will take some time and effort, but it is an important choice that could last for a long time. Consider your options carefully and be sure to look at prices, delivery costs, setup times and other factors to make the right choice for your family.
5. Value
The crib is a huge piece of furniture that can have a major impact on the look and feel of your baby's nursery. Therefore, selecting one that matches your preferred style or one that works well with the other decor elements in your room can make a significant difference in how you feel about the nursery as you are there.
Similarly, cribs that are designed to convert into daybeds or toddler beds extend their utility as your child grows, giving you long-term value. They are also typically less expensive than full-size beds and can be traded in or donated to a family member when your child no longer requires them.
Convertible cribs can also be easily maintained since the majority of components can be removed and cleaned, and a lot have a conversion set which makes it simple to transform them into the perfect size bed for your child. Wood cribs can stand up to a lot of use and are durable. Some even last multiple children.
Foam crib mattresses are lighter than innerspring mattresses, making them easier to move around when changing sheets or adjusting the mattress height. They can wear out faster and require replacement earlier than innerspring mattresses.
Hybrid crib mattresses, also known as dual firm or two-stage mattresses are made to be used by babies and toddlers. One side is soft for infants, while the other side is more rigid for toddlers. They're typically safer than foam mattresses, and can be more comfortable for older infants who aren't a fan of the sagging feeling of foam. They are usually cheaper than innerspring mattresses.