Choosing a Baby Crib
It's exciting to design a nursery but picking the crib is one of the most crucial choices. The style of slats, the mattress height or conversion capabilities, the crib the baby sleeps in will affect their health and development.
Keep in mind that nails and bolts may become loose over time, so make sure you check the crib's hardware regularly. Be sure to avoid placing your crib close to drapes or window blinds that hang down, which could present a risk of strangulation for your baby.
Size
When choosing a crib the size is a key factor. The crib should be large enough to accommodate a sleeping baby, but compact enough that you can reach them in a safe manner to take care of them. It should also be strong enough to withstand the wear and tear of daily use.
Most cribs are made of metal or wood and come with side panels that are slatted. These features allow caregivers to observe the baby from different angles and encourage airflow. Cribs can be used up until your child is of two.
Most cribs are equipped with an adjustable mattress that can be adjusted to accommodate the baby's growing needs. The lowest setting works best for infants. The highest setting is ideal for babies who can sit up or crawl. Take measurements of the crib's interior to ensure that the mattress is suitable. The slatted design could create small gaps that could be dangerous to your baby.
Manufacturers offer mattresses and cribs that are not standard sizes, yet have the same safety standards. These include bassinets for infants, portable cribs and play yards. These cribs are smaller than full-size ones and come with mesh or rigid sides.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions to determine the recommended mattress size in case you select a crib that is not standard. There could be specific requirements that are different from the standard crib size of 52 inches long and 28 inches wide. It is also important to check the space between the crib mattress and the crib to make sure that it is not greater than 1 inch. This is the maximum safe distance.
A waterproof cover can protect your baby's mattress from accidents and spills. Find one that has an antimicrobial layer to cut down on bacteria and a hypoallergenic barrier that stops allergens.
If you're considering a crib with drop sides, you should be aware that they were associated with 32 baby deaths between 2000 and 2010. They have been outlawed in the US since 2011. Even if you plan to purchase or get a crib with drop sides, make sure to dispose of it when your child reaches 35 inches or can get out.
Safety
A baby crib is one of the safest places for your child to sleep. It's not just a place to rest but also a place where you can be able to see them and hold them frequently. There are a variety of cribs and brands on the market each one must meet certain safety standards. The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets these standards to ensure that cribs are safe for babies.
Before you put your child in the crib, ensure that the crib is clean, free of dust and dander. Take away any toys or stuffed animal that may fall out of the crib. Don't put any blankets or pillows within the crib. They can lead to the suffocation of children. Use a fitted sheet or mattress covers instead.
Some commenters suggested that cribs need to be in compliance with formaldehyde emission standards outlined in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act (Pub. L. 112-199) and that cribs made of composite wood should be tested for conformity. The CPSC has determined that, although these rules do not directly apply to cribs or other furniture made of composite wood, it is still appropriate to require compliance with this important law.
Other commenters suggested that the new crib standard should contain a requirement to retighten fasteners in between dynamic tests. This suggestion is not acceptable to us. The dynamic tests - such as the shake test and the vertical mattress support test - are designed to simulate and increase the use and abuse of cribs by children. Loose screw is the second leading cause of crib deaths.
Other comments were based on EWS incident records. The data shows that the most common hazards associated with cribs are dangerous mattresses and drop-sides. We decided to focus our attention on these issues and to incorporate the performance standards already incorporated into the current mandatory standard. By incorporating by reference, we can ensure that crib safety is maintained consistently and efficiently.
Style
It's a satisfying and thrilling experience designing your baby's nursery. The crib is the main focal element of any nursery, so choose one that suits your style and complements its decor. If you're looking for a contemporary and minimalist style or more traditional, there's a wide selection of stylish cribs to choose from. You can find options in every price range, from the cheapest to upscale. Make sure that the crib you pick conforms to all safety guidelines.
tots and cots is a small bed designed specifically for babies and infants. It is constructed with slatted walls to provide safe ventilation and is often built from sturdy materials like wood. Cribs are generally larger than bassinets and may be more expensive, but they offer more functionality for your baby's the first three years of life.
There are many different types of cribs on the market, however they all have to meet strict safety standards. The crib's slats for example, should not exceed 6 centimeters (about the width of a can of soda) apart. You should also avoid cutting outs or decorative shapes in the footboard and headboard.
The mattress should be able to fit snugly into the crib's opening. This is important because gaps between the crib and mattress could allow infants legs or arms to become entangled. Many cribs include bars for stabilization to keep the mattress in place. However, if you own a crib that doesn't have them, be sure to buy mattress pads for additional support.
A mattress that is low in height is another feature of a quality crib that helps to prevent toddlers from climbing over the crib's edge. It's a great option for smaller families or rooms with a limited space Be sure to measure the mattress's height prior to you make your purchase. The majority of mattresses will include a sticker on the corner that indicates the crib's minimum and maximum heights.
If you want a crib that can grow with your child, you should consider buying a convertible crib. These cribs can be converted into the toddler's bed, a daybed or even a full-size bed. Some cribs, like the Babyletto Hudson 4-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 3-in-1 are equipped with conversion kits. The rest will require an additional purchase.
Budget
While most cribs cost hundreds of dollars Some cribs are more affordable. The Graco Classic 4 in 1 Crib is less than 200 dollars and is rated 5 stars by BabyCenter and Baby Bargains. It also has a profile that is medium height, making it easy to get your child inside and out.
The Munchkin Brica travel pod is another affordable crib. It is simple to put together and folds down in an hour. It can be used indoors or outside, on a deck or patio. It is suitable for infants weighing up to 15 pounds. It's not a long-term sleep solution, however, since your baby will outgrow it in about six months.
You can also find budget-friendly cradles and bassinets that you can use during the first few weeks to keep your baby safe and close. While they are a bit more expensive than a standard crib, they are also smaller and easy to move around. They are not a permanent sleeping solution and your baby will outgrow it by the time they reach their first birthday.
A good crib should have a sturdy, secure mattress support that can be adjusted in four different positions, based on your baby's growth. It should be low enough for you to reach into and out of it easily, especially when you're less than 5'5. Some cribs have posts that extend more than 1 8 inch above the mattress opening which could cause your child to become entrapped as they play or climb.
Some cribs have attached changing areas that makes diaper changing simpler and faster. While they are useful however, they take up more floor space than traditional cribs and might not be the ideal choice for smaller nurseries.
It is also important to consider the materials that the crib is made of. A lot of cribs made of particleboard, which may contain formaldehyde which is a known carcinogen. Choose a crib made from solid wood or comes with a metal base instead.