Choosing a Baby Crib
It's exciting to design a nursery however, choosing the crib is one of the most crucial choices. The crib where your baby sleeps will have a major impact on their development and health, whether it is the design of the slats, or the mattress's height.
Keep in mind that nails and bolts can wiggle loose over time, so make sure you check your crib hardware regularly. Also, avoid placing your crib close to curtains or window blinds that hang down, which could present a risk of strangulation for your baby.
Size
Size is one of the most important factors to consider when purchasing the perfect crib. A crib should be big enough to accommodate a sleeping infant cot bed, but small enough so that you are able to safely reach your baby to attend to them. It should also be sturdy enough to withstand the wear and tear of regular use.
The majority of cribs are constructed from metal or wood and most have the slatted sides. These features let caregivers see the baby from various angles and also encourage airflow. Cribs are used from birth until the child is approximately two years old, when they will have to be moved cots to tots the toddler bed.
Most standard cribs have a mattress support height that can be lowered or raised as your baby grows. The lowest setting is best cot bed for infants. The highest setting is ideal for babies who are able to sit up or crawl. Be sure to measure the inside of your crib to make sure that the mattress is suitable, as the slatted design of most cribs can leave tiny gaps that could pose a danger for your baby.
Some manufacturers offer non-standard cribs and mattresses that meet the same safety standards of full-size cribs. These include bassinets for infants, portable cribs and play yards. These cribs typically come with mesh or rigid sides, and they are usually smaller than full-size cribs.
Check the manufacturer's guidelines to determine the recommended mattress size in case you choose a crib that isn't standard. There could be specifications that differ 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 ensure it's not more than 1 inch. This is the minimum safe distance.
A waterproof mattress cover can help keep it clean and safe from spills or accidents. Choose one with an antimicrobial barrier that helps reduce bacteria, and an anti-allergenic layer that blocks allergens.
If you're considering a crib with drop-sides, know that they have been linked to 32 infant deaths between 2000 and 2010, and were banned in the US in 2011. If you do decide to buy a drop-side crib or get one as a hand-me-down make sure you remove it when your baby is 35 inches tall or is able to climb out.
Safety
A crib for your baby is the most secure place for your child. It is not only an area to rest, but also where you can see and hold them frequently. There are a variety of brands and models of cribs available, each one must comply with certain safety standards. These standards are set forth by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and they make sure the cribs you buy are safe for your baby.
Before you put your child in the crib, make sure the crib is clean and free of dust and dander. Take away any toys or stuffed animal that could fall off the crib. Also, do not use any blankets or pillows in the crib as they could cause suffocation. Use a fitted sheet and a mattress cover.
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 inspected to ensure conformity. While these rules are not directly applicable to cribs, the CPSC has ruled that it is appropriate to mandate that cribs and other furniture constructed of composite wood comply with this important new law.
Other commenters suggested that a requirement that fasteners be retightened between dynamic tests should be included in the crib standard that is being developed. We strongly disagree with this idea. The dynamic tests - the shake test and the vertical mattress support impact test - are designed to replicate and increase the use and abuse of cribs by children. Screws that are loose are the 2nd leading cause of fatalities in cribs.
Other comments were based on EWS incident information. The data shows that the most common hazards associated with cribs are drop-sides and mattresses that are unsafe. We decided to focus our attention on these issues and to incorporate the performance standards already incorporated into the existing mandatory standard. By reference incorporation is the best crib method to ensure that the safety of cribs is maintained in a consistent and effective manner.
Style
The design of your baby's nursery is an exciting and rewarding endeavor. The main focal point of any nursery is the crib, therefore it is essential to pick one that matches your style and complements the room's decor. If you're looking for a contemporary and minimalist design or more traditional, there's a wide selection of stylish cribs to choose from. There are cribs for every budget, from the most affordable to high-end. Just be certain that the crib you select meets all of the required safety standards.
A crib is a tiny special Mini Cot Bed designed specifically for infants and children. It has slatted walls that provide safe ventilation and is often constructed of sturdy materials like wood. Cribs are generally larger than bassinets and can be more expensive, but they are more functional for your baby's first three years of life.
There are a variety of styles of cribs available on the market, however they all must be in compliance with strict safety standards. For instance, the crib slats should not exceed 6 centimeters apart (that's approximately the size of a soda container), and you should stay clear of ornamental cutouts or designs in the headboard or footboard.
Additionally, the mattress must be able to fit comfortably into the crib's opening. This is because any gaps between the crib and mattress can cause babies legs and arms to get caught in the crib. Many cribs include stabilizer bars to help keep the mattress in place. However, if you own a crib that doesn't have them, make sure you purchase an extra mattress pad to provide support.
A good crib also has a low-sitting mattress that helps keep toddlers from stepping over the crib's edge. It's a great feature for parents with smaller children or rooms that are small Be sure to check the mattress's height prior to you purchase. The corners of many mattresses will show the crib's maximum and minimum mattress heights.
If you're looking for a crib that can grow with your child, think about buying a convertible crib. These cribs can be transformed into an infant bed as well as a daybed or a full-size bed. A few of the cribs on our list, like 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 most cribs are priced in the hundreds of dollars however, there are a few cribs available on the market that are budget friendly. The Graco Classic 4-in-1 crib, for example, costs less than $200 and is 5 stars rated by BabyCenter, Baby Bargains, and National Parent Publications. It also has an overall profile that is medium height, making it simple to get your child inside and out.
Another crib that is budget-friendly is the Munchkin Brica Travel Pod. This portable sleep and play option is simple to set up and folds down in a matter of minutes. It can be used indoors or outdoors on a patio or deck and is suitable for infants up to 15 pounds. It's not a long-term sleeping solution, however, as your baby will outgrow it in about six months.
There are also bassinets that are budget-friendly and cribs that can be used for the initial few months, allowing you to keep your baby close and comfortable. They are more expensive, but they are also smaller and easier to move. However, they're only a short-term sleeping solution and your baby will outgrow them before their first birthday.
A quality crib should have a sturdy, solid mattress support that can be adjusted in four different positions based on the growth of your baby. It must be low enough to let you get in and out easily, particularly when you are less than 5'5. Some cribs have posts that extend over 1 8 inches above the mattress's opening, which could cause your child to be trapped as they play or climb.
Some cribs feature an attached changing area which can make diapering a little easier and faster. Although they are convenient however, they take up more floor space than traditional cribs, and might not be the best option for smaller nurseries.
You should also consider the materials that the crib is made from. Many traditional cribs are made from particleboard, which can contain formaldehyde, which is a well-known carcinogen. Look for a crib that is constructed out of solid wood or has an aluminum base instead.