Choosing a Baby Crib
It's exciting to design a nursery however, choosing the crib will be one of your most crucial decisions. The style of slats, the mattress height or the capability to convert the crib that your baby sleeps on will affect their development and health.
Make sure to check the crib's hardware regularly. Bolts and nails can become loose with time. Avoid placing your crib in close proximity to blinds or drapes that hang, as they can pose a strangulation risk for your baby.
Size
Size is one of the most important factors to take into consideration when buying a crib. A crib should be large enough to accommodate a sleeping infant, but small enough so that you can safely reach your baby in order to talk to them. It should also be sturdy enough to withstand the wear and tear of daily use.
Most cribs are made of metal or wood, and are fitted with side panels that are slatted. These features allow caregivers to see the baby from various angles and promote airflow. Cribs are available until your child reaches the age of two.
Most standard cribs come with the mattress height which can be adjusted to suit your baby's development. The lowest setting is suitable for newborns, while the highest setting is good for babies who sit up or crawl. Take measurements of the crib's interior to ensure that the mattress will fit. The slatted design can leave tiny gaps that could be dangerous for your baby.
Manufacturers have cribs and mattresses that are not standard sizes, but meet the same safety standards. These include bassinets for infants, portable cribs, and play yards. These cribs often have mesh or rigid sides, and are usually smaller than the full-size cribs.
Review the manufacturer's guidelines to determine the recommended mattress size in case you decide to purchase a crib that isn't standard. There could be requirements that are different from the standard crib size of 52 inches long and 28 inches wide. You should also examine the space between the crib mattress and the crib to ensure that it is not greater than 1 inch. This is the minimum safe distance.
A waterproof cover can shield your baby's bed from spills and accidents. Choose one with an antimicrobial barrier that reduces bacteria, and a hypoallergenic layer that blocks allergens.
If you're considering a crib with drop sides, be aware that they were linked to 32 infant deaths between 2000 and 2010 and have been outlawed in the US since. If you do decide to purchase or get a drop-side baby crib, make sure to remove it when your child reaches 35 inches or is able to be able to climb out.
Safety
A crib for your baby is the safest place for your child. It is not only an area to rest, but also where you can be able to see them and hold them frequently. There are numerous crib models and brands on the market. But, they all have to meet certain safety requirements. The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets these standards to ensure that cribs are safe for babies.
Before putting your child in the crib, make sure the crib is clean and free of dander and dust. Remove any toys or stuffed animals that may fall out of the bed. Also, don't put any pillows or blankets in the crib as they could cause the suffocation of children. Instead, you should use mattress pads and a fitted sheet.
Some commenters suggested that cribs ought to be required to meet 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 inspected to determine if they are in conformity. Although these requirements don't directly apply to cribs, the CPSC has determined that it is appropriate to demand that cribs and other furniture made from composite wood meet the requirements of this important new law.
Other commenters suggested that a requirement that fasteners be tightened after dynamic tests should be included in the crib standard that is being developed. We strongly disagree with this idea. The dynamic tests - such as the shake test and the vertical mattress support impact test are designed to mimic and accelerate the use and abuse of cribs by children. Screws that are loose are the second most common cause of fatal accidents in cribs.
Other comments were based on the EWS incident records. These data show that the two most frequent crib dangers are mattresses that are not safe and drop-sides. We have decided to concentrate our attention on these concerns and include the performance standards already included in the current mandatory standard. By incorporating by reference , we can ensure that the safety of cribs is maintained consistently and efficiently.
Style
It's a satisfying and exciting experience designing your baby's nursery. The focal point of any nursery is the crib, so it's crucial to choose a crib that fits your style and complements the room's décor. There are many stylish cribs available regardless of whether you're looking for something contemporary and minimalist or traditional. There are options for everyone's budget, from affordable to luxurious. Be sure that the crib you pick meets all of the required safety guidelines.
A crib is a tiny, specially designed bed for babies and infants. It is constructed of durable materials like wood, and features slatted wall paneling to allow safe ventilation. Cribs are often larger and more expensive than bassinets but offer greater functionality for the initial three years of your child's life.
There are many different types of cribs that are available on the market, but they all must meet strict safety standards. The crib slats, for example, should not exceed 6 centimeters (about the size of a can of soda) apart. It is also recommended to beware of cutouts or ornaments in the footboard and headboard.
The mattress should be able to fit comfortably into the crib's opening. This is because any gaps between the crib and the mattress can cause infants' arms and legs to become entangled. Many cribs have bars for stabilization that help keep the mattress in its place. However, if you own a crib that doesn't, make sure you purchase mattress pads for additional support.
A quality crib also comes with a mattress that is low that prevents children from climbing over the crib's edge. It's an excellent feature for parents with smaller children or rooms that are small However, be sure to verify the mattress's height prior to you purchase. The majority of mattresses will have a sticker on the corner that indicates the crib's minimum and maximum mattress heights.
You should consider buying a convertible crib if you would like your crib to expand with your child. These cribs can be converted into the toddler's bed, a daybed or even a full-size bed. Certain cribs, such as the Babyletto Hudson 4-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 3-in-1, come with conversion kits. The rest require an additional purchase.
Budget
While the majority of cribs are priced at hundreds of dollars However, there are some cribs that are affordable. The Graco Classic 4-in-1 Crib is one of them. It costs less than $200 and has been highly rated 5 stars by BabyCenter, Baby Bargains, and National Parent Publications. It also has a profile that is medium height, making it simple to take your child in and out.
Another crib that is budget-friendly is the Munchkin Brica Travel Pod. The portable sleep and play option is simple to put together and folds down in an hour. It can be used indoors or outside, on a patio or deck. It is suitable for babies who weigh up to 15 pounds. It is not a permanent sleep solution, however since your baby will grow out of it after about six months.
There are also budget-friendly bassinets and cradles that are suitable for the beginning of the first few months, which allows you to keep your baby snug and close. Although they're more expensive than a standard crib they are also more compact and easier to move around. They're only a temporary crib for sleeping and your baby will outgrow it by the time they reach their first birthday.
A crib that is of good quality should be sturdy and solid mattress support that is able to be adjusted into four different positions, based on the development of your baby. It should be low enough to let you reach into and out easily, particularly when you are less than 5'5 inches. Some cribs have posts that extend more than 1 8 inches above the mattress opening which can cause your child to get trapped when they play or climb.
Some cribs have attached changing areas which can make diapering a bit easier and faster. While these are convenient, they tend to take up more floor space than traditional cribs and might not be the ideal choice for smaller nurseries.
You should also consider the materials the crib is made from. Many cribs are made of particleboard that contains formaldehyde. Find a crib that is constructed from solid wood or comes with a metal base instead.