Choosing a Baby Crib
It's exciting to design a nursery however, choosing the crib will be one of the most crucial decisions. The crib in which your baby sleeps in will have a significant impact on their health and development regardless of the design of the slats or the mattress height.
Check your crib hardware periodically. Bolts and nails may become loose over time. Also, avoid placing your crib near drapes or window blinds that hang down, which could create a strangulation risk for your baby.
Size
When choosing the perfect crib size is a crucial aspect. The crib should be large enough to accommodate a sleeping baby, but small enough that you can reach them safely to care for them. It should be strong enough to withstand the daily wear and tear.
The majority of cribs are made from wood or metal, and a majority have slatted sides. These features allow caregivers to view the baby from various angles and also encourage airflow. Cribs can be used from birth until your child is around two years old. old, when they will need to be moved into the toddler bed.
Most cribs are equipped with a mattress support height that can be lowered or raised as your baby develops. The lowest setting is ideal for infants. The most advanced setting is for infants who can sit up or crawl. Be sure to check the inside of your crib to make sure that the mattress fits as the slatted structure of most cribs may leave small gaps that could be dangerous for your baby.
Some manufacturers offer non-standard cribs and mattresses that meet the same safety standards of full-size cribs. These include play yards and portable infant beds and bassinets. These cribs are smaller than standard cribs and have solid or mesh sides.
Check the manufacturer's guidelines to determine the recommended mattress size in case you select 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 examine the space between the crib mattress and the crib to make sure that it is not greater than one inch. This is the minimum safe distance.
A waterproof mattress cover can keep it clean and protected from spit-up or accidents. Choose a cover with an antimicrobial layer that helps to reduce bacteria and a hypoallergenic barrier that stops allergens.
If you are considering a crib with drop-sides, know that they've been associated with 32 infant deaths between 2000 and 2010 and are banned in the US as of. If you do decide to purchase or receive a crib with drop sides, make sure to remove it when your child is 35 inches or can get out.
Safety
A crib for babies is among the most secure places for your child to sleep. It is not only an area to rest, but also where you can be able to see them and hold them frequently. There are a myriad of models and brands of cribs available all of them must meet certain safety standards. These standards are set forth by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and they make sure cribs you purchase are safe for your baby.
Before you put your child in the crib make sure that it is clean, free of dust and dander. Also, take out any toys or stuffed animals that might fall out of the crib. Also, do not use any blankets or pillows in the crib; these can cause death by suffocation. Instead, use mattress pads and a fitted sheet.
Some commenters suggested that cribs ought to be required to comply with the formaldehyde emission standards outlined in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act (Pub. cots and tots -199) and cribs constructed of composite wood must be tested to determine if they are in compliance. While these rules are not directly applicable to cribs but the CPSC has ruled that it is appropriate to require that cribs and other furniture constructed of composite wood meet the requirements of this important new law.
Others suggested that the new crib standard should contain the requirement of tightening fasteners between dynamic tests. This suggestion is not acceptable to us. The dynamic tests - the shake test and the vertical mattress support test - are designed to simulate 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 upon EWS incident information. These data show that the most frequently cited hazards associated with cribs are dangerous mattresses and drop-sides. We decided to pay particular attention on these concerns and incorporate the performance standards already included in the existing mandatory standard. By incorporating them by reference, we can ensure that safety in cribs is maintained consistently and effectively.
Style
It's a satisfying and exciting experience to design your baby's nursery. The focal point of any nursery is the crib, therefore it's important to choose one that matches your style and complements the room's decor. There are a variety of stylish cribs available, whether you want something contemporary and minimalist or traditional. There are options available in every price range, from budget to high-end. Be sure that the crib you pick has all the safety requirements.
A crib is a compact bed designed specifically for babies and infants. It is made of sturdy materials like wood, and has slatted wall panels to allow safe ventilation. Cribs can be larger and more expensive than bassinets, but offer greater functionality for the initial three years of your child's life.
There are a variety of styles of cribs available on the market, but they all must be in compliance with strict safety standards. For example the crib slats need to be no more than 6 centimeters apart (that's approximately the size of a soda container), and you should avoid using ornamental cutouts or designs in the footboard or headboard.
Additionally, the mattress must be able to fit comfortably inside the crib's opening. This is because gaps between the crib and the mattress can cause infants' arms and legs to become entangled. Many cribs come with stabilizer bars that aid in keeping the mattress in place. If your crib doesn't include stabilizer bars, you'll need to buy a mattress pad as extra support.
A good crib also has a low sitting mattress level, which helps prevent toddlers from stepping over the crib's edge. This is a great feature for parents with smaller children or rooms that are small in size. But, be sure to verify the mattress height before making your purchase. The majority of mattresses will include a sticker at the corner which lists the crib's minimum and maximum heights.
Consider buying an adjustable crib if you want your crib to change with your child. These types of cribs can be turned into a toddler bed as well as a daybed or a bed that is full size. Some cribs on our list, including 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 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, for example, costs less than $200 and is 5 stars rated by BabyCenter, Baby Bargains, and National Parent Publications. It also has a medium height profile, which makes it easy to get your baby in and out.
The Munchkin Brica travel pod is another crib that is budget-friendly. It is easy to set up and folds up in a few minutes. It can be used inside or outside, on decks or patios. It is suitable for babies who weigh up to 15 pounds. It is not designed to be a permanent solution for sleeping as your child will outgrow the product within six months.
You can also find budget-friendly bassinets and cradles that can be used for the first few weeks to keep your baby comfortable and close. Although they're more expensive than a standard crib, they are also smaller and easy to move around. They're 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 sturdy and secure, and can be adjusted to four different positions depending on the baby's height. cots 4 tots should be low enough to allow you to reach in and out of it easily, especially if you're under 5'5. Some cribs have posts that extend more than 1 8 inches above the opening of the mattress, which can cause your child to get stuck while they play or attempt to climb.
Some cribs come with attached changing areas which can help diapering a bit more convenient and quicker. While they are useful however, they take up more space than traditional cribs, and might not be the best choice for smaller nurseries.
It is also important to consider the materials that the crib is made of. A lot of cribs made from particleboard, which can contain formaldehyde which is a known carcinogen. Choose a crib made from solid wood or comes with a metal base instead.