Choosing a Baby Crib
Designing a nursery is an exciting time, but selecting the crib is one of the most important decisions you'll make. The style of slats, the mattress height or the ability to convert the crib your baby sleeps in will impact their health and development.
Be aware that nails and bolts may be loose in time, so check the crib's hardware regularly. Avoid placing your crib in close proximity to drapes or blinds hanging, as they can pose the risk of strangulation to your baby.
Size
When choosing the perfect crib size is a crucial factor. The crib should be large enough to fit a sleeping baby, yet small enough for you to be able to reach them easily and take care of them. It should also be strong enough to stand up to the wear and tear of daily use.
The majority of cribs are constructed from metal or wood and a majority include sliding sides. These features are designed to allow caregivers to view the baby from different angles and ensure the proper flow of air. Cribs can be used from birth until your child is around two years old. older, at which point they will require moving into a toddler bed.
Most cribs are equipped with an adjustable mattress that can be adjusted to suit your baby's development. The lowest setting is suitable for newborns, whereas the highest setting is good 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 leave small gaps which could be hazardous to your baby.
Some manufacturers offer non-standard cribs and mattresses that comply with the same safety standards of full-size cribs. These include bassinets for infants, portable cribs, and play yards. These cribs are smaller than the standard cribs and have solid or mesh sides.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions to determine the recommended mattress size if you select one that isn't standard. There could be specific requirements that differ from the standard crib size of 52 inches long and 28 inches wide. Also, you should check the space between the crib mattress and the crib to make sure it is not more than 1 inch. This is the most safe distance.
A waterproof cover can protect your baby's mattress from spills and accidents. Look for one with an antimicrobial layer to cut down on bacteria and a hypoallergenic barrier that stops allergens.
If you're thinking of buying a crib with drop sides, you should be aware that they were linked to 32 deaths of babies between 2000 and 2010, and have been outlawed in the US since. If you do decide to buy or receive a crib with drop sides ensure that you remove it when your child reaches 35 inches or can be able to climb out.
Safety
A crib for your baby is the most secure place for your child. It's a place for them to rest, but also a place where you can keep them close and check on them often. There are cots 4 tots and brands on the market. However, all have to meet certain safety requirements. These standards are laid out by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and they make sure cribs you purchase are safe for your baby.
Before you place your child in the crib, ensure that the crib is clean and free of dust and dander. Remove any toys or stuffed animal that could fall off the bed. Also, don't use any pillows or blankets inside 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 should be required to meet formaldehyde emission standards laid out in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act (Pub. L. 111-199) and cribs constructed from composite wood should be tested to ensure that they meet the standards. While these rules don't directly apply to cribs but the CPSC has decided that it is appropriate to mandate that cribs and other furniture constructed of composite wood meet the requirements of this important new law.
Other commenters suggested that the requirement that fasteners be tightened again between dynamic tests should be added to the crib standard that is being developed. This suggestion is not acceptable to us. The shake test as well as the vertical mattress support impact tests are dynamic tests that simulate and increase the abuse of cribs. Loose screws are the second leading cause of fatal incidents in cribs.
Other comments were based upon EWS incident information. The data shows that the most frequently cited dangers associated with cribs are dangerous mattresses and drop-sides. Therefore, we decided to concentrate on these concerns in the rulemaking process and to include the performance standards that are already included in the existing mandatory standard through reference. By incorporating the performance standards by reference we can ensure that safety in cribs is maintained consistently and effectively.
Style
It is a rewarding and exciting experience designing your baby's nursery. The crib is the main focal point of any nursery, so pick one that matches your style and complements the decor. If you're looking for a modern and minimalist look or something more traditional, there are plenty of chic cribs to pick from. There are options for every price range, from the cheapest to high-end. Just be certain that the crib you pick is in compliance with all the necessary safety guidelines.
A crib is a compact crib designed especially for infants and babies. It is constructed with slatted walls to provide safe ventilation and is often constructed of sturdy materials like wood. Cribs are usually larger than bassinets, and can be more expensive, but they offer more functionality for your baby's early years.
There are many crib styles that are available, however all must be safe to use. The crib slats, for instance, shouldn't be more than 6 centimeters (about the size of a can of soda) apart. You should also avoid decorative shapes or cutouts in the headboard and footboard.
The mattress should be able to fit comfortably into the crib's opening. This is crucial because gaps between the mattress and crib can allow babies legs or arms to get caught in. A lot of cribs have bars for stabilization to keep the mattress in place. However, if you own a crib that doesn't, be sure to buy a mattress pad for extra support.
A great crib also has a low-sitting mattress that prevents toddlers from climbing over the crib's edge. This is a fantastic feature for parents with small children or rooms that are restricted in size. However, it is important to measure the mattress's height prior your purchase. Most mattresses will include a sticker on the corner that indicates the crib's minimum and maximum mattress heights.
Consider purchasing a convertible crib if want your crib to grow with your child. These types of cribs can be turned into an infant bed or 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 require an additional purchase.
Budget
While the majority of cribs are priced in the hundreds of dollars, there are a few cribs on the market that are affordable. The Graco Classic 4-in-1 Crib, for example, costs less than $200 and is rated 5-stars by BabyCenter, Baby Bargains, and National Parent Publications. It also has a medium height profile that makes it simple to take your baby into and out.
The Munchkin Brica travel pod is another budget-friendly crib. The portable sleep and play option is easy to set up and folds up in two minutes. It can be used indoors as well as outdoors on a patio or deck and is suitable for babies up to 15 pounds. It is not a permanent sleep solution, however because your baby will grow out of it after approximately six months.
There are also bassinets that are budget-friendly and cribs that can be used for the initial few months, which allows you to keep your baby in a safe and secure environment. They are more expensive, but they are also smaller and easier to move. They are only a temporary sleeping solution and your baby will outgrow them before their first birthday.
A good crib will include a mattress support that is sturdy and secure, and is able to be adjusted to four different positions depending on the baby's size. It should also be low enough to allow you to reach into and out easily, especially when you are less than 5'5 inches. Some cribs have posts that are higher than 1 8 inch above the mattress opening which can cause your baby to become entrapped as they play or climb.
Some cribs come with separate changing rooms which can make diapering a little more convenient and quicker. Although they are convenient however, they take up more space than traditional cribs and might not be the best choice for smaller nurseries.
You should also consider the materials that the crib is constructed of. A lot of cribs are made from particleboard, which is made up of formaldehyde. Instead, opt for a crib made of solid wood or with a metal base.