Choosing a Baby Crib
The process of designing a nursery can be an exciting experience, but choosing the right crib is among the most crucial choices you will make. The crib that your baby sleeps will have a major impact on their health and development whether it's the design of the slats or the mattress's height.
Keep in mind that nails and bolts may be loose in time, so check your crib's hardware frequently. Avoid placing your crib near blinds or drapes hanging because they could pose the risk of strangulation to your baby.
Size
Size is a key factor to consider when shopping for a crib. The crib should be big enough to accommodate a sleepy baby, but compact enough for you to reach them in a safe manner to care for them. It should also be durable enough to stand up to the wear and tear of daily use.
The majority of cribs are made out of metal or wood, and the majority of them come with sliding sides. These features allow caregivers to view the baby from various angles and also encourage airflow. Cribs are used from birth until the child is around two years old. old, when they will need to be moved into a toddler bed.
Most standard cribs come with a mattress height that can be adjusted to suit the baby's growing needs. The lowest setting is best for newborns, while the highest setting is good for babies who are able to sit up or crawl. Measure the crib's interior to ensure the mattress is suitable. The slatted design can create small gaps that could be hazardous to your baby.
Manufacturers offer cribs and mattresses that are not standard sizes, but have the same safety standards. These include play yards as well as portable infant beds and bassinets. These cribs usually come with mesh or rigid sides, and they tend to be smaller than full-size cribs.
If you opt for a non-standard crib, check the manufacturer's guidelines for mattress size guidelines. There may be specific specifications that differ 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 maximum safe distance.
A waterproof cover can protect your baby's bedding from spills and accidents. Choose a cover with an antimicrobial layer that reduces bacteria and a hypoallergenic barrier that stops allergens.
If you're considering a crib with drop sides, you should be aware that they were linked to 32 infant deaths between 2000 and 2010, and have been banned in the US from 2011. Even if you plan to purchase a crib with drop sides or get one as a hand-me-down make sure you eliminate it when your baby is 35 inches tall or has the ability to get out.
Safety
A crib for babies is among the most secure places to let your child sleep. It is not only an area for rest but also a place where you can see and hold them frequently. There are many crib models and brands available on the market. However, all must 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 that it is clean, free of dust and dander. Remove any toys or stuffed animals that might fall out of the bed. Also, don't use any pillows or blankets in the crib, as they can cause the suffocation of children. Use a fitted sheet and a mattress cover instead.
Some commenters suggested cribs should be in compliance with formaldehyde emissions standards as outlined in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act. L. 112-199) and that cribs constructed of composite wood should be inspected to ensure conformity. While these rules do not directly apply to cribs but the CPSC has determined that it is appropriate to mandate that cribs and other furniture made from composite wood meet the requirements of this important new law.
Some commenters suggested that the new crib standard should include a requirement to retighten fasteners in between dynamic tests. This suggestion is not a good idea for us. The shake test and vertical mattress support impact tests are dynamic tests that simulate and increase the abuse of cribs. The loose screw is the second most frequent cause of crib deaths.
Other comments were based upon the EWS incident information. The data shows that the most frequent hazards associated with cribs are drop-sides and unsafe mattresses. We decided to pay particular focus on these issues and to incorporate the standards of performance already in the current mandatory standard. The incorporation of reference standards is the best method to ensure that the safety of cribs is ensured in a consistent and efficient way.
Style
It's an enjoyable and exciting experience to design the nursery of your baby's. The centerpiece of any nursery is the crib, therefore it is essential to pick one that matches your style and matches the room's decor. There are numerous elegant cribs to choose from, whether you want something modern and minimalist or more traditional. There are options available in every price range, from affordable to upscale. Be sure that the crib you choose meets all safety requirements.
A crib is a compact bed that is specially designed for infants and children. It is made of sturdy materials like wood, and has slatted wall panels to allow for a safe airflow. Cribs are often larger and more expensive than bassinets, however they offer more functionality during the first three years of your child's life.
There are a variety of crib designs that are available, however all must be safe to use. The crib slats, as an instance, shouldn't be more than 6 centimeters (about the size of a can of soda) apart. Also, you should beware of cutouts or ornaments on the footboard and headboard.
In addition, the mattress must fit snugly within the crib's opening. This is essential because gaps between the crib and the mattress can allow babies' arms or legs to get caught in. Many cribs come with stabilizer bars to aid in keeping the mattress in position. But if you have an unstabilized crib, make sure you purchase a mattress pad for extra support.
A great crib also has a low-sitting mattress, which helps prevent toddlers from climbing over the edge of the crib. This is a fantastic feature for parents with smaller children or rooms that are limited in size. But, be sure to measure the mattress's height prior to making your purchase. The corners of many mattresses will show the crib's maximum and minimum mattress heights.
If cheap cots want a crib that grows with your child, think about buying a convertible crib. These cribs can be transformed into toddler beds, a daybed and even a bed that is full size. A few of the cribs on our list, like the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 4-in-1, have conversion kits included. The rest will require an additional purchase.
Budget
While most cribs cost hundreds of dollars, some cribs are affordable. The Graco Classic 4-in-1 Crib for instance, is priced less than $200 and is rated 5-stars by BabyCenter, Baby Bargains, and National Parent Publications. It also has a profile that is moderate in high, making it easy to get your child in and out.
Another crib that is budget-friendly is the Munchkin Brica Travel Pod. It is easy to set up and folds up in an hour. It can be used inside or outside, on a deck or patio. It is suitable for babies weighing up to 15 pounds. It's not a permanent sleeping solution, however, because your baby will outgrow it in approximately six months.
There are also budget-friendly bassinets and cradles that you can use for the first few weeks to keep your baby snug and close. They cost more however they are smaller and easier to move. But, they're only a short-term sleeping solution, and your baby will outgrow them prior to their first birthday.
A good crib will have a mattress support that is solid and secure, and can be adjusted to four different positions depending on the baby's height. It should be low enough to let you reach in and out easily, especially in the case of children under 5'5 inches. Some cribs have posts that are higher than 1 8 inches above the mattress opening which can cause your child to become entrapped as they play or climb.
Some cribs feature attached changing areas that make diapering a bit more convenient and quicker. While these are convenient but they can take up more space than traditional cribs and may 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 are made from particleboard, which is made up of formaldehyde. Instead, opt for a crib made from solid wood or with a steel base.