Choosing a Baby Crib
It's exciting to design a nursery, however, choosing the crib will be one of your 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 height.
Make sure to check the crib's hardware regularly. Bolts and nails can become loose with time. Also, don't place your crib near drapes or window blinds that hang down, which could present a risk of strangulation for your baby.
Size
Size is a key factor to consider when purchasing the right crib. A crib should be large enough to accommodate a sleeping infant but small enough that you can safely reach your baby to attend to them. It should be sturdy enough to withstand the everyday wear and tear.
The majority of cribs are made from metal or wood and most come with sliding sides. These features are designed to allow caregivers to view the baby from different angles and ensure adequate air flow. Cribs can be used from birth until your child is approximately two years old, when they will need to be moved into a toddler bed.
Most cribs are equipped with a mattress support height that can be lowered or raised as your baby grows. The lowest setting is best for babies. The most advanced setting is for infants who are able to sit up or crawl. Take measurements of the crib's interior to ensure the mattress is suitable. The slatted design can create small gaps that could be dangerous to your baby.
Certain manufacturers offer cribs that are not standard and mattresses that comply with the same safety standards as full-size cribs. These include play yards and portable infant beds and bassinets. These cribs are smaller than the standard ones and have solid or mesh sides.
If you opt for a non-standard crib, review the manufacturer's guidelines for mattress size recommendations. There could be specific requirements that differ from the standard crib size of 52 inches long and 28 inches wide. You should also check the gap between the crib and mattress to make sure that it is not more than 1 inch which is the most safe space.
A waterproof mattress cover for your baby can help keep it clean and protected from accidents or spit-up. Choose one with an antimicrobial barrier that reduces bacteria, and a hypoallergenic layer to block allergens.
If you're thinking about 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. Even if you intend to buy or receive a crib with drop sides for your baby ensure that you get rid of it once your child reaches 35 inches or can be able to climb out.
Safety
A crib for babies is the most secure spot for your child. It's not just an area for rest but also a place to see and hold them frequently. There are numerous crib models and brands on the market. However, all must meet certain safety standards. The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets these standards to ensure that cribs are safe for infants.
Before putting your baby in the crib, make sure it is clean and free of dander and dust. 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 the suffocation of children. Make use of a fitted sheet and a mattress cover.
Some commenters suggested cribs should be in compliance with formaldehyde emission standards outlined in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act. L. 112-199) and that cribs made of composite wood should be inspected to ensure compliance. The CPSC has determined that, even though these regulations do not directly apply to cribs or other furniture made of composite wood, it is appropriate to enforce conformity with this important law.
Other commenters suggested that the requirement that fasteners be tightened again between dynamic tests should be included in the new crib standard. This suggestion is not a good idea for us. The dynamic tests - the shake test and the vertical mattress support impact test - are designed to mimic and increase the use and abuse of cribs by children. The loose screw is the second most common cause of fatalities in cribs.
Other comments were based upon the EWS incident information. The data shows that the most frequently cited hazards that are associated with cribs include dangerous mattresses and drop-sides. We decided to pay particular focus on these issues and incorporate the performance standards already included in the standard that is currently mandatory. The incorporation of reference standards is the best way to ensure that the safety of cribs is maintained in a consistent and efficient manner.
Style
It's a satisfying and thrilling experience designing your baby's nursery. The focal point of any nursery is the crib, so it's important to choose one that matches your style and compliments your room's decor. There are many elegant cribs to choose from, whether you want something contemporary and minimalist or traditional. There are options available in every price range, from affordable to upscale. Make sure that the crib you select meets all of the required safety standards.
A crib is a compact bed that is specifically designed for infants and babies. It features slatted walls to allow for adequate ventilation and is usually built from sturdy materials like wood. Cribs can be bigger and more expensive than bassinets but offer greater functionality during the first three years of your child's existence.
There are a variety of crib styles available, but all of them must meet safety standards. The crib slats, as an instance, shouldn't exceed 6 centimeters (about the size of a can of soda) apart. Also, you should beware of cutouts or ornaments in the headboard and footboard.
Additionally the mattress should fit comfortably inside the crib's opening. This is because any gaps between the crib and the mattress can cause infants legs and arms to become entangled. A lot of cribs have bars for stability to help keep the mattress in place. If your crib does not come with stabilizer bars, then you'll need to buy an additional mattress pad for support.
A great crib also has a mattress that is low, which helps prevent children from stepping over the edge of the crib. This is a great feature for parents with small children or rooms that are restricted in size. However, make sure to measure the mattress's height prior your purchase. The majority of mattresses will have a label on the corner, which indicates the crib's minimum and maximum heights.
If you are looking for a crib that can grow with your child, think about buying a convertible crib. These types of cribs can be converted into an infant bed as well as a daybed or a full-size bed. Some of the cribs on our list, including 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 the majority of cribs are priced at hundreds of dollars Some cribs are more affordable. The Graco Classic 4 in 1 Crib costs less than 200 dollars and is rated 5 stars by BabyCenter and Baby Bargains. It also has an overall profile that is medium height, making it easy to take your child in and out.
The Munchkin Brica travel pod is another crib that is budget-friendly. This portable play and sleep option is simple to install and folds away in a matter of minutes. It can be used indoors or out on a deck or patio. It is suitable for infants weighing up to 15 pounds. It is not intended to be a permanent solution for sleeping because your child will outgrow it within six months.
You can also find budget-friendly bassinets and cradles that you can use during the first few weeks to keep your baby snug and close. While they are a bit more expensive than a standard crib, they are also more compact and easy to move around. However, they are only a short-term sleeping solution and your baby is likely to outgrow them prior to their first birthday.
A quality crib should be sturdy and solid mattress support that is able to be adjusted to four different positions, depending on the growth of your baby. It should be low enough for you to reach into and out of it easily, particularly in the case of children under 5'5 inches. Some cribs feature posts that are higher than 1 8 inch above the opening of the mattress This can cause your child to be stuck while they play or try to climb.
Some cribs have attached changing areas, which makes diaper changing simpler and quicker. Although they are convenient however, they take up more space than traditional cribs and might not be the best option for smaller nurseries.
You should also think about the materials that the crib is constructed of. A lot of cribs are made from particleboard that contains formaldehyde. Look for a crib that is made from solid wood or has an aluminum base instead.