Choosing a Baby Crib
It's exciting to design a nursery but choosing the crib is one of your most important decisions. The design of the slats, 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 get loose over time. Be sure to avoid placing your crib close to window blinds or drapes that hang down, which could create a strangulation risk for your baby.
Size
When shopping for a crib, size is an important factor. A crib should be big enough to accommodate a sleepy infant, but small enough so that you are able to reach your baby to attend to them. It should also be sturdy enough to stand up to the wear and tear of daily use.
The majority of cribs are made from metal or wood and the majority of them come with sliding sides. These features are designed to allow caregivers to view the baby from different angles and ensure proper air flow. Cribs are utilized from birth until your child is approximately two years of age, at which point they require moving into a toddler bed.
Most cribs are equipped with a mattress height that can be adjusted to accommodate your baby's growth. The lowest setting is best for infants, whereas the highest setting is suitable for babies who sit up or crawl. Take measurements of the crib's interior to ensure the mattress will fit. The slatted design can leave tiny gaps that could be hazardous for your baby.
recommended you read offer cribs that are not standard 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 full-size ones and come with mesh or rigid sides.
If you choose a non-standard crib, check the manufacturer's guidelines for mattress sizes. There could be specific specifications that differ from the standard crib size of 52 inches long and 28 inches wide. Also, you should be sure to check the distance between the crib mattress and the crib to make sure it's not more than 1 inch. This is the minimum safe distance.
A waterproof cover can protect your baby's bedding from accidents and spills. Choose a cover with an antimicrobial barrier that reduces bacteria, and an anti-allergenic layer that blocks allergens.
If you are considering a crib with drop-sides, be aware that they have been linked to the deaths of 32 infants between 2000 and 2010 and are banned in the US as of. If you do decide to purchase or get a crib with drop sides be sure to dispose of it when your child reaches 35 inches or has the ability to climb out.
Safety
A baby crib is the most secure place for your child. It's a place to relax and also a place where you can keep them close and observe them often. While there are many different cribs and brands available all of them must be able to meet certain safety standards. These standards are set forth by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and they ensure that the cribs you purchase are safe for your baby.
Before you place your child in the crib make sure the crib is clean and free of dander and dust. Remove any toys or stuffed animal that might fall out of the crib. Also, don't use any pillows or blankets in the crib; these can cause death by suffocation. Instead, you should use a mattress pad and a fitted sheet.
Some commenters suggested cribs should conform to formaldehyde emissions standards as outlined in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act. L. 111-199), and cribs made from composite wood should be tested to determine if they are in compliance. The CPSC has concluded that, although these requirements do NOT directly apply to cribs or other furniture made from composite wood, it is still appropriate to enforce conformity with this important law.
Some commenters suggested that the requirement that fasteners be retightened between dynamic tests should be added to the new crib standard. This suggestion is not acceptable to us. The shake test and the vertical mattress support impact tests are dynamic tests that simulate and increase the abuse of cribs. Screws that are loose are the second leading cause of fatalities in cribs.
Other comments were based upon the EWS incident information. These data show that the two most frequent crib dangers are unsafe mattresses and drop-sides. We decided to focus our attention on these concerns and to incorporate the performance standards already included in the standard that is currently mandatory. By incorporating them by reference, we can ensure that crib safety is maintained consistently and effectively.
Style
It is a rewarding and exciting process to design the nursery of your baby's. The main focal point of any nursery is the crib, therefore it's important to choose one that matches your style and matches the room's decor. If you're looking for a modern and minimalist style or more traditional, there's a wide selection of stylish cribs to choose from. There are options for every price range, from affordable to luxurious. Make sure 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 for a safe airflow. Cribs are often larger and more expensive than bassinets however they offer more functionality for the initial three years of your child's existence.
There are a variety of crib designs available, but all must meet safety standards. For instance the crib slats must not be more than 6 centimeters apart (that's about the width of a soda bottle) and you should not use decorative cutouts or shapes on the footboard or headboard.
Additionally, the mattress must fit snugly inside the crib's opening. This is crucial because gaps between the crib and the mattress can cause infants legs or arms to get caught in. Many cribs include stabilizer bars to help keep the mattress in place. If your crib does not have stabilizer bars, you'll need to purchase an additional mattress pad for support.
A low-level mattress is another characteristic of a quality crib that can help keep children from climbing up the crib's edge. It's an excellent feature for parents with smaller children or rooms with limited space, but be sure to verify the mattress's height prior purchase. The corner of the majority of mattresses will list the crib's maximum and minimum mattress heights.
If you're looking for a crib that grows with your child, consider purchasing a convertible crib. These cribs can be turned into a toddler bed, a daybed and even a bed that is full size. Certain cribs, such as the Babyletto Hudson 4-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 3-in-1 have 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 budget-friendly. The Graco Classic 4 in 1 Crib is less than 200 dollars and is 5 stars rated by BabyCenter and Baby Bargains. It also has a profile that is moderate in height, making it simple to get your child in and out.
Another affordable crib is the Munchkin Brica Travel Pod. The portable sleep and play option is easy to set up and folds down in an hour. It can be used indoors as well as outdoors on a deck or patio and is suitable for babies up to 15 pounds. It is not designed to be a permanent solution to sleeping as your child will outgrow the product within six months.
There are also bassinets that are budget-friendly and cribs that can be used for the initial few months, allowing you to keep your baby snug and close. While they're more expensive than a standard crib, they are also more compact and easier to move around. But, they're only a temporary solution for sleeping and your baby will outgrow them before their first birthday.
A good crib will include a mattress support that is sturdy and secure, and it can be adjusted to four different positions based on the baby's height. It should be low enough for you to reach in and out of it easily, especially if you're under 5'5. Some cribs feature posts that are higher than 1 8 inches above the opening of the mattress This can cause your child to become stuck while they play or attempt to climb.
Some cribs come with attached changing areas which can make diapering a little more convenient and quicker. They are handy however they require more space than traditional cribs. They may not be a good choice for smaller nurseries.
Take a look at the materials the crib is made of. The majority of cribs are constructed of particleboard. These materials can contain formaldehyde, which is a well-known carcinogen. Instead, choose a crib made of solid wood or with a metal base.