Choosing a Baby Crib
It's exciting to design a nursery, but choosing the crib will be one of the most crucial choices. The crib in which your baby sleeps will have a significant impact on their development and health whether it's the style of the slats or mattress height.
Keep in mind that nails and bolts can become loose over time, so be sure to check your crib hardware regularly. Be sure to avoid placing your crib near window blinds or drapes that dangle, which pose a strangulation hazard for your baby.
Size
When choosing a crib, size is an important factor. The crib should be big enough to accommodate a sleepy baby, but small enough for you to reach them in a safe manner to take care of them. It should also be sturdy enough to withstand the wear and tear of regular use.
The majority of cribs are made from wood or metal, and a majority come with the slatted sides. These features allow caregivers to see the baby from various angles and also encourage airflow. Cribs can be used until your child reaches the age of two.
The majority of cribs come with a mattress support height that can be lowered or raised as your baby develops. The lowest setting is best for newborns. The highest setting is ideal for babies who can sit up or crawl. Make sure you measure the interior of your crib to be sure that the mattress is suitable, as the slatted design of most cribs can create small gaps that could pose a danger for your baby.
Some manufacturers offer cribs with non-standard sizes 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 often have rigid or mesh sides, and they tend to be smaller than full-size cribs.
If you decide to purchase an alternative crib, be sure to look up the manufacturer's guidelines to determine mattress sizes. There may be specific specifications that differ from the standard crib size of 52 inches long and 28 inches wide. It is also important to be sure to check the distance between the crib mattress and the crib to ensure it is not more than one inch. This is the minimum safe distance.
A waterproof cover will protect your baby's bed from accidents and spills. Choose a cover with an antimicrobial barrier that reduces bacteria, and a hypoallergenic layer to block allergens.
If you're considering a crib with drop sides, you should be aware that they were linked to 32 baby deaths between 2000 and 2010, and have been banned in the US since 2011. Even if you plan to purchase or receive a crib with drop sides for your baby ensure that you remove it when your child is 35 inches or can get out.
Safety
A crib for your baby is among the most secure places for your child to sleep. It is a place for them to rest and also a place where you can keep them close and check on them often. There are many crib models and brands available 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 the crib is clean and free of dust and dander. Remove any toys or stuffed animal that could fall off the bed. Don't put any blankets or pillows within the crib. They can lead to suffocation. Instead, you should use mattress pads and a fitted sheet.
Some commenters suggested that cribs ought to be required to be in compliance with formaldehyde emission standards laid out in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act (Pub. L. 111-199) and that cribs made of composite wood should be tested to ensure compliance. Although these requirements are not directly applicable to cribs but the CPSC has determined that it is appropriate to demand that cribs and other furniture constructed of composite wood comply with this important new law.
Some commenters suggested that a requirement that fasteners be tightened again between dynamic tests should be included in the crib standard being revised. 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 on the EWS incident information. The data shows that the most common hazards associated with cribs are drop-sides and unsafe mattresses. We have decided to concentrate our attention on these issues and to incorporate the standards of performance already in the standard that is currently mandatory. By incorporating the performance standards by reference we can ensure that the safety of cribs is maintained consistently and effectively.
Style
It's a satisfying and exciting process to design your baby's nursery. The crib is the focal point of any nursery, so you should choose one that suits your style and complements the decor. Whether you prefer a modern and minimalist look or something more traditional, there are lots of chic cribs to pick from. There are options for everyone's budget, from affordable to upscale. Make sure that the crib you choose is safe and meets all safety standards.
A crib is a tiny crib designed especially for babies and infants. It is constructed with slatted walls to allow for adequate ventilation and is usually constructed from durable materials such as wood. Cribs can be bigger and more expensive than bassinets, however they offer more functionality during the first three years of your child's existence.
There are many crib styles that are available, however all must meet safety standards. For instance the crib slats need to be no more than 6 centimeters apart (that's roughly the width of a soda bottle), and you should not use ornamental cutouts or designs on the footboard or headboard.
Additionally, the mattress must fit comfortably into the crib's opening. This is because gaps between the crib and mattress can cause infants legs and arms to become entangled. A lot of cribs have bars for stabilization that assist in keeping the mattress in place. However, if you own an unstabilized crib, ensure you buy mattress pads for additional support.
A mattress that is low-level is another feature of a good crib that can help keep toddlers from climbing over the crib's edge. It's an excellent feature for smaller parents or rooms that are small, but be sure to check the mattress height before you make your purchase. Most mattresses will have a label at the corner which indicates the crib's minimum and maximum heights.
If you want a crib that grows with your child, you should consider buying a convertible crib. These cribs can be converted into an infant's bed, a daybed or even a full-size bed. Some cribs on our list, including the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 4-in-1, have conversion kits that are included. The rest will require an additional purchase.
Budget
While most cribs cost hundreds of dollars Some cribs are more affordable. The Graco Classic 4-in-1 crib is one of them. It costs less than $200 and is 5 stars rated by BabyCenter, Baby Bargains, and National Parent Publications. It also has a medium height profile that makes it simple for you to take your baby in and out.
The Munchkin Brica travel pod is another budget-friendly crib. This portable sleep and play option is easy to install and folds away in a matter of minutes. It can be used indoors or outside on a deck or patio and is suitable for babies up to 15 pounds. It's not a long-term sleep solution, however because your baby will outgrow it in about six months.
There are also affordable bassinets and cribs that can be used for the initial few months, which allows you to keep your baby snug and close. While they're more expensive than a standard crib, they are also more compact and easy to move around. However, they're only a temporary sleeping solution and your baby is likely to outgrow them before the first birthday.
A good crib should be sturdy and secure mattress support that can be adjusted into four different positions, based on the growth of your baby. It must be low enough for you to reach in and out of it easily, especially in the case of children under 5'5 inches. Some cribs have posts that stand higher than 1 8 inches above the mattress opening which can cause your child to get trapped when they play or climb.
online cots feature an attached changing area that can make diapering a little easier and faster. They are useful however they take up more space than traditional cribs. They may not be a suitable choice for smaller nurseries.
Take a look at the materials the crib is made from. Many cribs are made of particleboard that contains formaldehyde. Instead, opt for a crib that is made of solid wood or with a metal base.