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 conversion capabilities the crib that your baby sleeps on will impact their development and health.
Make sure to check the crib's hardware regularly. Bolts and nails can get loose over time. Do not place your crib near drapes or blinds that hang, as they can pose an injury risk to your baby.
Size
When you are looking for a crib, size is an important factor. The crib should be large enough to accommodate a sleepy baby, yet small enough that you can reach them in a safe manner to take care of them. It should be strong enough to withstand the everyday wear and tear.
The majority of cribs are constructed from metal or wood and most come with sliding sides. These features allow caregivers to observe the baby from different angles and also encourage airflow. Cribs are utilized from birth until your child is around two years old. of age, at which point they require moving into the toddler bed.
The majority of cribs come with a mattress support height that can be adjusted or raised as your baby grows. The lowest setting is ideal for newborns, whereas the highest setting is good for babies who are able to sit up or crawl. Take measurements of the crib's interior to ensure the mattress will fit. The slatted design can leave small gaps which could pose a risk to your baby.
Manufacturers offer mattresses and cribs that aren't standard sizes, yet have the same safety standards. These include play yards, portable infant beds, and bassinets. These cribs often have mesh or rigid sides, and they tend to be smaller than cribs that are full-size.
Review the manufacturer's guidelines to determine the recommended mattress size in case you choose a crib that is not standard. There could be requirements that differ from the standard crib size of 52 inches long and 28 inches wide. It is also important to check the space between the crib mattress and the crib to ensure it's not more than one inch. This is the minimum safe distance.
A waterproof mattress cover can keep it clean and safe from spills or accidents. Choose one with an antimicrobial barrier that reduces bacteria and an anti-allergenic layer that blocks allergens.
If you're thinking about buying a crib with drop sides, be aware that they were associated with 32 deaths of babies between 2000 and 2010. They have been banned in the US since 2011. If you do decide to buy or receive a crib with drop sides for your baby be sure to remove it when your child is 35 inches or can be able to climb out.
Safety
A crib for babies is the most secure place for your child. It is a place to relax but also a space where you can keep them close and check on them often. There are numerous crib models and brands available on the market. However, all must meet certain safety requirements. These standards are laid out by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and they ensure that the cribs you buy are safe for your baby.
Before putting your child in the crib, make sure the crib is clean and free of dust and dander. Also, take out any toys or stuffed animals that might fall out of the crib. Don't put any blankets or pillows within the crib. They can lead to the suffocation of children. Use a fitted sheet or mattress covers instead.
Some commenters suggested cribs should conform to formaldehyde emission standards outlined in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act. L. 112-199) and cribs constructed from composite wood should be tested to ensure that they meet the standards. Although weblink don't directly apply to cribs however, the CPSC has ruled that it is appropriate to demand that cribs and other furniture made from composite wood comply with this important new law.
Others suggested that a 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 shake test as well as the vertical mattress support tests are dynamic tests that simulate and accelerate abuse of cribs. Loose screws are the second most common cause of fatal accidents in cribs.
Other comments were based on the EWS incident information. The data shows that the two most frequent crib dangers are mattresses that are not safe and drop-sides. We therefore decided to focus on these issues in the new rulemaking process and to include the performance standards already contained in the existing mandatory standard, with reference. The incorporation of reference standards is the best method to ensure the cribs' safety is maintained in a uniform and effective manner.
Style
It's a satisfying and thrilling experience to design the nursery of your baby's. The crib is the focal point of any nursery, so pick one that matches your style and complements the decor. Whether you prefer a modern and minimalist look or something more traditional, there are lots of stylish cribs to choose from. There are options available in every price range, from budget to high-end. Be sure that the crib you pick is in compliance with all the necessary safety standards.
A crib is a compact, specially designed bed for infants and children. It is made of sturdy materials like wood and has slatted wall panels to allow safe ventilation. Cribs can be larger and more expensive than bassinets but offer greater functionality during the initial three years of your child's life.
There are many crib styles available, but all of them must be in compliance with safety standards. For instance, the crib slats should be no more than 6 centimeters apart (that's approximately the size of a soda can), and you should stay clear of ornamental cutouts or patterns on the footboard or headboard.
In addition, the mattress must fit comfortably into the crib's opening. This is because gaps between the crib and the mattress can cause babies' arms and legs to become entangled. Many cribs include bars for stability to help keep the mattress in place. However, if you own an unstabilized crib, make sure you purchase an extra mattress pad to provide 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 great feature for parents with children who are smaller or rooms that are limited in size. However, make sure to check out the mattress height before making your purchase. Most mattresses have a sticker on the corner that shows the crib's minimum and maximum mattress heights.
Consider buying a convertible crib if want your crib to grow with your child. These cribs can be transformed into an infant's bed, a daybed or even a bed that is full size. Some cribs on our list, such as the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 4-in-1, have conversion kits included. The rest will require an extra purchase.
Budget
While the majority of cribs cost hundreds of dollars Some cribs are more affordable. The Graco Classic 4 in 1 Crib is less than 200 dollars and has been rated 5 stars by BabyCenter and Baby Bargains. It also has an overall profile that is medium height, making it simple to take your child in and out.
Another budget-friendly crib is the Munchkin Brica Travel Pod. This portable sleep and play option is easy to put together and folds in a matter of minutes. It can be used indoors or outdoors on a deck or patio and is suitable for infants up to 15 pounds. It's not a permanent sleep solution, however, since your baby will outgrow it after approximately six months.
There are also budget-friendly cradles and bassinets that you can use during the first few weeks to keep your baby snug and close. Although they're more expensive than a standard crib, they are also smaller and easier to move around. They are only a temporary crib for sleeping and your baby will outgrow it by the time they reach their first birthday.
A quality 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 size. It should be low enough to allow you to reach in and out of it 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 could cause your child to be trapped as they play or climb.
Some cribs have an attached changing area that help diapering a bit more convenient and quicker. Although they are convenient but they can take up more floor space than traditional cribs and might not be the best choice for smaller nurseries.
It is also important to consider the materials that the crib is made from. A lot of cribs made of particleboard, which may contain formaldehyde which is a known carcinogen. Look for a crib that is made out of solid wood or has a metal base instead.