Choosing a Baby Crib
It's exciting to design a nursery but picking the crib will be one of your most important decisions. The crib in which your baby sleeps will have a significant impact on their health and development, whether it is the style of the slats or mattress's height.
Examine the crib's hardware frequently. Bolts and nails may become loose over time. Also, avoid placing your crib near window blinds or drapes that hang down, which could present a risk of strangulation for your baby.
Size
Size is one of the most important factors to consider when shopping for the right crib. A crib should be big enough to accommodate a sleeping infant, but small enough so that you are able to reach your baby to attend to them. It should be sturdy enough to withstand the everyday wear and tear.
The majority of cribs are constructed of metal or wood, and are fitted with slatted side panels. These features are designed to allow caregivers to observe the baby from different angles and to 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 standard cribs come with a mattress height that can be adjusted to meet your baby's development. The lowest setting is ideal for newborns. The most advanced setting is for infants who can sit up or crawl. Be sure to measure the inside of your crib to make sure that the mattress fits because the slatted style of a lot of cribs leave small gaps that could pose a danger for your baby.
Certain manufacturers offer cribs that are not standard and mattresses that meet the same safety standards as full-size cribs. These include portable infant beds, bassinets, and play yards. These cribs are smaller than the standard cribs and have solid or mesh sides.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions to determine the recommended mattress size in case you decide to purchase a crib that is not standard. They may have specific specifications that differ from the standard crib mattress dimensions of 28 inches wide and 52 inches long. Also, you should test the gap between the crib and mattress to be sure it is no more than 1 inch, which is the maximum safe space.
A waterproof cover can shield your baby's bedding from spills and accidents. Look for one with an antimicrobial layer that reduces the growth of bacteria as well as a hypoallergenic barrier that eliminates allergens.
If you're thinking of buying a crib with drop sides, be aware that they were associated with 32 infant deaths between 2000 and 2010, and have been outlawed in the US from 2011. Even if you intend to purchase or get a drop-side baby crib, make sure to dispose of it when your child is 35 inches or can get out.
Safety
A baby crib is one of the safest places for your child to sleep. It's not just a place to rest but also a place to be able to see them 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 you place your child in the crib, make sure that it is clean, free of dust and dander. Also, take away any toys or stuffed animals that could fall out of the crib. Do not place any pillows or blankets inside the crib. They could cause death by suffocation. Instead, use a mattress pad and a fitted sheet.
Some commenters suggested that cribs ought to be required to meet formaldehyde emission standards set out in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act (Pub. L. 111-199) and that cribs constructed of composite wood should be inspected to determine if they are in compliance. While these rules don't directly apply to cribs however, the CPSC has decided that it is appropriate to demand that cribs and other furniture made of composite wood meet the requirements of this important new law.
Others suggested that the new crib standard should contain a requirement to retighten fasteners between dynamic tests. We strongly oppose this suggestion. The shake test as well as the vertical mattress support impact tests are dynamic tests that simulate and accelerate crib abuse. Loose screws are the second leading cause of fatal incidents in cribs.
Other comments were based upon the EWS incident data. The data shows that the most frequent dangers associated with cribs are dangerous mattresses and drop-sides. Therefore, we have decided to focus on these issues in the new rulemaking process and to incorporate the performance standards that are currently included in the current mandatory standard through reference. By incorporating by reference, we can ensure that crib safety is maintained consistently and effectively.
Style
The process of designing your baby's nursery can be an exciting and rewarding process. The crib is the main focal point of any nursery, so you should select one that fits your style and complements the decor. If you're looking for a contemporary and minimalist look or something more traditional, there are plenty of chic cribs to pick from. There are options for everyone's budget, from the most affordable to high-end. Make sure the crib you choose meets all safety requirements.
A crib is a compact bed that is specially designed for infants and babies. It is made of sturdy materials such as wood and is fitted with slatted wall panels to allow for safe ventilation. Cribs are often larger and more expensive than bassinets but offer greater functionality for the initial three years of your child's life.
There are many different styles of cribs available on the market, but they all must meet strict safety standards. For instance, the crib slats should not be more than 6 centimeters apart (that's roughly the width of a soda bottle), and you should stay clear of decorative cutouts or shapes in the headboard or footboard.
The mattress must be able to fit snugly into the crib's opening. This is important because gaps between the mattress and crib could allow infants' arms or legs to become entangled. Many cribs come with stabilizer bars that aid in keeping the mattress in position. But if you have a crib that doesn't, ensure you buy a mattress pad for extra support.
A low-level mattress is another feature of a good crib that can help keep children from climbing up the crib's edge. This is a great feature for parents with small children or rooms that are restricted in space. But, be sure to verify the mattress's height prior your purchase. The corner of most mattresses will show the crib's maximum and minimum mattress heights.
If you're looking for a crib that grows with your child, think about buying a convertible crib. These cribs can be converted into an infant's bed, a daybed, or even a bed that is full size. Some cribs, like 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 at hundreds of dollars, some cribs are affordable. The Graco Classic 4-in-1 Crib, for example, costs less than $200 and is rated 5-stars by BabyCenter, Baby Bargains, and National Parent Publications. It also has a profile that is medium height, making it easy to take your child in and out.
Another budget-friendly crib is the Munchkin Brica Travel Pod. This portable play and sleep option is easy to put together and folds in just a few minutes. It can be used indoors or outside on a patio or deck and is suitable for infants up to 15 pounds. It's not a permanent sleep solution, however since your baby will grow out of it after about six months.
You can also find budget-friendly bassinets and cradles can be used for the first few weeks to keep your baby safe and close. They are more expensive, but they are also smaller and easier to move. However, they are only a short-term sleeping solution and your baby is likely to outgrow them prior to their first birthday.
A good crib should have a sturdy, solid mattress support that is able to be adjusted in four different positions, based on your baby's growth. It should be low enough to let you reach in and out easily, especially when you are less than 5'5 inches. Some cribs have posts that extend higher than 1 8 inch above the mattress opening which can cause your baby to become entrapped as they play or climb.
Some cribs feature separate changing rooms that can make 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 the crib is made from. Many traditional cribs are made of particleboard, which may contain formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. Instead, opt for a crib made from solid wood or with a metal base.