Choosing a Baby Crib
It's exciting to design a nursery but choosing the crib will be one of the most important decisions. Whether it's the style of slats, mattress height or the ability to convert the crib that your baby sleeps on will affect their development and health.
Check your crib hardware periodically. Bolts and nails may become loose with time. Avoid placing your crib near drapes or blinds that hang because they could pose a strangulation risk for your baby.
Size
When shopping for the perfect crib, size is an important factor. A crib should be big enough to accommodate a sleepy infant, yet small enough that you can safely reach your child to listen to them. It should be sturdy enough to withstand the everyday wear and tear.
The majority of cribs are constructed of wood or metal and have sides that are slatted. These features are designed to allow caregivers to view the baby from different angles and to ensure the proper flow of air. Cribs can be used from birth until the child is about two years old. of age, at which point they need to be moved into a toddler bed.
The majority of cribs have an adjustable mattress that can be adjusted to meet your baby's development. The lowest setting is suitable for newborns, whereas the highest setting is ideal for babies who are able to sit up or crawl. Take measurements of the crib's interior to ensure that the mattress is suitable. The slatted design can create small gaps that could pose a risk to 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 portable infant beds, bassinets, and play yards. These cribs typically come with mesh or rigid sides, and they are generally smaller in size than cribs that are full-size.
If you choose a non-standard crib, look up the manufacturer's guidelines to determine mattress size guidelines. There may be specific specifications that differ from the standard crib size of 52 inches long and 28 inches wide. You should also 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 maximum safe distance.
A waterproof cover will protect your baby's bedding from accidents and spills. Choose one with an antimicrobial layer that eliminates bacteria and a hypoallergenic layer that blocks allergens.
If you're considering a crib that has drop-sides, be aware that they've been linked to 32 infant deaths between 2000 and 2010 and were banned in the US as of. If you do decide to purchase a crib with drop sides or receive one from a friend, be sure to get rid of it once your baby is 35 inches tall or can get out.
Safety
A crib for babies is one of the safest places for your child to sleep. It's not just a place to rest but also where you can be able to see them and hold them frequently. There are numerous crib models and brands available on the market. But, they all have to meet certain safety requirements. 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 the crib is clean and free of dander and dust. Also, remove any toys or stuffed animals that might fall out of the crib. Also, don't put any pillows or blankets inside the crib, as they can cause the suffocation of children. Instead, you should use a mattress pad and a fitted sheet.
Some commenters suggested that cribs ought to be required to meet formaldehyde emission standards outlined in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act (Pub. L. 111-199) and cribs made from composite wood should be tested to ensure compliance. Although these regulations don't directly apply to cribs but the CPSC has determined that it is appropriate to mandate that cribs and other furniture made of composite wood meet the requirements of this important new law.
Some commenters suggested that the new crib standard should contain the requirement to tighten fasteners in between dynamic tests. This suggestion is not something we would consider. The shake test and the vertical mattress support 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 on the EWS incident records. These data indicate that the two most frequent crib hazards are unsafe mattresses and drop-sides. Therefore, we decided to concentrate on these concerns in the new rulemaking process and to include the performance standards that are already contained in the existing mandatory standard by reference. By incorporating by reference, we can ensure that crib safety is maintained consistently and efficiently.
Style
Designing your baby's nursery is an exciting and rewarding endeavor. The centerpiece of any nursery is the crib, so it's crucial to choose a crib that matches your style and compliments your room's decor. If you're looking for a modern and minimalist design or more traditional, there are plenty of stylish cribs to choose from. You can find options in every price range, from budget to upscale. Make sure that the crib you choose meets all of the required safety standards.
A crib is a compact special bed designed specifically for infants and children. It is constructed of durable materials like wood, and features slatted wall paneling to allow for a safe airflow. Cribs can be larger and more expensive than bassinets, but they are more functional for the first three years of your child's life.
There are many crib styles available, but all must be in compliance with safety standards. For example the crib slats need to be no more than 6 centimeters apart (that's approximately the size of a soda container) and you should avoid using decorative cutouts or shapes in the footboard or headboard.
Additionally, the mattress must be able to fit comfortably inside the crib's opening. This is crucial because gaps between the mattress and crib can allow babies' arms or legs to get caught in. Many cribs include bars for stabilization to keep the mattress in place. If your crib doesn't include stabilizer bars, you'll need to purchase an additional mattress pad for support.
A great crib also has a low sitting mattress level, which helps prevent toddlers from climbing over the crib's edge. It's a great feature for parents with smaller children or rooms with a limited space Be sure to check the mattress height before you make your purchase. The majority of mattresses will have a sticker on the corner that indicates the crib's minimum and maximum heights.
If you're looking for a crib that can grow with your child, you should consider purchasing a convertible crib. These types of cribs can be converted into an infant bed as well as a daybed or a bed that is full size. A few of the 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 additional purchase.
Budget
While the majority of cribs are priced at hundreds of dollars However, there are some cribs that are affordable. The Graco Classic 4-in-1 Crib is one of them. It costs less than $200 and has been 5 stars rated by BabyCenter, Baby Bargains, and National Parent Publications. It also has an overall profile that is medium height, making it simple to get your child inside and out.
Another budget-friendly crib is the Munchkin Brica Travel Pod. It is simple to put together and folds up in a few minutes. It can be used indoors or outside, on decks or patios. It is suitable for babies who weigh up to 15 pounds. It's not a permanent sleep solution, however, because your baby will outgrow it in about six months.
You can also find affordable cradles and bassinets that you can use during the first few weeks to keep your baby safe and close. They're more expensive but they are smaller and easier to move. But, they're only a short-term sleeping solution and your baby will outgrow them before the first birthday.
A crib that is of good quality should be sturdy and solid mattress support that can be adjusted to four different positions based on the development of your baby. It should be low enough to let you reach into and out easily, especially in the case of children under 5'5. Some cribs have posts that are higher than 1 8 inches above the mattress's opening, which can cause your child to get trapped as they play or attempt to climb.
Some cribs have attached changing areas, which makes diaper changing simpler and quicker. Although they are convenient, they tend to take up more floor space than traditional cribs and may not be the best option for smaller nurseries.
Take a look at the materials that the crib is constructed of. A lot of cribs made of particleboard, which may contain formaldehyde which is a known carcinogen. Instead, opt for a crib made of solid wood or with a metal base.