Choosing a Baby Crib
Designing a nursery is an exciting experience, but choosing a crib is one of the most crucial decisions you will make. The crib in which your baby sleeps will have a major impact on their development and health whether it's the style of the slats, or the mattress's height.
Remember that nails and bolts may wiggle loose over time, so make sure you check the crib's hardware regularly. Do not place your crib near blinds or drapes hanging because they could pose an injury risk to your baby.
Size
Size is one of the most important factors to consider when shopping for the right crib. A crib should be large enough to accommodate a sleepy infant but small enough that you are able to reach your child to listen to them. It should be strong enough to withstand the daily wear and tear.
The majority of cribs are made from wood or metal and have sides that are slatted. These features allow caregivers to view the baby from various angles and promote airflow. Cribs can be used up until your child reaches the age of two.
Most standard cribs have a mattress support height that can be adjusted or raised as your baby develops. The lowest setting is ideal for newborns, whereas the highest setting is ideal for babies who sit up or crawl. Be nursery cots to check the interior of your crib to make sure that the mattress fits as the slatted structure 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 have the same safety standards as full-size cribs. These include play yards and portable infant beds and bassinets. These cribs are smaller than full-size ones and have solid or mesh sides.
Review the manufacturer's guidelines to determine the recommended mattress size in case you decide to purchase a crib that is not standard. There could be specific requirements that differ from the standard crib size of 52 inches long and 28 inches wide. It is also recommended to check the gap between the crib and mattress to be sure that it is not more than 1 inch, which is the maximum safe space.
A waterproof mattress cover can help keep it clean and safe from spills or accidents. Find one that has an antimicrobial layer that helps to reduce bacteria and a hypoallergenic barrier that blocks allergens.
If you're thinking about buying a crib with drop sides, you should be aware that they were associated with 32 infant deaths between 2000 and 2010. They have been outlawed in the US from 2011. Even if you decide to buy a drop-side crib or receive one as a hand-me-down make sure you eliminate it when your baby is 35 inches tall or is able to get out.
Safety
A crib for your baby is the most secure spot for your child. It's not just a place to rest but also a place to be able to see them and hold them frequently. There are a variety of models and brands of cribs on the market, each one must meet certain safety standards. These standards are laid out by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and they ensure that cribs you purchase are safe for your baby.
Before you put your child in the crib make sure it is clean and free of dust and dander. Also, take out any toys or stuffed animals that may fall out of the crib. Also, do not use any blankets or pillows in the crib; these can cause death by suffocation. Use a fitted sheet and a mattress cover.
Some commenters suggested that 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 ensure that they meet the standards. The CPSC has concluded that although these rules do not directly apply to cribs or other furniture made from composite wood, it is still appropriate to require compliance with this important law.
Other commenters suggested that the new crib standard should contain the requirement to tighten fasteners between dynamic tests. We strongly oppose this suggestion. The dynamic tests - the shake test and the vertical mattress support impact test - are designed to simulate and increase the use and abuse of cribs by children. Screws that are loose are the 2nd leading cause of fatalities in cribs.
Other comments were based on EWS incident information. These data show that the two most common crib hazards are unsafe mattresses and drop-sides. Therefore, we decided to concentrate on these issues in the rulemaking process and to incorporate the performance standards already included in the existing mandatory standard, with reference. Incorporation by reference is the best method to ensure that the safety of cribs is maintained in a consistent and efficient way.
Style
The process of designing your baby's nursery can be an exciting and rewarding process. The crib is the main focal element of any nursery, so you should select one that fits your style and compliments the decor. If you're looking for a contemporary and minimalist design or more traditional, there are lots of stylish cribs to choose from. There are options for every budget, from the cheapest to luxurious. Make sure that the crib you select conforms to all safety standards.
A crib is a compact bed designed specifically for babies and infants. It is constructed of durable materials like wood and features slatted wall paneling to allow for safe ventilation. Cribs can be 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 that are available, however all must be safe to use. For instance the crib slats must be no more than 6 centimeters apart (that's roughly the width of a soda bottle) and you should stay clear of ornamental cutouts or patterns in the footboard or headboard.
The mattress should be able to fit comfortably into the crib's opening. This is essential because gaps between the mattress and crib can cause infants' arms or legs to get caught in. A lot of cribs have bars for stabilization that aid in keeping the mattress in its place. But if you have a crib that doesn't have them, make sure you purchase mattress pads for additional support.
A quality crib also comes with a mattress that is low, which helps prevent children from stepping over the edge of the crib. This is a great feature for parents with smaller children or rooms that are limited in space. However, make 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 the toddler's bed, a daybed, or even a bed that is full size. A few cribs on our list, like the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 4-in-1, have conversion kits that are included. The rest require an additional purchase.
Budget
While the majority of 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 has been 5 stars rated by BabyCenter, Baby Bargains, and National Parent Publications. It also has a profile that is medium high, making it easy to get your child in and out.
The Munchkin Brica travel pod is another crib that is budget-friendly. It is easy to assemble and folds down in two minutes. It can be used indoors or outside, on a deck or patio. It is suitable for infants weighing up to 15 pounds. It is not intended to be a permanent solution for sleeping because 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, which allows you to keep your baby snug and close. They're more expensive however they are smaller and easier to move. They are only a temporary sleeping solution and your baby will outgrow them before their first birthday.
A crib that is of good quality should have a sturdy, secure mattress support that can be adjusted into four different positions, based on your baby's growth. It should be low enough to allow you to get in and out easily, particularly in the case of children under 5'5. Some cribs have posts that stand higher than 1 8 inches above the mattress's opening, which can cause your child to become trapped as they play or try to climb.
Some cribs have attached changing areas, which makes diaper changing easier and faster. While they are useful but they can take up more floor space than traditional cribs, and might not be the best choice for smaller nurseries.
Think about the materials that the crib is made of. A lot of cribs are made from particleboard, which is made up of formaldehyde. Instead, opt for a crib that is made of solid wood or with a metal base.