Choosing a Baby Crib
It's thrilling to design a nursery but choosing the crib will be one of the most crucial decisions. Whether it's the style of slats, the mattress height or conversion capabilities the crib the baby sleeps in will impact their development and health.
Make sure to check the crib's hardware regularly. Bolts and nails could get loose over time. Avoid placing your crib in close proximity to blinds or drapes hanging because they could pose a strangulation risk for your baby.
Size
When choosing a crib the size is a key aspect. A crib should be large enough to accommodate a sleepy infant, but small enough so that you are able to reach your child to listen to them. It should also be strong enough to stand up to the wear and tear of everyday use.
The majority of cribs are made from metal or wood and come with sides that are slatted. These features let caregivers observe the baby from different angles and encourage airflow. Cribs are utilized from birth until your child is approximately two years old, when they will need to be moved into the toddler bed.
Most standard cribs have a mattress support height that can be adjusted or raised as your baby develops. The lowest setting is best for newborns, while the highest setting is good for babies who sit up or crawl. Check the crib's dimensions to ensure that the mattress is suitable. The slatted design could leave tiny gaps that could pose a risk to your baby.
Certain manufacturers offer cribs that are not standard and mattresses that comply with the same safety standards of full-size cribs. These include play yards as well as portable infant beds and bassinets. These cribs often come with mesh or rigid sides, and they tend to be smaller than full-size cribs.
If you opt for a non-standard crib, look up the manufacturer's guidelines to determine mattress size recommendations. There may be 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 make sure that it is not more than 1 inch which is the maximum safe space.
A waterproof mattress cover for your baby can keep it clean and protected from spit-up or accidents. Find one that has an antimicrobial layer that reduces bacteria and a hypoallergenic barrier that stops allergens.
If you are considering a crib with drop-sides, know that they were associated with 32 infant deaths between 2000 and 2010, and are banned in the US in 2011. Even if you decide to purchase a crib with a drop-side or receive one as a gift, be sure to get rid of it once your baby is 35 inches tall or can be able to climb out.
Safety
A crib for your baby is among the most secure places for your child to sleep. It's a place to relax and also a place where you can keep them close and check on them frequently. There are a variety of cribs and brands available each one must comply with certain safety standards. These standards are established by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and they make sure the cribs you buy are safe for your baby.
Before you put your child in the crib, make sure it is clean and free of dander and dust. Also, take out any toys or stuffed animals that may fall out of the crib. Use no blankets or pillows within the crib. cots 4 tots can cause suffocation. Instead, use a mattress pad and a fitted sheet.
Some commenters suggested that cribs ought to be required to comply with the formaldehyde emission standards set out in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act (Pub. L. 111-199) and cribs made of composite wood must be tested to ensure that they meet the standards. The CPSC has determined that, even though these regulations do not directly apply to cribs or other furniture made of composite wood, it is still appropriate to insist on conformity with this important law.
Some commenters suggested that the new crib standard should contain a requirement to retighten fasteners after dynamic tests. This suggestion is not acceptable to us. The shake test and the vertical mattress support tests are dynamic tests that simulate and increase the abuse of cribs. The loose screw is the second most frequent cause of crib fatalities.
Other comments were based upon EWS incident information. These data show that the most frequently cited hazards that are associated with cribs include drop-sides and unsafe mattresses. We therefore decided to focus on these issues in the rulemaking process and to include the performance standards that are currently included in the current mandatory standard through reference. By incorporating the performance standards by reference we can ensure that safety in cribs is maintained consistently and effectively.
Style
It is a rewarding and exciting process to design the nursery of your baby's. The crib is the focal feature of any nursery, so it is important to pick one that matches your style and complements the decor. There are numerous chic cribs available regardless of whether you're looking for something modern and minimalist or traditional. There are options for everyone's budget, from affordable to high-end. Make sure that the crib you pick is safe and meets all safety standards.
A crib is a small, specially designed bed for infants and children. It is constructed of durable materials like wood and has slatted wall panels to allow for a safe airflow. Cribs can be larger and more expensive than bassinets but offer greater functionality during the initial three years of your child's existence.
There are a variety of crib styles available, but all of them must be in compliance with safety standards. The crib's slats for example, should not exceed 6 centimeters (about the width of a can of soda) apart. It is also recommended to avoid decorative shapes or cutouts on the footboard and headboard.
The mattress should also fit snugly in the crib's opening. This is crucial because gaps between the mattress and crib can cause infants legs or arms to get entangled. A lot of cribs have stabilizer bars that aid in keeping the mattress in place. If your crib doesn't come with stabilizer bars, then you'll need to buy a mattress pad to provide additional support.
A quality crib also comes with a low-sitting mattress that prevents children from climbing over the edge of the crib. This is an excellent feature for parents with smaller children or rooms that are restricted in size. However, make sure to measure the mattress height before making your purchase. Most mattresses will include a sticker on the corner that lists the crib's minimum and maximum heights.
If you want an infant crib that grows with your child, think about purchasing a convertible crib. These types of cribs can be transformed into an infant bed, a daybed and even a bed that is full size. A few of the cribs in our list, like the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 4-in-1, come with conversion kits that are included. The rest require an additional purchase.
Budget
While most cribs are priced in the hundreds of dollars There are a few cribs available on the market that are affordable. The Graco Classic 4-in-1 crib, for example, costs less than $200 and has been rated 5-stars 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.
The Munchkin Brica travel pod is another affordable crib. It is easy to set up and folds up in a few minutes. It can be used indoors or outside, on decks or patios. It is suitable for babies weighing up to 15 pounds. It's not a permanent sleep solution, however as your baby will grow out of it after approximately six months.
You can also find affordable bassinets and cradles that can be used for the first few weeks to keep your baby comfortable and close. They are more expensive, but they are also smaller and easier to move. They are not a permanent sleep solution for your baby and they will outgrow them before their first birthday.
A crib that is of good quality will have a mattress support that is sturdy and secure, and it can be adjusted to four different positions based on the baby's weight. It should also be low enough to allow you to reach into and out easily, particularly when you are less than 5'5 inches. Some cribs have posts that extend over 1 8 inches above the opening of the mattress, which can cause your child to become trapped while they play or attempt to climb.
Some cribs feature attached changing areas that make diapering a bit more convenient and quicker. They are handy however they take up more space than traditional cribs. They might not be a suitable choice for smaller nurseries.
You should also consider the materials the crib is made of. Many cribs are constructed of particleboard, which is made up of formaldehyde. Instead, opt for a crib made from solid wood or with a metal base.