Choosing a Baby Crib
The process of designing a nursery is an exciting time, but selecting the right crib is among the most important decisions you'll make. The style of slats, mattress height or the ability to convert, the crib the baby sleeps in will affect their health and development.
Be aware that bolts and nails can be loose in time, so make sure you check your crib's hardware frequently. Also, avoid placing your crib close to window blinds or drapes that dangle, which present a risk of strangulation for your baby.
Size
When you are looking for the perfect crib the size is a key factor. The crib should be big enough to accommodate a sleeping baby, but compact enough that you can reach them in a safe manner to take care of them. It should also be strong enough to stand up to the wear and tear of everyday use.
The majority of cribs are constructed of metal or wood and come with slatted side panels. These features allow caregivers to see the baby from various angles and encourage airflow. Cribs are used from birth until the child is about two years old. older, at which point they will have to be moved to the toddler bed.
The majority of cribs have an adjustable mattress that can be adjusted to accommodate your baby's growth. The lowest setting is ideal for infants, whereas the highest setting is suitable for babies who sit up or crawl. Be sure to measure 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 be dangerous for your baby.
Some manufacturers offer non-standard cribs and mattresses that have the same safety standards of full-size cribs. These include bassinets for infants, portable cribs, and play yards. These cribs are smaller than standard ones and have solid or mesh sides.
If you opt for a non-standard crib, look up the manufacturer's guidelines to determine mattress sizes. There could be specifications that differ from the standard crib size of 52 inches long and 28 inches wide. Also, you should examine the distance between the crib and mattress to make sure that it is not more than 1 inch, which is the maximum safe space.
best rated cribs can shield your baby's bed from spills and accidents. Select one that has an antimicrobial barrier that helps reduce bacteria, and a hypoallergenic layer that blocks allergens.
If you're considering a crib with drop sides, you should be aware that they were associated with 32 deaths of babies between 2000 and 2010, and have been outlawed in the US since. Even if you plan to purchase a crib with a drop-side or get one as a gift make sure you get rid of it once your baby is 35 inches tall or is able to climb out.
Safety
A crib for your baby is the most secure spot for your child. It's a space for them to rest, but also a place where you can keep them close and see them frequently. There are a variety of cribs and brands on the market, each one must meet certain safety standards. These standards are laid out by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and they make sure cribs you purchase are safe for your baby.
Before putting your child in the crib make sure that it is clean, free of dander and dust. Also, take out any toys or stuffed animals that may fall out of the crib. Do not place any pillows or blankets inside the crib. They can cause the suffocation of children. Use a fitted sheet and a mattress cover instead.
Some commenters suggested that cribs should be in compliance with formaldehyde emissions standards set forth in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act. L. 111-199) and cribs made from composite wood should be tested to ensure compliance. The CPSC has determined that, although these rules do not directly apply to cribs or other furniture made from composite wood, it is appropriate to insist on compliance with this important law.
Some commenters suggested that the requirement that fasteners be tightened after dynamic tests should be included in the new crib standard. We strongly oppose this suggestion. The shake test as well as the vertical mattress support impact tests are dynamic tests that simulate and increase the abuse of cribs. Screws that are loose are the second most common cause of fatal accidents in cribs.
Other comments were based upon EWS incident information. These data reveal that the most common dangers associated with cribs are dangerous mattresses and drop-sides. We therefore decided to focus on these issues in the new rulemaking and to incorporate the performance standards that are already contained in the existing mandatory standard, with reference. By incorporating by reference, we can ensure that safety in cribs is maintained consistently and efficiently.
Style
It's a satisfying and thrilling experience to design the nursery of your baby's. The centerpiece of any nursery is the crib, therefore it is essential to pick one that is in keeping with your style and compliments your room's décor. There are many elegant cribs to choose from that you can choose from contemporary and minimalist or traditional. There are options for every budget, from affordable to high-end. Make sure that the crib you select meets all of the required safety standards.
A crib is a small bed that is specifically designed for babies and infants. It features slatted walls to allow for safe ventilation and is often constructed from durable materials such as wood. Cribs are often larger and more expensive than bassinets, but they are more functional for the first three years of your child's life.
There are many styles of cribs available on the market, but they all have to meet strict safety standards. For instance the crib slats must be no more than 6 centimeters apart (that's approximately the size of a soda container), and you should stay clear of ornamental cutouts or designs in the footboard or headboard.
The mattress should be able to fit comfortably into the crib's opening. This is because any gaps between the crib and the mattress can cause infants' arms and legs to become entangled. A lot of cribs have stabilizer bars that assist in keeping the mattress in place. If your crib doesn't come with stabilizer bars, then you'll need to buy a mattress pad as extra support.
A low-level mattress is another characteristic of a quality crib that helps to prevent children from climbing up the crib's edge. This is a great feature for parents with smaller children or rooms that are small in size. However, it is important to measure the mattress's height prior to making your purchase. The corners of many mattresses will list the crib's maximum and minimum mattress heights.
You should consider buying a convertible crib if you want your crib to grow with your child. These cribs can be converted into a toddler's bed, a daybed, or even a full-size bed. A few cribs on our list, including the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 4-in-1, come with conversion kits included. The rest require an additional purchase.
Budget
While the majority of cribs cost in the hundreds of dollars, there are a few cribs on the market that are affordable. The Graco Classic 4 in 1 Crib costs less than 200 dollars and has been 5 stars rated by BabyCenter and Baby Bargains. It also has a profile that is moderate in high, making it easy to take your child in and out.
The Munchkin Brica travel pod is another budget-friendly crib. This portable crib for sleep and play is easy to install and folds away in just a few minutes. It can be used inside or outside, on a deck or patio. It is suitable for babies weighing up to 15 pounds. It is not a permanent sleep solution, however as your baby will outgrow it after about six months.
You can also find affordable cradles and bassinets that you can use during the first few weeks to keep your baby snug and close. They are more expensive but they are smaller and easier to move. They are not a permanent sleep solution for your baby and they will outgrow it before their first birthday.
A quality crib will include a mattress support that is strong and secure, and is able to be adjusted to four different positions based on the baby's size. It should be low enough for you to reach into and out of it easily, particularly if you're under 5'5. Some cribs have posts that stand over 1 8 inches above the opening of the mattress This can cause your child to be trapped while they play or try to climb.
Some cribs have an attached changing area which can make diapering a little easier and faster. They are handy, but they take up more space than traditional cribs. They may not be a good choice for smaller nurseries.
Take a look at the materials your crib is made of. A lot of cribs are made from particleboard that contains formaldehyde. Instead, opt for a crib that is made of solid wood or with a steel base.