Choosing a Baby Crib
It's thrilling to design a nursery however, choosing the crib will be one of your most crucial decisions. The crib where your baby sleeps in will have a major impact on their health and development whether it's the style of the slats or mattress height.
Remember that nails and bolts may wiggle loose over time, so make sure you check your crib's hardware frequently. Also, avoid placing your crib close to drapes or window blinds that hang down, which could present a risk of strangulation for your baby.
Size
When you are looking for a crib the size is a key aspect. The crib should be big enough to fit a sleeping baby, yet small enough for you to be able to reach them easily and take care of them. It should also be strong enough to withstand the wear and tear of regular use.
The majority of cribs are made from wood or metal, and most have sliding sides. These features let caregivers see the baby from various angles and encourage airflow. Cribs can be used from birth until your child is approximately two years of age, at which point they require moving into the toddler bed.
Most cribs are equipped with a mattress height that can be adjusted to suit your baby's growth. The lowest setting is ideal for infants. The most advanced setting is for infants who can sit up or crawl. Measure the crib's interior to ensure that the mattress will fit. The slatted structure can leave small gaps which could be hazardous for your baby.
Manufacturers have cribs and mattresses that are not standard sizes, but still have the same safety standards. These include play yards as well as portable infant beds and bassinets. These cribs usually have mesh or rigid sides, and they tend to be smaller than full-size cribs.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions to determine the recommended mattress size in case you choose a crib that is not standard. There could be specific requirements that are different 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 most safe space.
A waterproof mattress cover can keep it clean and safe from spit-up or accidents. Choose a cover with an antimicrobial barrier that helps reduce bacteria, and an anti-allergenic layer that blocks allergens.
If you're thinking of buying a crib with drop-sides, you should know that they've been linked to 32 infant deaths between 2000 and 2010, and are banned in the US as of 2011. Even if you plan to purchase a crib with drop sides or get one as a hand-me-down make sure you eliminate it when your baby is 35 inches tall or is able to climb out.
Safety
A crib for your baby is among the most secure places for your child to sleep. It's a space for them to rest, but also a place where you can keep them close and check on them often. There are a variety of cribs and brands on the market all of them must comply with certain safety standards. These standards are set forth by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and they make sure cribs you purchase are safe for your baby.
Before you place your child in the crib ensure that the crib is clean and free of dander and dust. Also, take out any toys or stuffed animals that may fall out of the crib. Also, don't put any pillows or blankets inside the crib; these can cause death by suffocation. Use a fitted sheet or a mattress cover.
Some commenters suggested that cribs should be required to meet formaldehyde emission standards laid out in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act (Pub. L. 112-199) and that cribs made of composite wood should be inspected to determine if they are in conformity. Although these requirements are not directly applicable to cribs however, the CPSC has decided that it is appropriate to mandate that cribs and other furniture made of composite wood meet the requirements of this important new law.
Other commenters suggested that the new crib standard should contain the requirement of tightening fasteners after dynamic tests. We strongly oppose this suggestion. The dynamic tests - such as the shake test and the vertical mattress support test - are designed to replicate and accelerate the use and abuse of cribs by children. Screws that are loose are the 2nd most common cause of fatal accidents in cribs.
Other comments were based on the EWS incident records. These data indicate that the two most frequent crib dangers are unsafe mattresses and drop-sides. We decided to focus our attention on these concerns and incorporate the standards of performance already in the standard that is currently mandatory. The incorporation of reference standards is the most effective way to ensure that the safety of cribs is ensured in a consistent and efficient manner.
Style
It's a satisfying and thrilling experience designing your baby's nursery. The crib is the focal point of any nursery, so you should pick one that matches your style and compliments the decor. If you're looking for a contemporary and minimalist style or more traditional, there are lots of chic cribs to pick from. There are options for every budget, from the most affordable to high-end. Be Cot Bed that the crib you select meets all safety requirements.
A crib is a compact crib designed especially for infants and children. It is made of sturdy materials like wood, and has slatted wall panels to allow for a safe airflow. Cribs can be bigger 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 styles of cribs available on the market, however they all must be in compliance with strict safety standards. The crib's slats for instance, shouldn't exceed 6 centimeters (about the size of a can of soda) apart. Also, you should avoid cutting outs or decorative shapes on the footboard and headboard.
Additionally, Cot Bed must fit snugly within the crib's opening. This is because gaps between the crib and mattress can cause infants legs and arms to become entangled. Many cribs have stabilizer bars to assist in keeping the mattress in its place. If your crib doesn't come with stabilizer bars, then you will need to purchase a mattress pad to provide additional support.
A good crib also has a low-sitting mattress, which helps prevent toddlers from stepping over the edge of the crib. This is a fantastic feature for parents with smaller children or rooms that are limited in space. However, it is important to check out the mattress's height prior to making your purchase. The corner of most mattresses will show the crib's maximum and minimum mattress heights.
If you are looking for a crib that grows with your child, consider buying a convertible crib. These types of cribs can be transformed into an infant bed, a daybed and even a full-size bed. A few of the 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 in the hundreds of dollars however, there are a few cribs available on the market that are budget friendly. 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 medium height profile that makes it simple for you to take your baby into and out.
The Munchkin Brica travel pod is another crib that is budget-friendly. The portable sleep and play option is easy to assemble and folds in just a few minutes. It can be used indoors or outdoors on a deck or patio and is suitable for babies up to 15 pounds. It is not intended to be a permanent solution to sleeping as your child will grow out of the product within six months.
There are also budget-friendly cradles and bassinets that you can use during the first few weeks to keep your baby comfortable and close. While they are a bit more expensive than a standard crib, they are also more compact and easier to move around. However, 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 will have a mattress support that is sturdy and secure, and it can be adjusted to four different positions based on the baby's size. It must be low enough to let you reach into and out easily, particularly if you are under 5'5. Some cribs have posts that extend higher than 1 8 inch above the mattress's opening, which can cause your baby to become entrapped as they play or climb.
Some cribs come with attached changing areas, which makes diaper changing simpler and faster. They are useful however they require more space than traditional cribs. They may not be the best choice for smaller nurseries.
You should also consider the materials that the crib is made of. The majority of cribs are constructed of particleboard, which may contain formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. Find a crib made from solid wood or comes with a metal base instead.