Choosing a Baby Crib
It's thrilling to design a nursery, however, choosing the crib is one of your most crucial decisions. It doesn't matter what design of the slats, mattress height or the capability to convert, the crib the baby sleeps in will affect their health and development.
Make sure to check the crib's hardware regularly. Bolts and nails could become loose over time. Avoid placing your crib in close proximity to drapes or blinds that hang, as they can pose an injury risk to your baby.
Size
When shopping for the perfect crib the size is a key aspect. A crib should be big enough to accommodate a sleeping infant but small enough that you are able to safely reach your baby to attend to them. It should also be durable enough to stand up to the wear and tear of regular use.
The majority of cribs are made out of metal or wood, and the majority of them come with slatted sides. These features let caregivers see the baby from various angles and encourage airflow. Cribs can be used up until your child reaches the age of two.
Most cribs are equipped with a mattress support height that can be lowered or raised as your baby develops. The lowest setting works best for newborns. The highest setting is for babies who can sit up or crawl. Be sure to measure the interior of your crib to be sure the mattress will fit because the slatted style of a lot of cribs leave small gaps that could be dangerous for your baby.
Manufacturers offer cribs and mattresses that are not standard sizes, yet have the same safety standards. These include play yards as well as portable infant beds and bassinets. These cribs are smaller than the standard ones and come with mesh or rigid sides.
If you opt for a non-standard crib, check the manufacturer's guidelines for mattress sizes. There could be specifications that differ from the standard crib size of 52 inches long and 28 inches wide. It is also important to examine the space between the crib mattress and the crib to make sure that it is not greater than one inch. This is the minimum safe distance.
A waterproof cover can shield your baby's bedding from spills and accidents. Choose a cover with an antimicrobial layer that eliminates bacteria, and an anti-allergenic layer that blocks allergens.
If you're thinking about buying a crib with drop sides, be aware that they were associated with 32 baby deaths between 2000 and 2010. They have been banned in the US from 2011. If you do decide to purchase a crib with a drop-side or receive one as a hand-me-down make sure you remove it when your baby is 35 inches tall or is able to be able to climb out.
Safety
A crib for your baby is the safest place for your child. It's not just a place to rest but also a place where you can see and hold them frequently. There are a myriad of brands and models of cribs available all of them must comply with certain safety standards. The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets these standards to ensure that cribs are safe for infants.
Before putting your child in the crib make sure that it is clean, 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 pillows or blankets inside the crib, as they can cause suffocation. Make use of a fitted sheet and a mattress cover instead.
Some commenters suggested that cribs should 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 from composite wood should be tested to determine if they are in compliance. The CPSC has determined that, even though these regulations do not directly apply to cribs or other furniture made of composite wood, it is appropriate to enforce compliance with this important law.
Some commenters suggested that the new crib standard should include a requirement to retighten fasteners between dynamic tests. This suggestion is not acceptable to us. The dynamic tests - such as the shake test and the vertical mattress support test - are designed to simulate and increase the use and abuse of cribs by children. Screws that are loose are the second leading cause of fatal incidents in cribs.
Other comments were based on the EWS incident data. These data show that the two most frequently reported crib dangers are mattresses that are not safe and drop-sides. Therefore, we decided to concentrate on these concerns in the new rulemaking and to incorporate the performance standards that are currently contained in the existing mandatory standard by reference. By incorporating by reference, we can ensure that crib safety 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's crucial to choose a crib that is in keeping with your style and compliments your room's decor. There are numerous elegant cribs to choose from regardless of whether you're looking for something contemporary and minimalist or traditional. There are options for every price range, from budget to luxurious. Be cot sets that the crib you choose is in compliance with all the necessary safety guidelines.
A crib is a small bed designed specifically for infants and babies. It has slatted walls that allow for safe ventilation and is often constructed from durable materials such as wood. Cribs can be larger and more expensive than bassinets, but offer greater functionality during the initial three years of your child's life.
There are a variety of crib styles available, but all of them must be safe to use. For instance the crib slats need to not be more than 6 centimeters apart (that's about the width of a soda container) and you should not use ornamental cutouts or patterns in the headboard or footboard.
Additionally the mattress should fit comfortably inside the crib's opening. This is because any gaps between the crib and the mattress can cause babies' arms and legs to get caught in the crib. Many cribs come with stabilizer bars that aid in keeping the mattress in position. However, if you own a crib that doesn't, be sure to buy a mattress pad for extra support.
A mattress that is low in height is another advantage of a crib that can help keep toddlers from climbing the crib's edge. It's a great option for parents with smaller children or rooms with limited space, but be sure to check the mattress's height prior purchase. The corner of the majority of mattresses will list the crib's maximum and minimum mattress heights.
If you're looking for a crib that can grow with your child, consider buying a convertible crib. These cribs can be transformed into a toddler's bed, a daybed or even a full size bed. Some cribs, like the Babyletto Hudson 4-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 3-in-1 have conversion kits. The rest will require an extra purchase.
Budget
While most 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 is rated 5-stars by BabyCenter, Baby Bargains, and National Parent Publications. It also has a profile that is moderate in high, making it easy to take your child in and out.
Another budget-friendly crib is the Munchkin Brica Travel Pod. It is easy to set up and folds down in two minutes. It can be used indoors or outdoors on a patio or deck and is suitable for infants up to 15 pounds. It's not a long-term sleep solution, however because your baby will grow out of it after approximately six months.
There are also budget-friendly bassinets and cradles that you can use during the first few weeks to keep your baby comfortable and close. They're more expensive, but they are also smaller and easier to move. But, they're only a short-term sleeping solution, and your baby will outgrow them before their first birthday.
A quality crib should be sturdy and solid mattress support that can be adjusted to four different positions based on your baby's growth. It must be low enough for you to reach in and out of it easily, especially if you're under 5'5 inches. Some cribs have posts that extend higher than 1 8 inches above the mattress opening, which could cause your child to become entrapped as they play or climb.
Some cribs have attached changing areas that can make diapering a little more convenient and quicker. They are useful however they require more space than traditional cribs. They might not be a suitable option for smaller nurseries.
You should also consider the materials that the crib is made from. A lot of cribs are made from particleboard which contains formaldehyde. Instead, look for a crib made from solid wood or with a metal base.