Choosing Cribs For Your Baby's Nursery
A crib provides infants with an area for sleeping that is specifically designed to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and helps to establish a consistent routine of sleeping. Cribs also have more flexibility than other options, such as bassinets.
If you decide to go with a modern style or a more traditional design ensure that it's GreenGuard Gold certified to ensure that it adheres to the highest standards of safety and reduces exposure to harmful chemicals. Take into consideration other aspects when choosing the crib that is suitable for your family.
1. Safety
As parents you are responsible for the safety of your child is a top priority. You want your child to sleep at ease in a space free of hazards such as sharp edges or splinters. Choose a crib that meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards.
These include slat spacing not more than 2 3/8 inches to prevent your baby's head, arms or legs from becoming stuck; a mattress that is firm and snug-fitting; no drop sides; a solid crib that has no wobbling parts; and detailed assembly instructions. Beware of any bells or whistles such as bumper pads or streamers that can strangle your baby.
Choose a crib coated with low-VOC paints that is a safer choice to glues and varnishes that release harmful chemicals into the air. Look for mattresses made from organic foam and cotton.
Lastly, choose a crib that is free of decorative embellishments and cutouts, which could cause injury when your child grabs them or gets their fingers stuck in them. Make sure that the mattress cover fits tightly to the frame of the crib, and that there aren't gaps between the mattress frame and the mattress. Avoid placing blankets, pillows or sheepskins, as well as similar stuffed animals to pillows in the crib. These can increase your baby’s risk of SIDS. Mobiles can also be a hazard, as they can be pulled down onto the baby and cause suffocation. In the ideal scenario, you should stay clear of a mobile completely and opt for a more breathable mesh crib mobile instead. recommended cribs will be better for your baby's health as well as let you monitor your little one as they sleep.
2. Convenience
A safe place for your baby's sleep is one of the most important things you'll need. Cribs are a great place for your baby to sleep particularly when you are working on other household chores.
You'll likely find cribs at your local home goods store or nursery. These establishments must adhere to strict guidelines laid out by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. They are the best location to start your search for a top-quality crib. You'll have to consider a variety of aspects before purchasing a crib.
Cribs offer a comfortable sleeping area for toddlers, infants and newborns that last well beyond the initial months of life. Many cribs have convertible features, allowing you to convert the crib into an infant bed or a full-sized bed. This will help you save money on your purchase and prolong its lifespan.
The small size of cribs makes them perfect for smaller spaces like apartments or lofts. Some models also include a changing station that is a great option if you have limited room in your nursery.
Travel cribs offer the same level of comfort, since they're designed to be lightweight and foldable for easy transport. This makes them an excellent option for traveling with your child or visiting family and friends since you can take the crib down in a few minutes before leaving. However, the lightweight construction of travel cribs can also lead to less sturdy construction than standard cribs and could pose an issue for some parents.
3. Style
If you're looking for a crib that will stand out in a room Look for a crib with unique styling. You can find a crib with a minimalist, sleek design or made from materials like bamboo or glass. It may also feature clear sides to allow for easy viewing. These are often more expensive than solid wood alternatives however they can be an appealing focal point to any nursery.
Some cribs feature traditional designs with graceful curves and moldings. They also have a look that is reminiscent of heirloom pieces. They can be quite extravagant, and are typically handcrafted with beautiful details. They are a great option when you're looking for a crib that can become a family heirloom over time. They also work well with any design.
A Scandinavian crib is another popular style. It features straight lines that are smooth and straight with the light, bare-wood finish. This allows the natural beauty of the wood to shine through. These cribs are perfect for modern or contemporary nursery. You can paint them or leave the wood bare to complement your decor.
These cribs can also be used as a changing table making it easier to change your child. This is especially important for infants who are young and have trouble sitting up. They typically have drawers beneath to store diapers, wipes and other necessities.
Some cribs are curved or have designs on the sides that can be used to create an illusion of a canopy. They can add a touch of elegant to any nursery and keep your baby comfortable and cool during their sleep. Make sure you use a fabric that is not too long and tightly anchored to your crib. This will prevent your child from reaching out to grab the fabric, or pulling it down.
4. Convertibility
A crib that transforms into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed is an excellent investment for any family. This feature lets you save money as you do not have to purchase four separate beds as your child grows and also frees up space in the nursery. Many convertible cribs also come with conversion kits that can be stored easily, making them easy to put together and use when the time comes.
Another thing to keep in mind when shopping for cribs is that a lot of cribs come with additional features, such as adjustable mattress heights and drawers. This allows you to customize the look and functionality of your crib. It is especially useful when your nursery is limited in storage space. Some cribs come with wheels that can be very helpful when you need to move the bed around for cleaning or other reasons.
Convertible cribs are usually constructed using durable non-toxic materials that are safe for your baby and comply with the stringent safety standards established by the CPSC and ASTM. Many models have a classic or contemporary design that can be adapted to the various styles of nursery decor. Some cribs are made of wood and others are made from steel or painted. Some brands are committed to sustainable development, offering eco-friendly cribs made from GREENGUARD certified wood. This ensures that harmful toxins are not released into the environment.
Selecting the ideal convertible crib for your nursery will require some thought and research however it is an important choice that could be used for many years to come. Be sure to consider your options carefully and make sure you compare prices, delivery and the time of setup, as well as other factors to make the right choice for your family.
5. Value
The crib is the most important piece of furniture in the nursery of your baby and can have a significant impact on the overall look and feel of the space. Because of that, choosing one that matches your preference in style or that will work well with the rest of your room decor will make a big difference in how you feel about the nursery when you spend time there.
In the same way, cribs designed to transform into daybeds for toddlers or toddlers extend their utility as your child grows, giving you value over the long term. They are also less expensive than a full-size bed and can be given or sold to a friend when your child is no longer in need.
Convertible cribs are also simple to maintain, since most of the components can be removed and cleaned and the majority come with a conversion kit that makes it easy to transform them into the right size bed for your child. Wood cribs can stand up to a lot of use and are sturdy. Some even last through multiple children.
Foam crib mattresses are lighter than innerspring options and are therefore easier to maneuver when changing sheets or altering the mattress height. However, they could get worn out faster and need replacement earlier than innerspring mattresses.
Hybrid crib mattresses (also called two-stage or dual firm) are designed to be used from beginning to toddlerhood, having a side that's softer for infants and a firmer side for toddlers. They are usually more secure than foam mattresses, and can be more comfortable to older babies who don't like the sagging feeling of foam. These mattresses are often more affordable than innerspring alternatives.
