Choosing a Baby Crib
The process of designing a nursery can be an exciting time, but selecting a crib is one of the most crucial choices you'll ever make. The crib in which your baby sleeps will have a significant impact on their development and health regardless of the design of the slats or the mattress height.
Check your crib hardware periodically. Bolts and nails could become loose with time. Also, don't place your crib near curtains or window blinds that hang, which can pose a strangulation hazard for your baby.
Size
When shopping for the perfect crib the size is a key factor. A crib should be big enough to accommodate a sleepy infant, yet small enough that you can safely reach your baby in order to talk to them. It should also be sturdy enough to stand up to the wear and tear of everyday use.
Most cribs are made of metal or wood and come with side panels that are slatted. These features allow caregivers to view the baby from various angles and promote airflow. Cribs can be used up until your child is of two.
Most standard cribs have a mattress support height that can be lowered or raised as your baby grows. The lowest setting works best for newborns. The highest setting is ideal for babies who are able to sit up or crawl. Measure the crib's interior to ensure that the mattress will fit. The slatted design could leave tiny gaps that could be dangerous 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 and portable infant beds and bassinets. These cribs are smaller than the standard cribs and have mesh or rigid sides.
If you opt for a non-standard crib, review the manufacturer's guidelines for mattress size guidelines. There could be specific requirements that are different from the standard crib size of 52 inches long and 28 inches wide. You should also test the gap between the crib and mattress to make sure that it is not more than 1 inch which is the most safe space.
A waterproof cover can shield your baby's mattress from spills and accidents. Find one that has an antimicrobial layer to cut down on the growth of bacteria as well as a hypoallergenic barrier that stops allergens.
If you're thinking of buying a crib with drop sides, you should be aware that they've been linked to 32 deaths of babies between 2000 and 2010. They have been outlawed in the US from 2011. If you do decide to buy a drop-side crib or receive one as a hand-me-down ensure that you remove it when your baby is 35 inches tall or has the ability to climb out.
Safety
A crib for babies is the safest place for your child. It's not just an area to rest, but also a place to be able to see them and hold them frequently. There are numerous crib models and brands available on the market. But, they all have to meet certain safety requirements. The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets these standards to ensure that cribs are safe for infants.
Before you put your child in the crib make sure it is clean and free of dander and dust. Take away any toys or stuffed animal that could fall off the crib. Also, don't put any pillows or blankets in the crib, as they can cause the suffocation of children. Instead, you should use a mattress pad and fitted sheet.
Some commenters suggested that cribs must conform to formaldehyde emissions standards as outlined in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act. L. 112-199) and cribs constructed from composite wood should be tested to determine if they are in compliance. Although these requirements don't directly apply to cribs however, the CPSC has determined that it is appropriate to require that cribs and other furniture constructed of composite wood comply with this important new law.
Others suggested that a requirement that fasteners be tightened after dynamic tests should be included in the crib standard that is being developed. We strongly disagree with this suggestion. The dynamic tests - 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 leading cause of fatal incidents in cribs.
Other comments were based upon EWS incident records. These data reveal that the most frequently cited hazards that are associated with cribs include dangerous mattresses and drop-sides. We decided to pay particular focus on these issues and to incorporate the performance standards already included in the current mandatory standard. By incorporating by reference, we can ensure that the safety of cribs is maintained consistently and efficiently.
Style
It's a satisfying and exciting process to design your baby's nursery. The focal point of any nursery is the crib, therefore it's important to choose one that matches your style and compliments your room's decor. There are a variety of chic cribs available regardless of whether you're looking for something modern and minimalist or more traditional. You can find options in every price range, from affordable to high-end. Just be sure that the crib you select is in compliance with all the necessary safety standards.
A crib is a small special bed designed specifically for infants and babies. It is constructed from sturdy materials like wood and features slatted wall paneling to allow for a safe airflow. Cribs are usually larger than bassinets and can be more expensive, however they provide more functions for your child's the first three years of life.
There are a variety of crib designs that are available, however all must be in compliance with safety standards. The crib slats, as an instance, should not be more than 6 centimeters (about the size of a can of soda) apart. It is also recommended to avoid decorative shapes or cutouts in the footboard and headboard.
The mattress should be able to fit snugly into the crib's opening. This is because any gaps between the crib and the mattress can cause babies legs and arms to become entangled. top ranked cribs of cribs have stabilizer bars to help keep the mattress in position. If your crib does not include stabilizer bars, you'll need to purchase a mattress pad as extra support.
A good crib also has a low-sitting mattress that prevents children from stepping over the edge of the crib. It's an excellent feature for smaller parents or rooms with limited space, but be sure to verify the mattress's height prior purchase. The corner of most mattresses will list the crib's maximum and minimum mattress heights.
If you want a crib that grows with your child, think about purchasing a convertible crib. These types of cribs can be converted into a toddler bed, a daybed and even a bed that is full size. A few cribs on our list, such as 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 most cribs are priced 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 less than 200 dollars and has been 5-star rated by BabyCenter and Baby Bargains. It also has a medium height profile, which makes it easy for you to take your baby into and out.
The Munchkin Brica travel pod is another crib that is budget-friendly. This portable sleep and play option is easy to set up and folds down in a matter of minutes. It can be used indoors as well as outdoors on a deck or patio and is suitable for infants up to 15 pounds. It is not designed to be a long-term solution for sleeping because your child will outgrow it within six months.
You can also find affordable bassinets and cradles that can be used for the first few weeks to keep your baby safe and close. They cost more however they are smaller and easier to move. However, they're only a temporary sleeping solution, and your baby will outgrow them prior to their first birthday.
A crib that is of good quality should be sturdy and solid mattress support that can be adjusted in four different positions based on the growth of your baby. It must also be low enough to let you get in and out easily, especially if you are under 5'5 inches. Some cribs feature posts that are higher than 1 8 inches above the mattress opening, which could cause your child to get trapped when they play or climb.
small cot beds come with attached changing rooms, which makes diaper changing simpler and quicker. They are handy, but they take up more space than traditional cribs. They may not be a good choice for smaller nurseries.
Think about the materials the crib is made of. The majority of cribs are constructed of particleboard, which may contain formaldehyde, which is a well-known carcinogen. Instead, look for a crib made of solid wood or with a metal base.