Choosing a Baby Crib
The process of designing a nursery is an exciting experience, but picking the right crib is among the most crucial decisions you'll make. The crib that your baby sleeps will have a significant impact on their development and health whether it's the design of the slats or mattress height.
Examine the crib's hardware frequently. Bolts and nails could become loose over time. Avoid placing your crib in close proximity to blinds or drapes that hang on the ceiling, as they could create a strangulation risk for your baby.
Size
When you are looking for the perfect crib, size is an important aspect. The crib should be big enough to accommodate a sleeping baby, yet small enough for you to reach them in a safe manner to take care of them. It should also be sturdy enough to withstand the wear and tear of regular use.
The majority of cribs are made from metal or wood and come with slatted side panels. These features are designed to allow caregivers to view the baby from different angles and ensure proper air flow. Cribs are utilized from birth until your child is approximately two years of age, at which point they require moving into the toddler bed.
Most standard cribs have a mattress support height that can be adjusted or raised as your baby grows. The lowest setting is suitable for newborns, whereas the highest setting is good for babies who are able to sit up or crawl. Check the crib's dimensions to ensure that the mattress will fit. The slatted design can leave small gaps which could be hazardous for your baby.
Manufacturers offer cribs and mattresses that are not standard sizes, yet have the same safety standards. These include play yards, portable infant beds, and bassinets. These cribs are smaller than standard ones and have solid or mesh sides.
Check the manufacturer's guidelines to determine the recommended mattress size in case you decide to purchase a crib that isn't standard. There could be 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 it's not larger than 1 inch which is the maximum safe space.
A waterproof cover can shield your baby's mattress from spills and accidents. Choose one with an antimicrobial layer that eliminates bacteria, and a hypoallergenic layer that blocks allergens.
If you're thinking about buying a crib with drop sides, be aware that they were linked to 32 deaths of babies between 2000 and 2010. They have been banned in the US from 2011. Even if you plan to purchase a crib with a drop-side or receive one from a friend ensure that you get rid of it once your baby is 35 inches tall or has the ability to be able to climb out.
Safety
A crib for babies is one of the safest places to let your child sleep. It's a place to relax and also a place where you can keep them close and check on them frequently. There are a variety of brands and models of cribs on the market, each one must meet certain safety standards. The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets these standards to ensure that cribs are safe for infants.
Before you put your child in the crib ensure that the crib is clean and free of dander and dust. Remove any toys or stuffed animals that might fall out of the bed. Use no blankets or pillows inside the crib. They can lead to the suffocation of children. Make use of a fitted sheet and a mattress cover instead.
Some commenters suggested that cribs need to comply with the formaldehyde emission standards outlined in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act (Pub. L. 112-199), and cribs made from composite wood should be tested to ensure compliance. While these rules don't directly apply to cribs however, the CPSC has determined that it is appropriate to require that cribs and other furniture made of composite wood meet the requirements of this important new law.
Others suggested that the new crib standard should include the requirement to tighten fasteners after dynamic tests. This suggestion is not something we would consider. The dynamic tests - such as the shake test and the vertical mattress support impact test - are designed to replicate and increase the use and abuse of cribs by children. The loose screw is the second most frequent cause of crib fatalities.
Other comments were based on the EWS incident information. The data shows that the most frequently cited hazards that are associated with cribs include drop-sides and mattresses that are unsafe. We decided to pay particular focus on these issues and incorporate the performance standards already included in the current mandatory standard. By reference incorporation is the best way to ensure that the safety of cribs is ensured in a uniform and effective manner.
Style
It's a satisfying and exciting process to design your baby's nursery. The centerpiece of any nursery is the crib, so it's important to choose one that is in keeping with your style and matches the room's decor. There are numerous chic cribs available, whether you want something modern and minimalist or traditional. You can find options in every price range, from budget to luxurious. Be sure that the crib you pick meets all safety requirements.
A crib is a compact crib designed especially for infants and babies. It features slatted walls to ensure adequate ventilation and is usually constructed from durable materials such as wood. Cribs are generally larger than bassinets, and can be more expensive, but they offer more functionality for your child's first three years of life.
There are a variety of crib styles available, but all of them must be in compliance with safety standards. For example, the crib slats should not exceed 6 centimeters apart (that's roughly the width of a soda container), and you should not use ornamental cutouts or designs in the headboard or footboard.
Additionally the mattress should fit comfortably within the crib's opening. This is because gaps between the crib and mattress can cause infants' arms and legs to become entangled. Many cribs come with stabilizer bars to aid in keeping the mattress in place. However, if you own a crib that doesn't have them, make sure you purchase an extra mattress pad to provide support.
A great crib also has a low sitting mattress level, which helps prevent toddlers from climbing over the crib's edge. This is a fantastic feature for parents with small children or rooms that are restricted in space. However, make sure to measure the mattress's height prior your purchase. The corner of the majority of mattresses will show the crib's maximum and minimum mattress heights.
You should consider buying an adjustable crib if you want your crib to grow with your child. These cribs can be transformed into a toddler's bed, a daybed, or even a full-size bed. A few of the cribs in 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 hundreds of dollars, some cribs are affordable. The Graco Classic 4-in-1 crib, for example, costs less than $200 and is rated 5-stars by BabyCenter, Baby Bargains, and National Parent Publications. It also has an overall profile that is medium height, making it simple to get your child inside and out.
Another crib that is budget-friendly is the Munchkin Brica Travel Pod. This portable play and sleep option is simple to set up and folds down in just a few minutes. It can be used inside or out on a deck or patio. It is suitable for infants weighing up to 15 pounds. It is not a permanent sleep solution, however, because your baby will outgrow it in approximately six months.
You can also find affordable cradles and bassinets that you can use for the first few weeks to keep your baby safe and close. While they are a bit more expensive than a standard crib, they are also more compact and easy to move around. However, they are only a short-term sleeping solution, and your baby will outgrow them before their first birthday.
A crib that is of good quality will have a mattress support that is solid and secure, and can be adjusted to four different positions based on the baby's height. It should be low enough to allow you to reach into and out of it easily, particularly when you're less than 5'5. Some cribs have posts that are higher than 1 8 inches above the opening of the mattress, which can cause your child to get trapped as they play or try to climb.
Some cribs have separate changing rooms that help diapering a bit easier and faster. While these are convenient, they tend to take up more floor space than traditional cribs, and might not be the best choice for smaller nurseries.
It is also important to consider the materials the crib is made of. Many traditional cribs are made of particleboard. These materials can contain formaldehyde, which is a well-known carcinogen. Instead, look for mini cotbed that is made of solid wood or with a metal base.