Choosing a Baby Crib
The process of designing a nursery is an exciting time, but selecting the right crib is among the most important decisions you'll make. The crib that your baby sleeps in will have a significant impact on their health and development whether it's the style of the slats or the mattress's height.
Check your crib hardware periodically. Bolts and nails may become loose over time. Avoid placing your crib near blinds or drapes that hang on the ceiling, as they could create an injury risk to your baby.
Size
Size is a key factor to consider when purchasing the perfect crib. A crib should be big enough to accommodate a sleepy infant, but small enough so that you can safely reach your child to listen to them. It should be sturdy enough to withstand daily wear and tear.
The majority of cribs are constructed from wood or metal, and most include the slatted sides. These features are designed to let caregivers observe the baby from various angles and ensure proper air flow. Cribs are utilized from birth until your child is around two years old. old, when they will need to be moved into the toddler bed.
Most standard cribs come with the mattress height which can be adjusted to accommodate your baby's development. The lowest setting is suitable for newborns, whereas the highest setting is ideal for babies who can sit up or crawl. Make sure you measure the inside of your crib to be sure that the mattress fits as the slatted structure of a lot of cribs leave tiny gaps that could pose a danger for your baby.
Manufacturers offer cribs and mattresses that aren't standard sizes, but still comply with the same safety standards. These include play yards and portable infant beds and bassinets. These cribs are smaller than standard ones and come with solid or mesh sides.
If you choose an alternative crib, be sure to look up the manufacturer's guidelines to determine mattress sizes. They might have requirements that differ from the standard crib mattress dimension of 28 inches wide and 52 inches long. Also, you should examine the distance between the crib and mattress to be sure it's not larger than 1 inch, which is the maximum safe space.
A waterproof cover for your baby's mattress can help keep it clean and safe from spit-up or accidents. Choose a cover with an antimicrobial layer that eliminates bacteria, and a hypoallergenic layer to block allergens.
If you're thinking of buying a crib with drop sides, be aware that they've been linked to 32 baby deaths between 2000 and 2010 and have been banned in the US from 2011. Even if Baby Cot Bed decide to purchase a crib with a drop-side or receive one as a hand-me-down, be sure to eliminate it when your baby is 35 inches tall or has the ability to get out.
Safety
A crib for babies is among the most secure places to let your child sleep. It is not only an area to rest, but also a place to be able to see them and hold them frequently. There are a myriad of cribs and brands available each one must be able to meet certain safety standards. The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets these standards to ensure that cribs are safe for babies.
Before putting 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. Also, do not use any pillows or blankets inside the crib; these can cause death by suffocation. Use a fitted sheet and mattress covers instead.
Some commenters suggested that cribs must conform to formaldehyde emissions standards set forth in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act. L. 112-199) and that cribs made of composite wood should be inspected to ensure compliance. The CPSC has determined that, although these rules do not directly apply to cribs or other furniture made of composite wood, it is a good idea to enforce compliance with this important law.
Some commenters suggested that the new crib standard should contain the requirement of tightening fasteners in between dynamic tests. This suggestion is not a good idea for us. The dynamic tests - the shake test and the vertical mattress support impact test are designed to mimic and speed up the use and abuse of cribs by children. Loose screw is the second most frequent cause of crib fatalities.
Other comments were based upon EWS incident records. These data reveal that the most frequent hazards associated with cribs are drop-sides and mattresses that are unsafe. Therefore, we have decided to focus on these concerns in the rulemaking process and to incorporate the performance standards already included in the current mandatory standard through reference. By reference incorporation is the best method to ensure the safety of cribs is ensured in a uniform and effective manner.
Style
It is a rewarding and thrilling experience to design your baby's nursery. The main focal point of any nursery is the crib, so it's important to choose one that matches your style and compliments your room's décor. There are numerous chic cribs available, whether you want something modern and minimalist or more traditional. There are options for every budget, from the cheapest to upscale. Just be sure that the crib you choose meets all of the required safety standards.
A crib is a tiny, specially designed bed for babies and infants. It is made of sturdy materials such as wood and features slatted wall paneling to allow for safe ventilation. Cribs are generally larger than bassinets, and can be more expensive, however they offer more functionality for your baby's first three years of life.
There are a variety of crib styles that are available, however all must be safe to use. The crib slats, as an instance, should not exceed 6 centimeters (about the width of a can of soda) apart. It is also recommended to avoid cutting outs or decorative shapes on the footboard and headboard.
Additionally, the mattress must fit snugly inside the crib's opening. This is crucial because gaps between the mattress and crib could allow infants' arms or legs to get caught in. Some cribs come with stabilizer bars to help keep the mattress in place. However, if you own a crib that doesn't have them, ensure you buy mattress pads for additional support.
A great crib also has a low-sitting mattress that prevents children from stepping over the edge of the crib. It's a great feature for parents with smaller children or rooms with a limited space Be sure to verify the mattress's height prior make your purchase. The corner of most mattresses will show the crib's maximum and minimum mattress heights.
Consider purchasing a convertible crib if you want your crib to change with your child. These types of cribs can be transformed into an infant bed, a daybed and even a full-size bed. Some of the 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 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 highly rated 5 stars by BabyCenter, Baby Bargains, and National Parent Publications. It also has a medium height profile, which makes it easy for you to take your baby into and out.
Another affordable crib is the Munchkin Brica Travel Pod. The portable sleep and play option is easy to set up and folds down in an hour. It can be used inside or outside, on decks or patios. It is suitable for babies who weigh up to 15 pounds. It's not a long-term sleep solution, however, as your baby will outgrow it after approximately six months.
There are also budget-friendly bassinets and cradles can be used for 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 easy to move around. They're only a temporary sleeping solution and your baby will outgrow them before their first birthday.
A quality crib will have a mattress support that is solid and secure, and can be adjusted to four different positions depending on the baby's weight. It should also be low enough to allow you to get in and out easily, particularly in the case of children under 5'5. Some cribs have posts that are higher than 1 8 inches above the mattress's opening that could cause your child to be stuck while they play or attempt to climb.
Some cribs have attached changing areas, which makes diaper changing simpler and quicker. While these are convenient however, they take up more space than traditional cribs and may not be the ideal choice for smaller nurseries.
Take a look at the materials the crib is made of. A lot of cribs are made from particleboard that contains formaldehyde. Find a crib that is made out of solid wood or has a metal base instead.