Choosing a Baby Crib
It's thrilling to design a nursery but choosing the crib is one of your most crucial decisions. The crib in which your baby sleeps in will have a significant impact on their health and development, whether it is the style of the slats or the mattress's height.
Make sure to check the crib's hardware regularly. Bolts and nails may become loose with time. Avoid placing your crib near blinds or drapes that hang on the ceiling, as they could create a strangulation risk for your baby.
Size
Size is one of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a crib. The crib should be big enough to accommodate a sleeping baby, yet small enough to allow you to reach them safely to care for them. It should also be strong enough to stand up to the wear and tear of daily use.
The majority of cribs are made from wood or metal and have slatted side panels. These features allow caregivers to see the baby from various angles and promote airflow. Cribs are available until your child reaches the age of two.
Most cribs are equipped with a mattress height that can be adjusted to meet your baby's growth. The lowest setting is suitable for newborns, while the highest setting is suitable for babies who are able to sit up or crawl. Be sure to check the inside of your crib to be sure the mattress will fit as the slatted structure of most cribs may leave tiny gaps that could be dangerous for your baby.
Some manufacturers offer non-standard cribs and mattresses that meet the same safety standards as full-size cribs. These include bassinets, portable infant beds and play yards. These cribs are smaller than the standard ones and have rigid or mesh sides.
If you decide to purchase an alternative crib, be sure to review the manufacturer's guidelines for mattress size guidelines. There could be requirements that differ from the standard crib size of 52 inches long and 28 inches wide. Also, you should test the gap between the crib and mattress to make sure it's not larger than 1 inch which is the most safe space.
A waterproof mattress cover for your baby can keep it clean and secure from spills or accidents. Choose one with an antimicrobial layer that eliminates bacteria, and a hypoallergenic layer that blocks allergens.
If you're considering a crib that has drop-sides, know that they have been linked to 32 infant deaths between 2000 and 2010, and Cot sales (
guestbook.milesabove.org) are banned in the US as of 2011. Even if you plan to purchase or get a drop-side baby crib ensure that you get rid of it once your child reaches 35 inches or is able to be able to climb out.
Safety
A baby crib is one of the safest places to let your child sleep. It is a place for them to rest but also a space where you can keep them close and see them frequently. There are many crib models and brands on the market. However, all have to meet certain safety requirements. The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets these standards to ensure that cribs are safe for babies.
Before you put your child in the crib, make sure it is clean and free of dust and dander. Also, take away any toys or stuffed animals that might fall out of the crib. Also, don't put any pillows or blankets inside the crib, as they can cause suffocation. Instead, use a mattress pad and a fitted sheet.
Some commenters suggested cribs should conform to formaldehyde emissions standards as outlined in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act. L. 111-199) and that cribs constructed of composite wood should be inspected to determine if they are in compliance. Although these regulations do not directly apply to cribs however, the CPSC has determined that it is appropriate to require that cribs and other furniture made from composite wood comply with this important new law.
Others suggested that the new crib standard should include the requirement to tighten fasteners in between dynamic tests. We strongly disagree with this suggestion. The shake test as well as the vertical mattress support impact tests are dynamic tests that simulate and increase the crib abuse. The loose screw is the second leading cause of fatalities in cribs.
Other comments were based on the EWS incident data. These data show that the most frequently cited hazards that are associated with cribs include drop-sides and mattresses that are unsafe. Therefore, we decided to concentrate on these concerns in the new rulemaking process and to include the performance standards already contained in the existing mandatory standard by reference. By incorporating them 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 main 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 elegant cribs to choose from regardless of whether you're looking for something modern and minimalist or traditional. You can find options in every price range, from the cheapest to high-end. Be sure that the crib you pick meets all safety requirements.
A crib is a tiny, specially designed bed for babies and infants. It features slatted walls to ensure adequate ventilation and is usually built from sturdy materials like wood. Cribs are generally larger than bassinets and may be more expensive, but they are more functional for your child's first three years of life.
There are a variety of crib styles that are available, however all must meet safety standards. For example, the crib slats should be no more than 6 centimeters apart (that's roughly the width of a soda bottle) and you should avoid using ornamental cutouts or designs in the headboard or footboard.
Additionally the mattress should fit snugly inside the crib's opening. This is because gaps between the crib and the mattress can cause infants legs and arms to become entangled. Many cribs have stabilizer bars to aid in keeping the mattress in position. But if you have a crib that doesn't, be sure to buy an extra mattress pad to provide support.
A
great crib (
Ideasandbusiness site) also has a low-sitting mattress that prevents toddlers from stepping over the crib's edge. It's a great option for smaller parents or rooms that are small Be sure to verify the mattress height before you make your purchase. The corner of the majority of mattresses will show the crib's maximum and minimum mattress heights.
If you're looking for a crib that grows with your child, consider buying a convertible crib. These cribs can be transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed and even a bed that is full size. Some cribs, like the Babyletto Hudson 4-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 3-in-1 have conversion kits. The rest will require an additional purchase.
Budget
While most cribs are priced in the hundreds of dollars, there are a few cribs on the market that are budget-friendly. The Graco Classic 4-in-1 crib, for example, costs less than $200 and has been 5 stars rated by BabyCenter, Baby Bargains,
cots and tots National Parent Publications. It also has a profile that is moderate in height, making it easy to get your child inside and out.
Another crib that is budget-friendly is the Munchkin Brica Travel Pod. It is easy to assemble and folds up in a few minutes. It can be used indoors as well as outdoors on a patio or deck and is suitable for babies up to 15 pounds. It is not a permanent sleep solution, however as your baby will outgrow it after approximately six months.
You can also find budget-friendly cradles and bassinets that you can use during 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. They are not a permanent sleep solution for your baby and they will outgrow it before their first birthday.
A crib that is of good quality will have a mattress support that is strong and secure, and it can be adjusted to four different positions based on the baby's weight. It should be low enough to allow you to reach into and out of it easily, especially when you're less than 5'5. Some cribs have posts that extend more than 1 8 inches above the mattress's opening This can cause your child to become trapped while they play or attempt to climb.
Some cribs have separate changing rooms which can make diapering a bit more convenient and quicker. While they are useful, they tend to take up more floor space than traditional cribs, and might not be the
best cot bed option for smaller nurseries.
Take a look at the materials the crib is made from. Many cribs are made of particleboard which contains formaldehyde. Look for a crib made from solid wood or comes with an aluminum base instead.