Choosing a Baby Crib
Designing a nursery is an exciting experience, but selecting the right crib is among the most crucial decisions you will make. The crib where your baby sleeps will have a major impact on their health and development whether it's the style of the slats or mattress height.
Be aware that bolts and nails can become loose over time, so be sure to check the crib's hardware regularly. Do not place your crib near blinds or drapes that hang, as they can pose an injury risk to your baby.
Size
Size is a key factor to take into consideration when buying a crib. The crib should be large enough to accommodate a sleepy baby, but compact enough to allow you to reach them safely to care for them. It should be sturdy enough to withstand daily wear and tear.
The majority of cribs are constructed of wood or metal and have sides that are slatted. These features allow caregivers to observe the baby from different angles and promote airflow. Cribs are available until your child is of two.
Most standard cribs come with the mattress height which can be adjusted to suit your baby's growth. The lowest setting is best for babies. The highest setting is for babies who are able to sit up or crawl. Be sure to measure the interior of your crib to be sure the mattress will fit as the slatted structure of most cribs can create small gaps that could pose a danger for your baby.
Some manufacturers offer non-standard cribs and mattresses that meet the same safety standards of full-size cribs. These include play yards, portable infant beds, and bassinets. These cribs usually have rigid or mesh sides, and are usually smaller than full-size cribs.
If you decide to purchase an alternative crib, be sure to check the manufacturer's guidelines for mattress sizes. They might have specifications that differ from the standard crib mattress size of 28 inches wide and 52 inches long. You should also examine the space between the crib mattress and the crib to make sure it's not more than 1 inch. crib sets is the minimum safe distance.
A waterproof cover can shield your baby's bedding from accidents and spills. Look for one with an antimicrobial layer to cut down on bacteria and a hypoallergenic barrier that blocks allergens.
If you are considering a crib that has drop-sides, know that they've been linked to the deaths of 32 infants between 2000 and 2010, and are banned in the US in 2011. Even if you plan to purchase a crib with drop sides or get one from a friend ensure that you eliminate it when your baby is 35 inches tall or is able to be able to climb out.
Safety
A crib for babies is one of the safest places for your child to sleep. It's a space to relax and also a place where you can keep them close and observe them often. There are a myriad of models and brands of cribs on the market each one must be able to meet certain safety standards. These standards are laid out by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and they ensure that cribs you purchase are safe for your baby.
Before putting your child in the crib ensure that the crib is clean and free of dander and dust. Take away any toys or stuffed animals that may fall out of the bed. Also, do not use any blankets or pillows in the crib as they could cause death by suffocation. Use a fitted sheet or a mattress cover instead.
Some commenters suggested that cribs should comply with the formaldehyde emissions standards as outlined in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act. L. 111-199) and that cribs made of composite wood should be tested to ensure compliance. The CPSC has concluded that, although these rules do not directly apply to cribs or other furniture made of composite wood, it is appropriate to enforce the compliance of this law.
Others suggested that the new crib standard should include the requirement to tighten fasteners between 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 simulate and accelerate the use and abuse of cribs by children. The loose screw is the second leading cause of crib deaths.
Other comments were based upon the EWS incident information. The data shows that the two most common crib dangers are mattresses that are not safe and drop-sides. We have decided to concentrate our focus on these issues and to incorporate the performance standards already incorporated into the existing mandatory standard. By incorporating the performance standards by reference we can ensure that safety in cribs is maintained consistently and effectively.
Style
It's a satisfying and exciting process designing your baby's nursery. The centerpiece of any nursery is the crib, therefore it's crucial to choose a crib that is in keeping with your style and compliments your room's décor. There are many elegant cribs to choose from that you can choose from modern and minimalist or traditional. There are options for every budget, from affordable to upscale. Be sure that the crib you select has all the safety requirements.
A crib is a tiny crib designed especially for infants and babies. It features slatted walls to allow for safe ventilation and is often built from sturdy materials like wood. Cribs are generally larger than bassinets and may be more expensive, however they offer more functionality for your child's the first three years of life.
There are many different types of cribs that are available on the market, but they all must be in compliance with strict safety standards. For instance the crib slats must be no more than 6 centimeters apart (that's approximately the size of a soda bottle) and you should not use ornamental cutouts or designs on the footboard or headboard.
The mattress should be able to fit snugly into the crib's opening. This is crucial because gaps between the crib and the mattress can allow babies legs or arms to get entangled. A lot of cribs have bars for stabilization that assist in keeping the mattress in position. However, if you own a crib that doesn't have them, ensure you buy a mattress pad for extra support.
A quality crib also comes with a low-sitting mattress, which helps prevent toddlers from stepping over the edge of the crib. This is an excellent feature for parents with children who are smaller or rooms that are limited in size. However, make sure to verify the mattress's height prior to making your purchase. Most mattresses will have a label on the corner that shows the crib's minimum and maximum mattress heights.
Consider buying a convertible crib if you would like your crib to expand with your child. These cribs can be turned into an infant bed, a daybed and even a full-size bed. Some of the cribs in our list, including the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 4-in-1, come with conversion kits that are included. The rest require an additional purchase.
Budget
While the majority of cribs are priced at hundreds of dollars Some cribs are more 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 a medium height profile which makes it easier for you to get your baby in and out.
The Munchkin Brica travel pod is another crib that is budget-friendly. This portable sleep and play option is simple to set up and folds down in a matter of minutes. It can be used indoors or outdoors on a patio or deck and is suitable for infants up to 15 pounds. It is not intended to be a permanent solution to sleeping because your child will outgrow the product within six months.
There are also affordable bassinets and cradles that can be used for the first few months, allowing you to keep your baby snug 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're only a short-term sleeping solution and your baby will outgrow them before their first birthday.
A good crib will include a mattress support that is solid and secure, and can be adjusted to four different positions based on the baby's height. It must also be low enough to allow you to reach into and out easily, particularly in the case of children under 5'5. Some cribs have posts that extend higher than 1 8 inch above the mattress opening which can cause your baby to be trapped as they play or climb.
Some cribs have attached changing areas, which can make diapering easier and quicker. These are convenient, but they take up more space than traditional cribs. They may not be a suitable choice for smaller nurseries.
Consider the materials your crib is constructed of. Many cribs are made of particleboard that contains formaldehyde. Instead, choose a crib made of solid wood or with a metal base.