Choosing a Baby Crib
The process of designing a nursery can be an exciting time, however picking a crib is one of the most crucial decisions you'll ever make. The crib that your baby sleeps in will have a significant impact on their health and development, whether it is the design of the slats or the mattress height.
Check your crib hardware periodically. Bolts and nails can get loose over time. Do not place your crib near blinds or drapes hanging because they could pose the risk of strangulation 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 that you can reach them safely to care for them. It should be strong enough to withstand the daily wear and tear.
The majority of cribs are constructed of metal or wood and come with slatted side panels. These features allow caregivers to observe the baby from different angles and promote airflow. Cribs can be used until your child is of two.
The majority of cribs have a mattress height that can be adjusted to meet your baby's development. The lowest setting is suitable for infants, whereas the highest setting is ideal for babies who sit up or crawl. Make sure cot sale measure the interior of your crib to be sure the mattress will fit because the slatted style of most cribs can create small gaps that could pose a danger for your baby.
Manufacturers offer mattresses and cribs that aren't standard sizes, yet have the same safety standards. These include play yards and portable infant beds and bassinets. These cribs often have mesh or rigid sides, and they are generally smaller in size than the full-size cribs.
If you decide to purchase a crib that is not standard, make sure you look up the manufacturer's guidelines to determine mattress size recommendations. They might have requirements that differ from the standard crib mattress dimension of 28 inches wide and 52 inches long. You should also be sure to check the distance between the crib mattress and the crib to ensure that it is not greater than 1 inch. This is the most safe distance.
A waterproof mattress cover for your baby can help keep it clean and protected from spills or accidents. Select one that has an antimicrobial barrier that helps reduce bacteria and an anti-allergenic layer that blocks allergens.
If you are considering a crib with drop-sides, be aware that they were linked to 32 infant deaths between 2000 and 2010, and have been banned in the US as of 2011. Even if you plan to purchase a crib with a drop-side or get one as a hand-me-down ensure that you eliminate it when your baby is 35 inches tall or has the ability to get out.
Safety
A crib for your baby is one of the safest places to let your child sleep. It is not only a place to rest but also a place to see and hold them frequently. There are numerous crib models and brands 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 babies.
Before you put your baby in the crib, make sure the crib is clean and free of dander and dust. Take away any toys or stuffed animals that may fall out of the crib. Do not place any pillows or blankets within the crib. They can cause death by suffocation. Instead, use a mattress pad and a fitted sheet.
Some commenters suggested that cribs should be required to comply with the formaldehyde emission standards laid out in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act (Pub. L. 112-199) and that cribs made of composite wood should be tested to ensure compliance. Although these regulations don't directly apply to cribs however, the CPSC has decided that it is appropriate to demand 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 in between dynamic tests. We strongly disagree with this suggestion. The shake test and the vertical mattress support tests are dynamic tests that simulate and speed up crib abuse. Loose screw is the second leading cause of crib fatalities.
Other comments were based upon EWS incident information. These data show that the two most common crib hazards are unsafe mattresses and drop-sides. We decided to pay particular attention on these concerns and include the performance standards already included in the standard that is currently mandatory. The incorporation of reference standards is the best method to ensure the safety of cribs is ensured in a consistent and effective way.
Style
Designing your baby's nursery is an exciting and rewarding experience. The crib is the focal point of any nursery, so select one that fits your style and complements its decor. Whether you prefer a modern and minimalist look or something more traditional, there are lots of stylish cribs to choose from. There are cribs for every budget, from affordable to luxurious. Make sure the crib you choose is safe and meets all safety standards.
A crib is a tiny bed that is specially designed for babies and infants. It is constructed of durable materials like wood and has slatted wall panels to allow for a safe airflow. Cribs are generally larger than bassinets, and can be more expensive, but they are more functional for your child's first three years of life.
There are a variety of crib styles available, but all of them must meet safety standards. For instance, the crib slats should be no more than 6 centimeters apart (that's roughly the width of a soda can), and you should not use decorative cutouts or shapes in the headboard or footboard.
The mattress must also fit snugly in the crib's opening. This is because gaps between the crib and the mattress can cause infants legs and arms to become entangled. A lot of cribs have bars for stability to help keep the mattress in place. If your crib doesn't come with stabilizer bars, then you'll need to buy an additional mattress pad for support.
A quality crib also comes with a low sitting mattress level that helps keep toddlers from climbing over the crib's edge. This is an excellent feature for parents with small children or rooms that are small in size. But, be sure to measure the mattress height before making your purchase. Most mattresses have a sticker at the corner which shows the crib's minimum and maximum mattress heights.
If you're looking for a crib that can grow with your child, consider buying a convertible crib. These cribs can be converted into an infant's bed, a daybed or even a bed that is full size. A few cribs on our list, including the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 4-in-1, have conversion kits included. The rest will require an extra purchase.
Budget
While most cribs cost hundreds of dollars, some cribs are affordable. cot sales 4-in-1 Crib for instance, is priced less than $200 and has been 5 stars rated by BabyCenter, Baby Bargains, and National Parent Publications. It also has a medium-height profile, which makes it easy to take your baby into and out.
Another budget-friendly crib is the Munchkin Brica Travel Pod. It is easy to assemble and folds in just a few minutes. It can be used inside or out on a patio or deck. It is suitable for babies who weigh up to 15 pounds. It's not a long-term sleeping solution, however, because your baby will outgrow it after about six months.
There are also budget-friendly bassinets and cradles you can use during the first few weeks to keep your baby snug and close. Although they're 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 is likely to outgrow them before their first birthday.
A quality crib will have a mattress support that is solid and secure, and it can be adjusted to four different positions depending on the baby's size. It should be low enough to let you reach into and out easily, particularly if you are under 5'5 inches. Some cribs have posts that are more than 1 8 inches above the mattress's opening that could cause your child to be trapped while they play or try to climb.
Some cribs come with attached changing areas that makes diaper changing easier and quicker. Although they are convenient, they tend to take up more floor space than traditional cribs and may not be the ideal choice for smaller nurseries.
It is also important to consider the materials that the crib is made of. Many cribs are made of particleboard, which is made up of formaldehyde. Look for a crib that is constructed out of solid wood or has a metal base instead.