Choosing a Baby Crib
The process of designing a nursery is an exciting time, but selecting a crib is one of the most crucial decisions you'll ever make. The style of slats, mattress height or conversion capabilities, the crib the baby sleeps in will impact their health and development.
Examine the crib's hardware frequently. Bolts and nails may become loose with 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
Size is one of the most important factors to take into consideration when buying the perfect crib. The crib should be large 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 durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of everyday use.
The majority of cribs are made from metal or wood and the majority of them include sliding sides. These features allow caregivers to view the baby from various angles and promote airflow. Cribs are available until your child is of two.
Most cribs are equipped with a mattress support height that can be lowered or raised as your baby develops. 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 the mattress is suitable. The slatted design could leave tiny gaps that could pose a risk for your baby.
Manufacturers offer mattresses and cribs that aren't standard sizes, but comply with the same safety standards. These include play yards as well as portable infant beds and bassinets. These cribs usually come with mesh or rigid sides, and they are usually smaller than full-size cribs.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions to determine the recommended mattress size if 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. You should also check the space between the crib mattress and the crib to make sure it is not more than 1 inch. This is the most safe distance.
A waterproof cover will protect your baby's bed from accidents and spills. Choose a cover with an antimicrobial barrier that helps reduce bacteria, and an anti-allergenic layer that blocks allergens.
If you're considering a crib that has drop-sides, you should know that they've been linked to the deaths of 32 infants between 2000 and 2010, and are banned in the US in 2011. If you do decide to buy or receive a drop-side baby crib ensure that you dispose of it when your child is 35 inches or has the ability to be able to climb out.
Safety
A baby crib is one of the safest places to let your child sleep. It is not only a place to rest but also where you can see and hold them frequently. There are many crib models and brands available on the market. But, they all must meet certain safety requirements. These standards are set forth by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and they make sure the cribs you purchase are safe for your baby.
Before you place your child in the crib, make sure that it is clean, free of dust and dander. Also, remove any toys or stuffed animals that could fall out of the crib. Don't put any blankets or pillows inside the crib. They could cause death by suffocation. Instead, you should use a mattress pad and fitted sheet.
Some commenters suggested that cribs need to be in compliance with formaldehyde emission standards laid out in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act (Pub. L. 111-199), and cribs made from composite wood should be tested to ensure that they meet the standards. While these rules do not directly apply to cribs but the CPSC has ruled that it is appropriate to demand that cribs and other furniture made of composite wood comply with this important new law.
cot sales suggested that the requirement that fasteners be tightened after dynamic tests should be included in the crib standard that is being developed. We strongly disagree with this suggestion. The dynamic tests - such as the shake test and the vertical mattress support impact test are designed to simulate and increase the use and abuse of cribs by children. Screws that are loose are the second leading cause of fatalities in cribs.
Other comments were based upon EWS incident records. The data shows that the most common hazards associated with cribs are dangerous mattresses and drop-sides. Therefore, we decided to concentrate on these issues in the new rulemaking and to incorporate the performance standards that are already included in the current mandatory standard through reference. Incorporation by reference is the best method to ensure the safety of cribs is ensured in a uniform and effective manner.
Style
It is a rewarding and exciting process to design the nursery of your baby's. The crib is the focal point of any nursery, so you should select one that fits your style and complements the decor. There are numerous stylish cribs available regardless of whether you're looking for something modern and minimalist or traditional. There are cribs for every budget, from the cheapest to luxurious. Make sure that the crib you pick is in compliance with all the necessary safety guidelines.
A crib is a compact crib designed especially for infants and babies. It is constructed with slatted walls to ensure adequate ventilation and is usually constructed of sturdy materials like wood. Cribs are often larger and more expensive than bassinets, but offer greater functionality during the first three years of your child's existence.
There are a variety of types of cribs on the market, but they all must meet strict safety standards. The crib slats, for instance, shouldn't be more than 6 centimeters (about the size of a can of soda) apart. You should also avoid decorative shapes or cutouts in the headboard and footboard.
The mattress should be able to fit snugly into the crib's opening. This is because any gaps between the crib and the mattress can cause infants legs and arms to become entangled. Many cribs include bars for stabilization to keep the mattress in place. However, if you own a crib that doesn't have them, make sure you purchase mattress pads for additional support.
A low-level mattress is another feature of a good crib that helps to prevent toddlers from climbing the crib's edge. This is a great feature for parents with smaller children or rooms that are small in size. However, it is important to verify the mattress's height prior to making your purchase. The majority of mattresses will include a sticker on the corner, which shows the crib's minimum and maximum mattress heights.
Consider buying a convertible crib if want your crib to grow with your child. These cribs can be transformed into an infant's bed, a daybed or even a full-size bed. Some cribs on 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 will require an additional purchase.
Budget
While the majority of cribs cost in the hundreds of dollars, there are a few cribs available on the market that are affordable. The Graco Classic 4 in 1 Crib is priced at less than 200 dollars and has been 5-star rated by BabyCenter and Baby Bargains. It also has a medium height profile which makes it easier to take your baby in and out.
Another crib that is budget-friendly is the Munchkin Brica Travel Pod. This portable play and sleep option is easy to set up and folds down in a matter of minutes. It can be used indoors or outside, on a patio or deck. It is suitable for babies weighing up to 15 pounds. It is not a permanent sleeping solution, however, as your baby will outgrow it in about six months.
There are also affordable bassinets and cribs that can be used for the first few months, allowing you to keep your baby snug and close. Although they're more expensive than a standard crib, they are also more compact and easier to move around. However, they are only a temporary solution for sleeping and your baby will outgrow them prior to their first birthday.
A good crib should be sturdy and solid mattress support that is able to be adjusted to four different positions, based on your baby's growth. It should be low enough to allow you to reach into and out of it easily, particularly if you're under 5'5. Some cribs feature posts that are higher than 1 8 inches above the opening of the mattress that could cause your child to be trapped as they play or attempt to climb.
Some cribs come with an attached changing area that make diapering a bit more convenient and quicker. While these are convenient but they can take up more floor space than traditional cribs and might not be the best option for smaller nurseries.
Take a look at the materials the crib is made of. The majority of cribs are constructed of particleboard, which may contain formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. Find a crib made from solid wood or has an aluminum base instead.