Choosing a Baby Crib
Designing a nursery is an exciting time, but picking the crib is one of the most crucial choices you'll make. Whether it's the style of slats, the mattress height or the ability to convert the crib your baby sleeps in will impact their development and health.
Make sure to check the crib's hardware regularly. Bolts and nails may become loose with time. Be sure to avoid placing your crib near drapes or window blinds that dangle, which create a strangulation risk for your baby.
Size
When shopping for a crib the size is a key aspect. A crib should be big enough to accommodate a sleepy infant but small enough 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 of metal or wood, and are fitted with side panels that are slatted. These features allow caregivers to view the baby from various angles and promote airflow. Cribs are utilized from birth until your child is approximately two years old, when they will need to be moved into the toddler bed.
Most cribs are equipped with a mattress height that can be adjusted to meet your baby's growth. The lowest setting is ideal for newborns, while the highest setting is good for babies who can sit up or crawl. Check the crib's dimensions to ensure the mattress is suitable. The slatted design can leave tiny gaps that could be hazardous to your baby.
Certain manufacturers offer cribs that are not standard and mattresses that meet the same safety standards as standard cribs. These include bassinets, portable infant beds, and play yards. These cribs are smaller than the standard ones and come with rigid or mesh sides.
If mini cot beds choose a non-standard crib, look up the manufacturer's guidelines to determine mattress size guidelines. They might have requirements that differ from the standard crib mattress dimensions 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 make sure it's not more than one inch. This is the minimum safe distance.
A waterproof cover will protect your baby's bed from spills and accidents. Look for one with an antimicrobial layer that reduces bacteria and a hypoallergenic barrier that eliminates allergens.
If you're thinking of buying a crib with drop-sides, know that they've been linked to the deaths of 32 infants between 2000 and 2010, and have been banned in the US in 2011. If you do decide to purchase or get a crib with drop sides for your baby ensure that you dispose of it when your child is 35 inches 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 a place for them to rest but also a space where you can keep them close and observe them often. There are a variety of 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 infants.
Before you place your child in the crib, ensure that the crib is clean and free of dust and dander. Take away any toys or stuffed animals that could fall off the bed. Use no blankets or pillows inside the crib. They could cause the suffocation of children. Instead, you should use a mattress pad and fitted sheet.
Some commenters suggested that cribs should be in compliance with formaldehyde emission standards outlined in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act. L. 112-199) and cribs constructed of composite wood must be tested to determine if they are in compliance. The CPSC has concluded that although these rules do not directly apply to cribs or other furniture made from composite wood, it is appropriate to require the compliance of this law.
Others suggested that the new crib standard should include a requirement to retighten 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 test - are designed to mimic and speed up the use and abuse of cribs by children. Screws that are loose are the second leading cause of fatal incidents in cribs.
Other comments were based on EWS incident information. These data show that the two most frequent crib dangers are mattresses that are not safe and drop-sides. Therefore, we decided to concentrate on these issues in the new rulemaking process and to include the performance standards that are currently contained in the existing mandatory standard by reference. By reference incorporation is the best method to ensure the safety of cribs is ensured in a consistent and efficient manner.
Style
The design of your baby's nursery is an exciting and rewarding experience. The main focal point of any nursery is the crib, so it's crucial to choose a crib that fits your style and compliments your room's décor. If you're looking for a contemporary and minimalist look or something more traditional, there are plenty of chic cribs to pick from. There are cribs for every budget, from affordable to high-end. Be sure that the crib you pick meets all safety requirements.
A crib is a compact crib designed especially for infants and children. It is constructed with slatted walls to allow for safe ventilation and is often constructed of sturdy materials like wood. Cribs are generally larger than bassinets and can be more expensive, however they offer more functionality for your child's the first three years of life.
There are many styles of cribs available on the market, however they all must be in compliance with strict safety standards. The crib slats, for example, should not be more than 6 centimeters (about the width of a bottle of soda) apart. Also, Full File should beware of cutouts or ornaments in the footboard and headboard.
In addition the mattress should be able to fit comfortably into the crib's opening. This is essential because gaps between the crib and mattress can allow babies' arms or legs to become entangled. Many cribs come with stabilizer bars that assist in keeping the mattress in its place. If your crib does not come with stabilizer bars, then you'll need to purchase a mattress pad as extra support.
A great crib also has a low sitting mattress level that helps keep toddlers from climbing over the crib's edge. This is a great feature for parents with smaller children or rooms that are limited in size. But, be sure to check out the mattress's height prior your purchase. The corner of most mattresses will show the crib's maximum and minimum mattress heights.
Consider purchasing a convertible crib if would like your crib to expand with your child. These cribs can be converted into the toddler's bed, a daybed or even a full-size bed. Some cribs on our list, such as 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 are priced in the hundreds of dollars There are a few cribs available on the market that are budget-friendly. The Graco Classic 4-in-1 Crib, for example, costs less than $200 and is 5 stars rated by BabyCenter, Baby Bargains, and National Parent Publications. It also has a profile that is medium height, making it simple to get your child inside and out.
The Munchkin Brica travel pod is another crib that is budget-friendly. This portable play and sleep option is simple to install and folds away in just a few minutes. It can be used indoors or outdoors on a deck or patio and is suitable for infants up to 15 pounds. It's not a long-term sleep solution, however as your baby will outgrow it after about six months.
You can also find affordable cradles and bassinets that you can use for the first few weeks to keep your baby safe and close. Although they're more expensive than a standard crib they are also smaller and easier to move around. They are not a permanent sleeping solution and your baby will outgrow them before their first birthday.
A quality crib will have a mattress support that is sturdy and secure, and it can be adjusted to four different positions based on the baby's height. It must be low enough to let you get in and out easily, especially in the case of children under 5'5. Some cribs have posts that extend higher than 1 8 inches above the mattress's opening, which could cause your child to become entrapped as they play or climb.
Some cribs have attached changing areas that can make diapering a bit more convenient and quicker. These are convenient, but they take up more space than traditional cribs. They might not be a good option for smaller nurseries.
You should also think about the materials that the crib is made from. Many traditional cribs are made from particleboard, which can contain formaldehyde which is a known carcinogen. Look for a crib made out of solid wood or has a metal base instead.