Choosing a Baby Crib
It's exciting to design a nursery, but choosing the crib is one of your most crucial choices. The style of slats, the mattress height or the capability to convert the crib the baby sleeps in will impact their health and development.
Remember that nails and bolts can be loose in time, so be sure to check your crib's hardware frequently. Do not place your crib near drapes or blinds hanging on the ceiling, as they could create a strangulation risk for your baby.
Size
When you are looking for a crib the size is a key factor. The crib should be big enough to fit a sleeping baby, but compact enough that you can 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 most come with slatted sides. These features allow caregivers to see the baby from various angles and encourage airflow. Cribs can be used from birth until the child is approximately two years older, at which point they will require moving into the toddler bed.
Most standard cribs come with the mattress height which can be adjusted to meet your baby's growth. The lowest setting is ideal for newborns. The highest setting is ideal for babies who are able to sit up or crawl. Be sure to check the interior of your crib to make sure the mattress will fit, as the slatted design of most cribs may leave small gaps that could be dangerous for your baby.
Some manufacturers offer non-standard cribs and mattresses that comply with the same safety standards as full-size cribs. These include portable infant beds, bassinets and play yards. These cribs are smaller than standard ones and have rigid or mesh sides.
Review the manufacturer's guidelines to determine the recommended mattress size in case you select one that isn't standard. They may have specific specifications that differ from the standard crib mattress dimensions of 28 inches wide and 52 inches long. It is also recommended to test the gap between the crib and mattress to make sure that it is not more than 1 inch which is the most safe space.
A waterproof mattress cover for your baby can help keep it clean and safe from spills or accidents. Look for one with an antimicrobial layer that reduces bacteria and a hypoallergenic barrier that stops allergens.
If you're considering a crib with drop-sides, you should know that they've been associated with 32 infant deaths between 2000 and 2010 and have been banned in the US as of 2011. If you do decide to purchase or receive a drop-side baby crib be sure to dispose of it when your child reaches 35 inches or is able to be able to climb out.
Safety
A crib for your baby is among the most secure 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 often. There are a variety of brands and models of cribs on the market, each one must meet certain safety standards. These standards are established by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and they ensure that the cribs you purchase are safe for your baby.
Before putting your child in the crib make sure the crib is clean and free of dust and dander. Also, take out any toys or stuffed animals that may fall out of the crib. Also, do not use any pillows or blankets inside the crib as they could cause the suffocation of children. Instead, you should use a mattress pad and a fitted sheet.
Some commenters suggested that cribs need to comply with the formaldehyde emission standards laid out in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act (Pub. L. 111-199) and that cribs made of composite wood should be tested to ensure conformity. While these rules are not directly applicable to cribs, the CPSC has decided that it is appropriate to mandate that cribs and other furniture constructed of composite wood meet the requirements of this important new law.
Other commenters suggested that the new crib standard should include a requirement to retighten fasteners in between dynamic tests. This suggestion is not acceptable to us. The shake test and vertical mattress support tests are dynamic tests that simulate and speed up crib abuse. Screws that are loose are the second leading cause of fatalities in cribs.
Other comments were based on the EWS incident information. These data show that the two most common crib dangers are unsafe mattresses and drop-sides. We decided to pay particular attention on these issues and include the performance standards already included in the existing mandatory standard. The incorporation of reference standards is the most effective method to ensure that the safety of cribs is ensured in a consistent and effective way.
Style
The process of designing your baby's nursery can be an exciting and rewarding experience. The crib is the main focal feature of any nursery, so you should select one that fits your style and compliments the decor. There are a variety of chic cribs available that you can choose from modern and minimalist or more traditional. You can find options in every price range, from the cheapest to high-end. Be sure that the crib you choose conforms to all safety guidelines.
A crib is a tiny, specially designed bed for infants and babies. It has slatted walls that 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 for the initial three years of your child's existence.
There are many crib styles available, but all must meet safety standards. The crib slats, as an instance, shouldn't be more than 6 centimeters (about the width of a bottle of soda) apart. It is also recommended to avoid cutting outs or decorative shapes in the headboard and footboard.
The mattress must be able to fit comfortably into the crib's opening. This is because any gaps between the crib and mattress can cause babies' arms and legs to get caught in the crib. Some cribs come with bars for stabilization to keep the mattress in place. If your crib doesn't have stabilizer bars, you'll need to buy an additional mattress pad for support.
A great crib also has a low sitting mattress level that prevents toddlers from climbing over the crib's edge. It's a great option for smaller parents or rooms with limited space Be sure to check the mattress's height prior to you purchase. The majority of mattresses will have a label at the corner which shows the crib's minimum and maximum mattress heights.
If you are looking for a crib that grows with your child, you should consider purchasing a convertible crib. These cribs can be converted into the toddler's bed, a daybed or even a bed that is full size. Some of the cribs on our list, like the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 4-in-1, have conversion kits 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 is priced at less than 200 dollars and has been 5 stars rated by BabyCenter and Baby Bargains. It also has a medium height profile that makes it simple for you to take your baby into and out.
Another crib that is budget-friendly is the Munchkin Brica Travel Pod. The portable sleep and play option is easy to assemble and folds up in two minutes. It can be used indoors or outside on a patio or deck and is suitable for infants up to 15 pounds. It is not designed to be a long-term solution for sleeping, as your child will grow out of the product within six months.
You can also find affordable bassinets and cradles that you can use during the first few weeks to keep your baby snug and close. While they're more expensive than a standard crib they are also more compact and easier to move around. They are not a permanent crib for sleeping and your baby will outgrow them before their first birthday.
A good crib will include a mattress support that is strong and secure, and is able to be adjusted to four different positions based on the baby's height. It should be low enough to allow you to reach into and out of it easily, especially in the case of children under 5'5. Some cribs have posts that stand more than 1 8 inches above the opening of the mattress This can cause your child to be trapped as they play or try to climb.
Some cribs come with an attached changing area which can make diapering a bit more convenient and quicker. They are handy however they take up more space than traditional cribs. They may not be the best choice for smaller nurseries.
Consider the materials your crib is made of. Many cribs are constructed of particleboard, which is made up of formaldehyde. Instead, opt for a crib that is made of solid wood or with a steel base.