Choosing a Baby Crib
The process of designing a nursery can be an exciting time, but selecting a crib is one of the most crucial decisions you'll ever make. The crib where your baby sleeps in will have a significant impact on their development and health regardless of the design of the slats or the mattress height.
Remember that bolts and nails can wiggle loose over time, so be sure to check your crib hardware regularly. Avoid placing your crib in close proximity to drapes or blinds that hang because they could pose the risk of strangulation to your baby.
Size
Size is one of the most important factors to take into consideration when buying a crib. The crib should be big enough to accommodate a sleepy baby, but compact enough for you to reach them in a safe manner to care for them. It should also be durable enough to stand up to the wear and tear of regular use.
The majority of cribs are made from wood or metal, and the majority of them include the slatted sides. These features allow caregivers to view the baby from various angles and promote airflow. Cribs can be used until your child is of two.
Cot Bed of cribs have a mattress height that can be adjusted to meet the baby's growing needs. The lowest setting is ideal for infants, whereas the highest setting is good for babies who sit up or crawl. Be sure to check the interior of your crib to make sure that the mattress fits because the slatted style of most cribs can create small gaps that could be dangerous for your baby.
Certain manufacturers offer cribs that are not standard and mattresses that meet the same safety standards as standard cribs. These include play yards and portable infant beds and bassinets. These cribs usually have rigid or mesh sides, and are generally smaller in size than cribs that are full-size.
Check the manufacturer's guidelines to determine the recommended mattress size if you decide to purchase a crib that is not standard. There may be specific requirements that differ from the standard crib mattress size of 28 inches wide and 52 inches long. Also, you should examine the space between the crib mattress and the crib to ensure it's not more than 1 inch. This is the maximum safe distance.
A waterproof cover can shield your baby's bedding from accidents and spills. Choose one with an antimicrobial barrier that reduces bacteria, and a hypoallergenic layer that blocks allergens.
If you're thinking of buying a crib with drop sides, be aware that they've been linked to 32 deaths of babies between 2000 and 2010 and have been banned in the US since 2011. Even if you decide to buy a drop-side crib or get one from a friend make sure you remove it when your baby is 35 inches tall or can get out.
Safety
A baby crib is among the most secure places for your child to sleep. It's not just a place to rest but also a place to be able to see them and hold them frequently. There are a variety of crib models and brands available on the market. But, they all must meet certain safety standards. The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets these standards to ensure that cribs are safe for babies.
Before you put your child in the crib, make sure that it is clean and free of dander and dust. Remove any toys or stuffed animal that may fall out of the crib. Also, don't use any blankets or pillows in the crib as they could cause the suffocation of children. Use a fitted sheet and a mattress cover instead.
Some commenters suggested that cribs should be in compliance with formaldehyde emissions standards as outlined in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act. L. 112-199) and cribs constructed from composite wood should be tested to ensure compliance. Although these regulations don't directly apply to cribs but the CPSC has determined that it is appropriate to mandate that cribs and other furniture made from composite wood meet the requirements of this important new law.
Others suggested that the requirement that fasteners be tightened again between dynamic tests should be included in the new crib standard. We strongly oppose this suggestion. The shake test as well as the vertical mattress support impact tests are dynamic tests that simulate and accelerate abuse of cribs. Screws that are loose are the second leading cause of fatalities in cribs.
Other comments were based upon the EWS incident information. The data shows that the two most frequently reported crib hazards are unsafe mattresses and drop-sides. We therefore decided to focus on these concerns in the new rulemaking and to incorporate the performance standards that are already included in the existing mandatory standard, with reference. By incorporating them by reference, we can ensure that safety in cribs is maintained consistently and effectively.
Style
It's a satisfying and exciting experience to design your baby's nursery. The main focal point of any nursery is the crib, so it's important to choose one that is in keeping with your style and matches the room's decor. There are a variety of stylish cribs available that you can choose from modern and minimalist or more traditional. There are options for every budget, from affordable to high-end. Make sure the crib you select has all the safety requirements.
A crib is a compact bed designed specifically for infants and babies. It features slatted walls to provide an airy environment and is typically built from sturdy materials like wood. Cribs are usually larger than bassinets and can be more expensive, but they are more functional for your child's the first three years of life.
There are a variety of crib styles available, but all of them must be safe to use. For example the crib slats must be no more than 6 centimeters apart (that's roughly the width of a soda bottle), and you should stay clear of ornamental cutouts or patterns on the footboard or headboard.
The mattress must be able to fit snugly into the crib's opening. This is because any gaps between the crib and mattress can cause babies legs and arms to get caught in the crib. Some cribs come with bars for stabilization to keep the mattress in place. But if you have a crib that doesn't, ensure you buy a mattress pad for extra support.
A quality crib also comes with a mattress that is low, which helps prevent toddlers from stepping over the edge of the crib. This is a great feature for parents with children who are smaller or rooms that are small in size. However, make sure to measure the mattress height before making your purchase. The corner of the majority of mattresses will show the crib's maximum and minimum mattress heights.
If you are looking for a crib that grows with your child, think about purchasing a convertible crib. These types of cribs can be turned into toddler beds or a daybed, or even a bed that is full size. Some of the cribs on our list, including the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 4-in-1, come with conversion kits included. The rest will require an extra purchase.
Budget
While the majority of cribs cost 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 an overall profile that is medium height, making it simple to get your child in and out.
Another affordable crib is the Munchkin Brica Travel Pod. It is easy to assemble and folds up in two minutes. It can be used inside or outside, on a deck or patio. It is suitable for babies who weigh up to 15 pounds. It is not intended to be a long-term solution for sleeping because your child will outgrow the product after six months.
There are also budget-friendly bassinets and cradles you can use during the first few weeks to keep your baby comfortable and close. They are more expensive however they are smaller and easier to move. They are only a temporary crib for sleeping and your baby will outgrow them before their first birthday.
A crib that is of good quality will have a mattress support that is solid and secure, and can be adjusted to four different positions based on the baby's weight. It must be low enough to let you reach into and out easily, especially if you are under 5'5 inches. Some cribs have posts that stand higher than 1 8 inch above the mattress's opening, which can cause your baby to get trapped when they play or climb.
Some cribs have attached changing areas that can make diapering easier and faster. While these 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. A lot of cribs made from particleboard, which can contain formaldehyde, which is a well-known carcinogen. Choose a crib that is constructed from solid wood or has an aluminum base instead.