Choosing a Baby Crib
The process of designing a nursery is an exciting experience, but choosing the crib is one of the most crucial decisions you'll make. It doesn't matter what style of slats, mattress height or conversion capabilities, the crib the baby sleeps in will affect their health and development.
Remember that nails and bolts may wiggle loose over time, so check your crib hardware regularly. Be sure to avoid placing your crib close to drapes or window blinds that hang, which can pose a strangulation hazard for your baby.
Size
Size is a key factor to take into consideration when buying the perfect crib. The crib should be big enough to fit a sleeping baby, yet small enough that you can reach them safely to take care of them. It should be strong enough to withstand daily wear and tear.
The majority of cribs are made out of metal or wood, and the majority of them include slatted sides. These features allow caregivers to observe the baby from different angles and promote airflow. Cribs are used from birth until the child is approximately two years old, when they will require moving into the toddler bed.
The majority of cribs come with a mattress support height that can be lowered or raised as your baby grows. The lowest setting is ideal for infants. The highest setting is for babies who can sit up or crawl. Be sure to measure the inside of your crib to be sure that the mattress fits as the slatted structure of most cribs may create small gaps that could pose a danger for your baby.
Some manufacturers offer cribs with non-standard sizes and mattresses that have the same safety standards as full-size cribs. These include play yards, portable infant beds, and bassinets. These cribs are smaller than full-size cribs and have mesh or rigid sides.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions to determine the recommended mattress size if you choose 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 distance between the crib and mattress to be sure it's not larger than 1 inch which is the maximum safe space.
A waterproof cover can protect your baby's mattress from spills and accidents. Look for one with an antimicrobial layer that helps to reduce bacteria and a hypoallergenic barrier that eliminates allergens.
If you're thinking about buying a crib with drop sides, you should be aware that they were associated with 32 infant deaths between 2000 and 2010. They have been banned in the US since 2011. Even if you decide to purchase a crib with drop sides or get one from a friend make sure you eliminate it when your baby is 35 inches tall or has the ability to climb out.
Safety
A baby crib is the most secure place for your child. It is not only an area to rest, but also where you can be able to see them and hold them frequently. There are a variety of cribs and brands available, each one must comply with certain safety standards. These standards are laid out by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and they ensure that the cribs you buy are safe for your baby.
Before you place your child in the crib make sure that it is clean, free of dust and dander. Take away any toys or stuffed animals that may fall out of the bed. Don't put any blankets or pillows within the crib. They could cause the suffocation of children. Instead, you should use mattress pads and a fitted sheet.
Some commenters suggested cribs should conform to formaldehyde emission standards outlined in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act. L. 111-199) and that cribs made of composite wood should be inspected to ensure compliance. While best crib newborn don't directly apply to cribs but the CPSC has decided that it is appropriate to require that cribs and other furniture made from composite wood comply with this important new law.
Other commenters suggested that the new crib standard should contain the requirement to tighten fasteners after dynamic tests. We strongly oppose this suggestion. The dynamic tests - such as the shake test and the vertical mattress support impact test are designed to replicate and increase the use and abuse of cribs by children. Loose screw is the second most frequent cause of fatalities in cribs.
Other comments were based on the EWS incident data. The data shows that the two most common crib dangers are unsafe mattresses and drop-sides. We decided to focus our attention on these issues and to incorporate the performance standards already included in the existing mandatory standard. The incorporation of reference standards is the most effective method to ensure that the cribs' safety is maintained in a consistent and effective way.
Style
It's a satisfying and thrilling experience to design the nursery of your baby's. The 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. Whether you prefer a modern and minimalist style or more traditional, there's a wide selection of chic cribs to pick from. There are options for everyone's budget, from affordable to high-end. Make sure that the crib you select has all the safety requirements.
A crib is a compact bed that is specially designed for babies and infants. It features slatted walls to provide safe ventilation and is often constructed from durable materials such as 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 a variety of types of cribs that are available on the market, however they all have to meet strict safety standards. For instance, the crib slats should not exceed 6 centimeters apart (that's roughly the width of a soda can), and you should not use ornamental cutouts or designs in the footboard or headboard.
In addition, the mattress must fit snugly inside the crib's opening. This is because gaps between the crib and the mattress can cause babies' arms and legs to get caught in the crib. Some cribs come with stabilizer bars to help keep the mattress in place. However, if you own a crib that doesn't have them, make sure you purchase an extra mattress pad to provide support.
A mattress that is low in height is another feature of a crib that prevents toddlers from climbing the crib's edge. It's a great option for smaller families or rooms with a limited space Be sure to check the mattress's height prior to you make your purchase. The corner of the majority of mattresses will list the crib's maximum and minimum mattress heights.
If you are looking for a crib that can grow with your child, you should consider purchasing a convertible crib. These types of cribs can be converted into toddler beds, a daybed and even a bed that is full size. Some cribs, like the Babyletto Hudson 4-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 3-in-1 are equipped with conversion kits. The rest will require an extra purchase.
Budget
While the majority of cribs cost hundreds of dollars, some cribs are affordable. The Graco Classic 4 in 1 Crib costs less than 200 dollars and has been rated 5 stars by BabyCenter and Baby Bargains. It also has a medium height profile, which makes it easy for you to take your baby in and out.
Another budget-friendly crib is the Munchkin Brica Travel Pod. The portable sleep and play option is easy to assemble and folds in just two minutes. It can be used inside or outside, on a patio or deck. It is suitable for infants weighing up to 15 pounds. It's not a permanent sleep solution, however, as your baby will outgrow it after about six months.
There are also affordable bassinets and cribs that can be used for the beginning of the first few months, allowing you to keep your baby snug and close. They are more expensive however they are smaller and easier to move. They're only a temporary crib for sleeping and your baby will outgrow them before their first birthday.
A crib that is of good quality will include a mattress support that is solid and secure, and can be adjusted to four different positions depending on the baby's size. It should be low enough for you to reach into and out of it easily, especially when you're less than 5'5. Some cribs have posts that stand more 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 have attached changing areas that makes diaper changing easier and faster. While these are convenient but they can take up more floor space than traditional cribs and may not be the ideal choice for smaller nurseries.
Think about 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 from solid wood or has a metal base instead.