Choosing a Baby Crib
Designing a nursery is an exciting time, however selecting the right crib is among the most important decisions you'll ever make. The style of slats, mattress height or the capability to convert, the crib that your baby sleeps on will impact their health and development.
Keep in mind that bolts and nails can wiggle loose over time, so make sure you check your crib hardware regularly. Be sure to avoid placing your crib near drapes or window blinds that dangle, which present a risk of strangulation for your baby.
Size
Size is an important factor to consider when shopping for the right crib. A crib should be large enough to accommodate a sleeping infant but small enough that you are able to reach your baby to attend to them. It should be sturdy enough to withstand the daily wear and tear.
The majority of cribs are made from wood or metal, and a majority have sliding sides. These features allow caregivers to observe the baby from different angles and encourage airflow. Cribs are available until your child is of two.
The majority of cribs have an adjustable mattress that can be adjusted to suit your baby's development. The lowest setting is ideal for infants. The highest setting is for babies who can sit up or crawl. Take measurements of the crib's interior to ensure that the mattress will fit. The slatted design could leave tiny gaps that could pose a risk for your baby.
Some manufacturers offer cribs with non-standard sizes and mattresses that meet the same safety standards as full-size cribs. These include bassinets for infants, portable cribs, and play yards. These cribs typically 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 choose a crib that is not standard. There may be specific requirements that differ from the standard crib mattress dimensions of 28 inches wide and 52 inches long. It is also important to examine the space between the crib mattress and the crib to ensure that it is not greater than one inch. This is the most safe distance.
A waterproof cover can shield your baby's bed from spills and accidents. Choose a cover with an antimicrobial layer to cut down on bacteria and a hypoallergenic barrier that stops allergens.
If you're considering a crib with drop-sides, be aware that they've been associated with 32 infant deaths between 2000 and 2010 and were banned in the US in 2011. If you do decide to purchase or get a crib with drop sides for your baby be sure to dispose of it when your child reaches 35 inches or has the ability to get out.
Safety
A crib for your baby is the most secure place for your child. It is a place for them to rest, but also a place where you can keep them close and observe them frequently. There are best crib for newborn of crib models and brands on the market. However, 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 dust and dander. Take away any toys or stuffed animals that may fall out of the crib. Also, don't put any pillows or blankets in the crib, as they can cause the suffocation of children. Use a fitted sheet or a mattress cover.
Some commenters suggested that cribs should be required to meet formaldehyde emission standards outlined in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act (Pub. L. 111-199) and that cribs made of composite wood should be inspected to determine if they are in compliance. Although these regulations don't directly apply to cribs however, the CPSC has decided that it is appropriate to require 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 the requirement to tighten fasteners between dynamic tests. We strongly disagree with this idea. The shake test as well as the vertical mattress support impact tests are dynamic tests that simulate and increase the crib abuse. Loose screws are the second most common cause of fatal accidents in cribs.
Other comments were based upon EWS incident records. These data show that the two most common crib hazards are unsafe mattresses and drop-sides. We decided to focus our attention on these issues and incorporate the performance standards already incorporated into the existing mandatory standard. By incorporating by reference, we can ensure that the safety of cribs is maintained consistently and efficiently.
Style
The design of your baby's nursery is an exciting and rewarding process. The crib is the focal element of any nursery, so you should pick one that matches your style and compliments the decor. Whether you prefer a modern and minimalist style or more traditional, there are plenty of chic cribs to pick from. There are options for every budget, from the most affordable to high-end. Make sure that the crib you select is safe and meets all safety standards.
A crib is a compact crib designed especially for babies and infants. It is constructed with slatted walls to provide an airy environment and is typically constructed from durable materials such as wood. Cribs can be bigger and more expensive than bassinets, however they offer more functionality for the initial three years of your child's life.
There are a variety of crib styles available, but all of them must meet safety standards. For instance the crib slats must not be more than 6 centimeters apart (that's roughly the width of a soda can) and you should not use ornamental cutouts or designs in the headboard or footboard.
In addition, the mattress must fit snugly into the crib's opening. This is important because gaps between the crib and the mattress could allow infants legs or arms to get caught in. Many cribs have stabilizer bars to assist in keeping the mattress in place. However, if you own a crib that doesn't have them, make sure you purchase a mattress pad for extra support.
A great crib also has a low-sitting mattress, which helps prevent children from climbing over the edge of the crib. This is a great feature for parents with smaller children or rooms that are restricted in size. However, make sure to measure the mattress height before making your purchase. Most mattresses will include a sticker on the corner, which lists the crib's minimum and maximum mattress heights.
You should consider buying an adjustable crib if you want your crib to grow with your child. These cribs can be converted into an infant bed, a daybed and even a full-size bed. Some 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 cost hundreds of dollars Some cribs are more affordable. The Graco Classic 4 in 1 Crib costs less than 200 dollars and has been 5-star rated by BabyCenter and Baby Bargains. It also has a profile that is moderate in height, making it simple to get your child inside and out.
Another crib that is budget-friendly is the Munchkin Brica Travel Pod. This portable sleep-and-play option is easy to assemble and folds up in a few minutes. It can be used indoors or out on a patio or deck. It is suitable for babies weighing up to 15 pounds. It's not a long-term sleep solution, however, because your baby will outgrow it after about six months.
There are also affordable bassinets and cradles that are suitable for the initial few months, allowing you to keep your baby close and comfortable. They cost more but they are smaller and easier to move. They're only a temporary crib for sleeping and your baby will outgrow it before their first birthday.
A good crib should include a sturdy, solid mattress support that can be adjusted to four different positions based on your baby's growth. It should be low enough to allow you to reach in and out of it easily, especially in the case of children under 5'5 inches. Some cribs have posts that are higher than 1 8 inch above the mattress opening, which can cause your child to get trapped when they play or climb.
Some cribs have separate changing rooms which can make diapering a little more convenient and quicker. They are handy however 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 the crib is constructed of. A lot of cribs are made from particleboard that contains formaldehyde. Choose a crib that is made from solid wood or comes with an aluminum base instead.