Choosing Cribs For Your Baby's Nursery
Cribs offer a designated sleeping area for infants to lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. It also promotes a consistent sleep routine. Cribs also provide more flexibility than other options such as bassinets.
Whether you go for an innovative design or a traditional style, be sure to verify that it's certified by GreenGuard Gold to ensure that it meets the highest standards of safety and minimizes exposures to toxic chemicals. Also, consider other features to determine the perfect crib for your family.
1. Safety
As a parent, the safety of your child is of paramount importance. You want your baby to sleep peacefully in a safe environment, free of hazards like sharp edges or splinters. It's important to choose a crib that meets the Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) rigorous standards.
There are many things to look for in a mattress, such as slat spacing which is not more than 2 3/8 inches to ensure your baby's arms or legs don't get trapped. Also you should look for a mattress that has an incredibly firm and comfortable fit; no drop sides; sturdy cribs that aren't wobbling and clear instructions for assembly. Avoid any bells and whistles such as bumper pads or streamers that could strangle your baby.
Look for a crib that has been painted with low-VOC paint that is a safer choice to traditional glues and varnishes that emit harmful chemicals into the air. Look for mattresses made from organic foam and cotton.
Choose a crib without any ornaments or cutouts. These can cause injury should your child pick them up, or gets their fingers stuck in them. It is also important to ensure that the mattress cover is secure and tightly attached to the frame of your crib and that there are no gaps between the mattress and the frame. You should also avoid putting pillows, quilts, comforters and sheepskins, as well as pillow-like stuffed toys in the crib, as these can increase the risk of your baby's SIDS. Mobiles can also be a risk, since they could be pulled down onto the baby and cause death. cot bed sales is recommended to avoid a mobile completely and opt for a more breathable mesh crib mobile instead. This is more beneficial for your baby's health as well as let you monitor your little one as they sleep.
2. Convenience
One of the most essential things your baby will need is a safe place to sleep. Cribs are a great place for your baby's sleep particularly when you are engaged in other household chores.
You'll likely find cribs in your local home goods store or nursery. These types of establishments have to comply with strict regulations set forth by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and are usually the best place to begin your search for a quality crib. If you're looking to purchase a crib for your home, there are several things to consider before making your purchase.
Cribs are a great option for infants, newborns and toddlers, providing an inviting sleeping space that will last well beyond their first few years of existence. Many cribs come with convertible features that allow you to convert cribs into toddler beds or full-size beds, which can help you save money and extend the lifespan of the crib you purchase.
The small size of cribs makes them ideal for smaller spaces like apartments or lofts. Some models also include changing stations that could be useful when you have a small space in your nursery.
Travel cribs are also light and foldable, making them simple to transport. They're an excellent choice for taking your baby on a trip or visiting relatives and friends, as they are easy to pack into a suitcase before you leave. However, the lightweight design of travel cribs may cause less durable construction than standard cribs, which may be a concern for some parents.
3. Style
If you're looking for a crib that will stand out in a room, look for a model with unique styling. There are cribs with an elegant, minimalist design or made from materials like bamboo or glass. It may also have clear sides that allow for easy viewing. They are generally more expensive than solid wood alternatives however, they can be a beautiful focal piece in any nursery.
Some cribs have a more traditional look with beautiful curves and molding, which is reminiscent of antique furniture. They can also be elaborate and are typically handcrafted with stunning details. These are excellent options if you're looking for a crib that can become an heirloom for your family over time. They also work well with any design.
A Scandinavian crib is a different popular design. It is characterized by straight lines that are smooth and straight with the light, bare-wood finish. This allows the natural beauty of the wood to shine through. These cribs are ideal for modern or contemporary nursery. You can paint them or leave them unfinished to match your decor.
These cribs can be used as a changing table making it easier to change your child. This is particularly true for babies who are still young and have difficulty sitting up. They usually have drawers underneath to store diapers, wipes and other essentials.
Some cribs have curves or designs that can be used as a canopy. These can add a touch of elegance to any nursery and are a fantastic option to keep your baby cool and comfortable while they sleep. Make sure you use a fabrics that are not too long and that is tightly anchored to your crib. best crib for newborn will prevent your child from reaching out to grab the fabric, or pulling it down.
4. Convertibility
A crib that converts into a toddler's bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed can be extremely useful for any family. This feature lets you save money as you do not have to buy four separate beds as your child grows, and also saves space in the nursery. A lot of convertible cribs are also equipped with conversion kits that can be stored easily, making them easy to put together and use at any time.
Another thing to keep in mind while shopping for a crib is that many models have additional features, like drawers or adjustable mattress heights. This lets you alter the look and functionality of your crib, and can be especially useful in the case of a small or limited storage space in your nursery. Some cribs have wheels, which can be very helpful when you need to move the bed for cleaning or for any other reason.
Convertible cribs are typically made from sturdy, non-toxic material that is safe for your baby. They also meet the rigorous safety standards established by CPSC and ASTM. Many models have modern or classic designs that can be adapted to different styles of nursery décor. Some cribs are constructed of wood, whereas others can be made from stainless steel painted or metal. Some brands are committed sustainable development, offering eco-friendly cribs made from GREENGUARD certified wood. This assures that harmful toxins are not absorbed into the environment.
It takes some time and effort to select the ideal convertible crib for your nursery. However, it is an investment that will last for years. Consider your options and compare prices, delivery times, and other aspects before settling on a choice.
5. Value
The crib is a huge piece of furniture that can have a significant impact on the look and feel of the nursery of your baby. This is why choosing one that matches your preferred style or that will work well with the other decor elements in your room will make a big difference in how you feel about the nursery as you are there.
Similar to cribs that are designed to be converted into daybeds for toddlers or toddlers increase their value as your child grows, giving you value over the long term. They are also less expensive than full-size bed and can be given or sold to a family member when your child is no longer in need.
Convertible cribs can also be easily maintained, since most components can be removed and cleaned, and a lot have a conversion kit that makes it easy to convert them into the right size bed for your baby. Wood cribs can withstand a lot of use and are robust. Some can even last for multiple children.
Foam crib mattresses are lighter than innerspring mattresses which makes them more convenient to move when changing sheets or altering mattress height. They can wear out faster and need replacement sooner than innerspring mattresses.
Hybrid crib mattresses (also called two-stage or dual firm) are designed to be used from the beginning of toddlerhood, with a side that's softer for infants, and a firmer side for toddlers. They're generally more secure than foam mattresses and can be more comfortable for older children who dislike the sagging sensation of foam. They are usually more affordable than innerspring alternatives.