Choosing a Baby Crib
It's exciting to design a nursery, but picking the crib is one of your most crucial decisions. Whether it's the design of the slats, mattress height or the capability to convert, the crib that your baby sleeps on will affect their health and development.
Remember that bolts and nails can wiggle loose over time, so check your crib's hardware frequently. Avoid placing your crib near drapes or blinds hanging, as they can pose an injury risk to your baby.
Size
Size is an important factor to consider when shopping for the right crib. The crib should be large enough to fit a sleeping baby, but small enough to allow you to reach them safely to take care of them. It should be strong enough to withstand the everyday wear and tear.
The majority of cribs are made from wood or metal, and most have sliding sides. These features allow caregivers to observe the baby from different angles and also encourage airflow. Cribs can be used until your child is of two.
Most standard cribs have a mattress support height that can be lowered or raised as your baby develops. The lowest setting is best for newborns, while the highest setting is ideal for babies who are able to sit up or crawl. Measure the crib's interior to ensure that the mattress will fit. The slatted design could leave small gaps which could pose a risk to your baby.
Manufacturers offer cribs and mattresses that aren't standard sizes, but have the same safety standards. These include portable infant beds, bassinets and play yards. These cribs are smaller than full-size ones and have rigid or mesh 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 dimension of 28 inches wide and 52 inches long. Also, you should be sure to check the distance between the crib mattress and the crib to make sure it's not more than one inch. This is the maximum safe distance.
A waterproof cover can protect your baby's mattress from spills and accidents. Find one that has an antimicrobial layer that helps to reduce bacteria, and a hypoallergenic layer that eliminates allergens.
If you're thinking about 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 outlawed in the US from 2011. Even if you plan to purchase or receive a crib with drop sides, make sure to get rid of it once 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's not just an area to rest, but also a place where you can observe and hold them often. There are numerous crib models and brands on the market. However, they all have to meet certain safety requirements. The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets these standards to ensure that cribs are safe for babies.
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 crib. Don't put any blankets or pillows inside the crib. They could cause suffocation. Instead, use mattress pads and a fitted sheet.
Some commenters suggested that cribs must be in compliance with formaldehyde emissions standards as outlined in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act. L. 112-199) and cribs made from composite wood should be tested to ensure that they meet the standards. Although these regulations are not directly applicable to cribs, the CPSC has ruled that it is appropriate to mandate that cribs and other furniture made of composite wood comply with this important new law.
Some commenters suggested that the requirement that fasteners be retightened between dynamic tests should be included in the new crib standard. We strongly disagree with this idea. The shake test as well as the vertical mattress support tests are dynamic tests that simulate and accelerate abuse of cribs. The loose screw is the second most frequent cause of crib deaths.
Other comments were based on EWS incident data. The data shows that the two most frequently reported crib dangers are unsafe mattresses and drop-sides. We have decided to concentrate our focus on these issues and include the standards of performance already in the existing mandatory standard. Incorporation by reference is the most effective method to ensure the safety of cribs is maintained in a consistent and efficient way.
Style
The process of designing your baby's nursery can be an exciting and rewarding process. top rated cots is the main focal feature of any nursery, so you should choose one that suits your style and complements the decor. If you're looking for a modern and minimalist style or more traditional, there are plenty of chic cribs to pick from. There are options for every price range, from the cheapest to upscale. Be certain that the crib you choose conforms to all safety standards.
A crib is a tiny bed that is specifically designed for babies and infants. It is constructed with slatted walls to allow for adequate ventilation and is usually built from sturdy materials like wood. Cribs are typically larger than bassinets and may be more expensive, however they are more functional for your baby's the first three years of life.
There are many crib styles available, but all must be safe to use. For example the crib slats need to be no more than 6 centimeters apart (that's about the width of a soda bottle), and you should not use decorative cutouts or shapes in the headboard or footboard.
The mattress should also fit snugly in the crib's opening. This is essential because gaps between the crib and mattress can cause infants legs or arms to get entangled. A lot of cribs have bars for stability to help keep the mattress in place. If your crib doesn't have stabilizer bars, you will need to purchase a mattress pad as extra support.
A great crib also has a mattress that is low that helps keep toddlers from climbing over the edge of the crib. This is a fantastic feature for parents with small children or rooms that are restricted in size. However, make sure to check out the mattress's height prior your purchase. The corner of most mattresses will indicate the crib's maximum and minimum mattress heights.
Consider purchasing a convertible crib if you want your crib to change with your child. These cribs can be transformed into toddler beds or a daybed, or even a bed that is full size. Certain cribs, such as the Babyletto Hudson 4-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 3-in-1 have conversion kits. The rest require an additional purchase.
Budget
While the majority of cribs cost hundreds of dollars However, there are some cribs that are affordable. The Graco Classic 4 in 1 Crib is 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 to take your baby in and out.
The Munchkin Brica travel pod is another affordable crib. This portable crib for sleep and play is simple to put together and folds in a matter of minutes. It can be used indoors or outside on a patio or deck and is suitable for babies up to 15 pounds. It is not designed to be a permanent solution for sleeping because your child will outgrow the product within six months.
You can also find budget-friendly bassinets and cradles you can use for the first few weeks to keep your baby safe and close. Although they're more expensive than a standard crib they are also smaller and easy to move around. However, they are only a temporary sleeping solution and your baby is likely to outgrow them before the first birthday.
A quality crib will have a mattress support that is strong and secure, and can be adjusted to four different positions based on the baby's size. It must be low enough for you to reach into and out of it easily, particularly when you're less than 5'5 inches. Some cribs have posts that stand more than 1 8 inch above the mattress opening, which can cause your baby to be trapped as they play or climb.
Some cribs feature attached changing areas that make diapering a bit easier and faster. These are convenient, but they take up more space than traditional cribs. They may not be a good option for smaller nurseries.
Take a look at the materials the crib is made of. The majority of cribs are constructed of particleboard, which may contain formaldehyde which is a known carcinogen. Instead, look for a crib made of solid wood or with a metal base.